Editor’s note: The Daily Freeman-Journal asked the candidates for the City Council of Webster City to answer a series of questions regarding their decision to seek a seat on the council.

JOHN HAWKINS, incumbent

What is the most serious problem in Webster City?

I don’t have to think a long time about that, as the two main problems have been with us for many years. They are a lack of housing and inadequate childcare. Housing is the most serious problem. No new homes were constructed in Webster City in the last 12 months, but we pulled down about six that were no longer safe for occupancy. Completion of the Kading Development is very important to our future, and both the Council and city staff have worked hard to make that happen. Over 200 new rental apartments in Webster City would be a real game-changer for us.

We’re facing a growing number of abandoned homes in town, and one way we might address that is to have our high school and college building trades students work on those houses to gain practical construction experience.

What is your strongest qualification to serve on City Council?

I’ve served on the Council for 12 years, including years as mayor, elected by my peers. I’m also a business owner in Webster City. I always take the attitude I need to make our tax dollars go as far as possible. I try to be a good listener, look for opportunities to work together with others, and then make the best decision I can given the facts I have at hand. Once you make a decision, I feel it’s important to stand behind it, and take responsibility for any consequences that arise from it.

What is the top responsibility of the City Council of Webster City?

To take care of taxpayers’ dollars, and get the best services we can for those dollars is the short answer. You always need to be aware of the potential for waste or overspending and do your best to avoid both.

What is your plan to revive downtown Webster City?

I’ve been a member of LIFT Webster City since it was formed. Our mission has been to stabilize and renovate The Elks building, then move on to the next building, and so forth. We’re delivering on this and the city will be better off for having saved a landmark historic structure. I still feel LIFT, or an organization like it, is the best way to stabilize downtown so it can thrive. We also need to give every assistance to those who own buildings in downtown Webster City today. We don’t want to see any more buildings barricaded or torn down, so working with today’s building owners becomes a top priority.

How would people who know me well describe me?

I believe in being responsible and humble. I think those who’ve worked with me would agree I work hard at both traits. I am also a man of my word. You can trust I’ll do what I say I’m going to do, and I think the record shows this has been my history during my years on City Council.

What is your background in Webster City?

I moved to Webster City in 2000, the same year I got married. I own a business based in Webster City, Hawkins Industries, which is a specialized transportation company. I employ people in Webster City and Hamilton County, and pay taxes here. I’ve been a member of Rotary since 2014, and was elected Rotary Club president this year. I was a founding member of LIFT WC, and have been actively involved in all aspects of renovating The Elks into a functionally-modern building that hopefully will be a catalyst for more improvements downtown.

Tell voters anything else you feel they need to know about your hopes to be elected to the City Council of Webster City.

I’m running for another term on City Council as I have work and projects I’d like to finish. I also hope to provide consistency on the City Council, which could potentially lose three of its present five members in next month’s election. It takes several years for new council members to really understand how city government works, and how it’s funded. I enjoy working with new council members as they learn how to serve our city, and work with the city manager and his staff. I hope voters will look at my record of service and consider casting their vote for me this November.

Editor’s note: Writer Robert E. Oliver worked with John and Marsha Hawkins to record John’s answers to the City Council candidate forum questions. Hawkins’ business requires him to travel away from home frequently, and this was the only way he could answer the questions to meet the newspaper’s deadline.

JOHN MARVEL

What is the most serious problem in Webster City?

I have heard from many folks during numerous conversations that Webster City has seen its better days. I don’t agree with that. It’s why I bought a house and moved here. It’s why I bought Mornin’ Glory Coffee, a strong anchor business in downtown. It’s why I’ve gotten involved in various community groups such as Rotary and served on the Hotel/Motel Tax Board. And it’s why I’m running for City Council.

I believe in Webster City. But we have challenges. Economic development is our biggest issue right now. We need to aggressively go after new business throughout Webster City, not just downtown. This includes small business and bigger opportunities towns such as Fort Dodge, Boone and Iowa Falls are attracting. Our location just off Highway 20, with close proximity to Highway 17, Highway 69 and Interstate 35 is ideal. We have great access to rail. We need more jobs to both keep our residents here and attract newcomers. The economic impact can be significant.

What is your strongest qualification to serve on City Council?

Leadership, enthusiasm and the ability to listen to everyone. I am an evangelist for Webster City, its quality of life and its potential.

What is the top responsibility of the City Council of Webster City?

The City Council should serve the residents of Webster City with transparency, fiscal responsibility and integrity. It works for the residents and should always listen in order to have the town’s best interests in mind.

What is your plan to revive downtown Webster City?

The City of Webster City, Webster City Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID) and the Chamber of Commerce need to band together to work on attracting business and renovating dying properties. Owners of all vacant buildings should be required to give an 36-month plan for their property, including what is needed to attract tenants or prospective buyers. I strongly believe in historic preservation, but we can’t let buildings die before our eyes. These buildings can become hazards to the population and to neighboring owners and businesses. Save them if economically possible. Otherwise difficult decisions must be made.

How would people who know you well describe you?

Leader, outgoing, hard-working, caring, a person with vision, and loyal.

What is your background in Webster City?

My family has been in Webster City since 1907. In addition to Broad Acres Farm west of town, we have owned many businesses such as Marvel Sales and Auction Company (animal sales barn), Thompson Pharmacy, and Marvel’s Jack and Jill.

The maternal side of my family — the Daniels — spent most of their formative years in Clarion, but also lived for a bit in Webster City, where my parents met. Although I didn’t move here until five years ago, I am a proud native Iowan and have been coming to Webster City my entire life. I have great memories of Kendall Young Library, playing hoops at Fuller Hall, learning to play gin at The Elks Club (don’t tell anyone), winning the noon trivia contest on KQWC, and eating at many of our legendary establishments.

Tell voters anything else you feel they should know about your hopes to be elected to the City Council of Webster City.

My many stops as a sports journalist and media executive for ESPN, Conde Nast and the NFL have allowed me to live all over the country and travel the world. But Webster City has always had a special place in my heart. In moving here, buying a business and getting involved in the community, my motto has been “Honor the past, look to the future.”

I would be honored to serve the residents of Webster City as a member of its City Council and would appreciate your vote.

ASHLEY ALLERS

What is the most serious problem in Webster City?

One of the most serious — and most costly — challenges facing Webster City today is aging infrastructure. The revitalization of downtown is a vital and exciting effort that helps preserve our community’s character and stimulate economic growth. However, restoring and maintaining historic buildings comes with significant financial demands. At the same time, infrastructure improvements like storm drain upgrades and road construction are essential for safety and functionality, and a quick drive around town shows how much more work is still needed. The real challenge lies in striking a strategic balance — ensuring that funding is allocated wisely across all areas of need, while planning for sustainable upkeep well into the future.

What is your strongest qualification to serve on City Council?

My strongest qualification is a combination of education, experience and perspective. I hold an MBA in Business Administration with a focus in accounting, and I’ve worked across nonprofit, governmental, healthcare and education sectors. This diverse background has shaped me into a strategic, financially-minded, and results-oriented leader. At the same time, I bring a balanced approach — while I understand numbers and policy, I also deeply value empathy, connection and community insight. I often say I fall right in the middle of the left-brain/right-brain model: analytical yet people-focused. That balance is essential for serving effectively on City Council.

What is the top responsibility of the City Council of Webster City?

At its core, the city council’s job is to take care of the city. While some may argue there’s one top priority, the truth is that effective governance requires a balance of key responsibilities: setting thoughtful policies, managing city funds with fiscal responsibility, maintaining and protecting vital infrastructure, representing the community with integrity, and making strategic decisions that support long-term growth and resilience.

What is your plan to revive downtown Webster City?

While I don’t have a personal blueprint for reviving downtown Webster City, I recognize and support the important work already underway. My plan would be to actively engage with the current revitalization efforts — reviewing existing strategies, identifying opportunities for improvement, and helping shape a long-term vision for the next 5, 10 and 15-plus years. Revitalizing downtown is critical not only for preserving our historic buildings but also for strengthening our local economy and community identity. That said, it’s a costly endeavor, and we must be strategic in balancing these investments with other infrastructure needs across the city. A vibrant downtown helps attract families, retain our youth and support local businesses — but it must be part of a broader plan to revitalize our population and ensure Webster City thrives for generations to come.

How would people who know you well describe you?

People would describe me as a hardworking, strategic and innovative change leader who brings focus, drive and fresh thinking to everything I do. People see me as someone who leads with intention and delivers results.

What is your background in Webster City? Were you born, raised here? How long have you lived here? Do you have students in WC schools?

While I was born and raised in Pella, I have lived in Webster City just short of 14 years and have been a homeowner in town nearly as long. I am blessed to not only have a child who is in fourth grade in the Webster City school district, but my husband is a teacher at Webster City High School.

Tell voters anything else you feel they should know about your hopes to be elected to the City Council of Webster City.

I’m running for City Council to be more engaged in the decisions that shape our community and to help drive thoughtful, strategic solutions. I’ve considered running for several years, and now that the timing is right for my family, I’m ready to bring my experience, financial expertise and collaborative mindset to the table. I believe I can offer valuable insight and a balanced perspective — one that combines data-driven thinking with a genuine understanding of people. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the work already being done, ask the right questions, and help ensure that our city’s future is built on transparency and smart leadership. Together we grow.

TYLER MOEN

What is the most serious problem in Webster City?

I think our downtown is falling apart. Our taxes are skyrocketing. We have businesses closing because lack of people shopping local. We need to do better.

What is my strongest qualification to serve on city council?

I will stand and fight for what I believe is right. I will listen to the people of the community, not just city residents but Hamilton county in whole.

What is the top responsibility of the city council?

To listen to our community, thoughts and concerns, try and better our community!

What is my plan to revive downtown?

To be honest, downtown needs tore down and rebuilt. We have buildings falling apart. And to get maybe a few more restaurants.

How would people who know me well describe me?

Trustworthy, hard-headed.

What is my background in Webster City?

I was born and raised here, I have three kids in Webster City schools. I am a project manager at Integrity Spray Foam & Construction out of Webster City.

Tell voters anything else I feel they should know.

MAKE WEBSTER CITY GREAT AGAIN.