Candidate Q&As 2023: Cassandra Pence for Newton City Council, at-large

Name: Cassandra Pence

Age: 39

Occupation: General manager at Dairy Queen

Elected offices held: None

Office seeking: Newton City Council, at-large

1. Introduce/Reintroduce yourself to voters and explain why you are running.

Cassandra “Cassie” Pence, longtime Newton resident and small business partner that has a passion for serving the community. In my years of running Dairy Queen I have personally worked one on one with the public on a daily basis. I have continuously heard the concerns of the citizens of Newton, as well as experienced them myself. I feel like my common sense ideas will help benefit our city council.

2. Housing continues to be a priority for Newton, a city whose population has remained relatively stagnant for several decades. How do you think the city should approach new housing?

I feel like the focus right now is building $300,000+ homes. However, the average Newton household income is $51,026, and $84,948 in Iowa in general. We need to look at single family housing that is affordable and sustainable. There are currently an abundance of empty lots that the city is paying to maintain and selling for far under value. I see a potential here for the city to develop the lots into housing that can accommodate a more realistic home buyer here in Newton.

3. Street projects are frequent goals for the city council every year, but some people in town say more work is needed. How do you feel about the city’s current processes when it comes to street repairs and replacements?

Appalled. The amount of money spent does not equate to the work done, nor the time spent to do it. The city’s idea of beautification was terribly upsetting. Planting weeds and calling it grass while imposing the upkeep to the impacted businesses, disappointing. The seed that was planted was far from appealing, the young saplings were not properly supported and (in my opinion) are going to cause problems in the future. Not to mention, the patchwork. The roads need serious attention not just bandaids that get pulled back up every winter by plows.

4. One of the goals of Newton’s new comprehensive plan, Envision Newton 2042, is to make the city a compelling destination for residents and visitors. How do you think the city should go about accomplishing this goal?

A tree is only as strong as its roots. As much as I am excited to see growth and development in Newton, I can not in good conscience see the need to “add decorations” when essentials need to be addressed. Needles in parks, sidewalks with cracks and uneven slabs that make it impossible for those in mobile chairs to get around town, businesses that aren’t held accountable for their trashed parking lots and roads that are in desperate need of repairs. Why would we want to invite visitors to see that? More focus needs to be put into rebuilding what we have before adding to it. I am all for the new projects that are in place but I also see the need to make some improvements on what is currently here. To be able to attract new business and residents to town we need to invest NOW rather than expecting new business to come to town to spend their tax money to fix this town. IF WE BUILD IT THEY WILL COME, not the other way around.

5. Newton Police is attracting new recruits and putting them through the academy, but many decide to leave for higher paying jobs. How do you think the city gets out of its role as a pipeline? What are ways the city can retain officers?

I understand that there is a contract, of sorts, in place that requires the individual to pay back a certain amount of their academy training. Maybe we could alter that contract and insist on a 10-year employment with the City of Newton and if they decide to leave they would then have to pay back the entire portion of their training.

6. Council goals from 2022-2024 and the $1.6 million park bond passed by voters show an increased focus on city parks. How do you think the council should handle its parks system and the amenities that come with them?

I find myself thinking, “great intentions - bad ideas!” For example, “pickleball court.” I see no reason to be spending $370,000 on a trendy sport when our parks aren’t accommodating to those less able. We don’t have one wheelchair swing or fully accessible play-scape. We got a great start with the disc golf courses but they could definitely use some upkeep. I also think it would be a great idea to incorporate an outdoor adult fitness/gym at Maytag. It would be an amazing, well-used amenity.

7. Property taxes continue to be a concern for residents, especially after another round of increased valuations means they may have to pay more. How do you think the city should maneuver its levies and its use of property taxes?

Responsible fiscal spending on base level needs. Plain and simple, streets and sidewalks need to be repaired to build up the value of our properties. Our street and storm drains need to be cleaned and maintained to prevent water backup in some homes. Our parks should be monitored and cleaned up regularly. We as parents should not have to explain to our toddlers why there is a needle in the bathroom at Maytag park. Base level needs before big projects.

8. How will you keep politics out of local government?

I want this position to be a voice and acting hand for the community to benefit the community. The town of Newton deserves to shine brighter than it ever has. Corruption and self-benefit has no place in local government. As a city council member, I would make every decision based on the betterment of all, not just the few.