Evelyn George announces run for mayor of Newton

Evelyn George, an at-large council member for the City of Newton, announced on Sept. 12 that she has submitted her affidavit of candidacy to run for mayor. With Randy Ervin also announcing his run, this means both at-large council members are seeking the top seat after mayor Mike Hansen retires.

Currently serving the at-large seat, George has also represented Ward 3 on the city council and has lived in Newton for more than 30 years. In a statement to Newton News, George said she is interested in serving the citizens of Newton as mayor because it is a critical time for a mayor who is a community builder.

“I’m a community builder who listens and seeks to understand what’s important to our citizens,” George said. “Decisions made today will impact our future as well as the present. City relationships with partner organizations need to be strengthened, especially as we face tightening budgets.”

Newton also needs a leader who supports and celebrates public-private projects, she added, like the Maytag Park holiday lights and downtown splash/spray park plans. George has actively contributed to various initiatives and projects, like the Maytag Bowl Project Committee and comprehensive plan meetings.

“I’d like to find ways to engage residents in promoting Newton’s small-town charm with city amenities. As the Des Moines metro grows and their congestion and crime rates increase, Newton has distinct advantages over other Central Iowa communities. Sharing why our families enjoy living in Newton is important.”

George has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a master of business administration from the University of Iowa, and she has professional experience in marketing at Iowa Farm Bureau. She previously worked for Maytag Appliances and Allsteel Office Furniture.

In her statement, George encouraged residents to show up to polls in November.

“Residents only cast their votes for local officials once every two years,” George said. “Those elected to office make thousands of decisions on voters’ behalf. It’s critical for Newton residents to be informed and to vote.”