CASCADE, Iowa -- Three spots are available on the Cascade City Council, and incumbents Viva Betzner and William Boffeli believe they're still the right people for the jobs.
The incumbents are challenged by first-time candidates Robert "Bob" Moriarity and Scott Soppe in the Nov. 3 City Council election.
Betzner is seeking her second term on the council. She believes a female point of view still is needed in Cascade's decision-making process.
"Women tend to be the planners, and we look at the big picture," Betzner said. "We really try to make sure we are conscious of our actions and the reactions of them."
The Cascade City Council raised the city's water and sewer rates, which went into effect in July, by $11 this year and a planned $13.38 in 2013.
Betzner said the rate increase was necessary to build its reserve fund, and the revenue will be used to address infrastructure needs of the city.
Nearing the end of his two-year term, Boffeli says he has enjoyed the experience of serving Cascade citizens.
"It's
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Viva Betzner (i) Age: 45 Occupation: Home health coordinator, ABCM Corporation, Hampton, Iowa Family: Husband, James, one stepdaughter William Boffeli (i) Age: 54 Occupation: Truck driver Family: Wife, Linda, three daughters Robert "Bob" Moriarity Age: 58 Occupation: Retired Family: Wife, Janice, three daughters Scott Soppe Age: 24 Occupation: PC Support Technician, Western Dubuque School District Family: Single Viva Betzner (i) Age: 45 Occupation: Home health coordinator, ABCM Corporation, Hampton, Iowa Family: Husband, James, one stepdaughter William Boffeli (i) Age: 54 Occupation: Truck driver Family: Wife, Linda, three daughters Robert "Bob" Moriarity Age: 58 Occupation: Retired Family: Wife, Janice, three daughters Scott Soppe Age: 24 Occupation: PC Support Technician, Western Dubuque School District Family: SingleViva Betzner (i) Age: 45 Occupation: Home health coordinator, ABCM Corporation, Hampton, Iowa Family: Husband, James, one stepdaughter William Boffeli (i) Age: 54 Occupation: Truck driver Family: Wife, Linda, three daughters Robert "Bob" Moriarity Age: 58 Occupation: Retired Family: Wife, Janice, three daughters Scott Soppe Age: 24 Occupation: PC Support Technician, Western Dubuque School District Family: Single |
He said he takes a simple approach to his role on the City Council.
"I just want to make Cascade a better city to live in," Boffeli said. "You can only do so much, but you have to lure industry in.
"We have a wonderful industrial park out there. We can get more industry in this town."
Moriarity is making his first run at political office, but has experience on the city's planning and zoning commission. Several of Moriarity's peers have asked him to make a council run.
"That's the main reason (I'm running)," Moriarity said.
Moriarity believes that the city hasn't been transparent enough with Cascade citizens.
"I want to get more people involved in city government," he said. "I think there's too many decisions made behind closed doors, and they are not explained fully."
(Moriarity did not respond to a TH request to submit a photo.)
Soppe touts his leadership roles with Cascade Lions Club and Lions Clubs of Iowa in his council bid.
"I have a vision for the city of Cascade as being an asset statewide, nationally, internationally," Soppe said.
"There are ways the city can influence future businesses from all over to be successful here."
If elected, Soppe said he would take a fiscally conservative approach with the city's finances.
"My goals are to keep fees and tax rates from increasing, along with cutting excess spending," Soppe said.
