To the editor:

As mayor of Fort Dodge I am involved with a lot of economic development discussions with existing companies as well as those we are trying to recruit.

During those discussions, the key question arises “Will we be able to find enough skilled and qualified workers?” My answer to them is yes and that we have a very important partner in Iowa Central Community College and its workforce training team, faculty and staff. Iowa Central is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is now planning for the next 50 years.

Iowa Central not only provides short-term training, but ongoing intensive training, depending upon the needs of the existing or new business.

Iowa Central will be holding an election on Dec. 6, 2016, asking voters to support the issuance of $29.5 million in bonds. The proceeds will be used to:

• Improve campus safety and security by installing new surveillance cameras, locks, a central command center and communication tools that will provide 24-hour coverage campuswide.

• Construct Two New Career Academies to serve its sourthern and western region of the nine counties it serves, providing area high schools with access to high-tech career technical education and higher level academic programs.

• New and remodeled classrooms.

• New centrally located Student Success Center where traditional and nontraditional students can best be served.

• Improved infrastructure at all campuses including new windows, heating and cooling systems, energy efficient lights, elevator for Webster City campus, etc.

The college board of directors and administration have laid out a commonsense plan and I plan on voting yes on Dec. 6, 2016, and I hope you will to.

Matt Bemrich

Mayor

Fort Dodge