MASON CITY – Matt Marquardt today declared his intention to seek the the Fourth Ward City Council seat in Mason City.
Quote from Matt Marquardt:
“Today, August 6th, 2013, I am announcing my candidacy for the Fourth Ward City Council seat in Mason City. If I am elected, I will seek to bring a sense of inclusion back to City Hall for the rank and file citizens of Mason City. Contrary to the behavior of our current Fourth Ward Council member, I will seek to have a response to any and all relevant concerns brought to me by the citizens of Mason City and would not solely rely on City Hall staff for every answer. I would instead seek on my own – with staff input when necessary – the best alternatives to each problem presented while working with my colleagues on the council toward that end. I would treat each citizen with the same sense of urgency and fairness that many say City Hall now lacks. Cronyism and favoritism would be eradicated and not tolerated. The city and its citizens come first at all times. I would bring to City Hall a compassion for each citizen and his or her everyday problems and struggles. Lastly, I would bring that same sense of urgency to tackling the City’s issues and working towards growth in a harmonious community.
“The Fourth Ward is not just my home now… I was raised in the Fourth Ward. I grew up here. My family’s home for many years was at 604 South Monroe; you’ll find a Casey’s store there now. I attended Grant School and Madison School. I watched Shopko under construction from across the street. I played with my friends at Big Blue when it was a wilderness and South Pierce Avenue was a dirt trail. My dad still lives in the fourth ward. I attended Mason City High School, NIACC and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in History. I returned to Mason City from college in 1999 as a single parent. I am proud to say my son Chris is now 15 and plays Mohawk Football. I have since become a landlord and a small business owner. I am a frequent attendee of City Council meetings as well as Cerro Gordo Board of Supervisor meetings and Mason City School Board meetings. I feel I am well-versed on the issues and look forward to debate on those matters. I feel I would bring a new sense of energy, urgency and perspective to the City Council. I aspire to represent ALL CITIZENS… not just a select few.
“I look forward to a successful campaign and to serving the people of Mason City.”
BIO
Full name: Matthew Earl Marquardt
Birth Date: October 1, 1972
Profession: Entrepreneur; Owner and Publisher of NorthIowaToday.com
Family: Son, Chris, age 15
Education: Mason City High School class of 1991, University of Iowa class of 1996 (B.A., History)
Way to go Matt!!!
Matt has or vote, Solberg has done nothing for this city, I mean nothing! Don”t let the door hit ya in the arse on the way out Janet!!
Glad to see that you are running. You will be a definite upgrade from Janet. Just don’t turn the meetings into MAX Moments. You are certainly very intelligent, hardworking and willing to dig into the issues. That’s good. We as a community need to move forward. We can’t stay in the past. The future is not packing plants or cement plants it’s a better educated workforce and more entrepreneurs. Please bring your energy and ideas forward to help make our community a better place for all of us.
I can’t tell you how much I look forward to this Fourth Ward race. Matt Marquardt will set new standards for the 4th ward, he will represent all those living there and will also keep a close eye on the rest of this city as well. He has my support and vote.
I want to make a proposal; I am going to support Matt financially and I know there are those of you out there who will do the same. Why not send a check….whatever size will be welcome. Send it to Matt at 20 13th Street SW, Mason City, IA 50401.
Thank you
I live in the fourth ward, and you have my vote, good luck….Jim Reed
Thank you Matt. I am sure the drunkmeyer machine is already beating the brush for a stooge they can control.
Matt- great decision. I think you are a serious contender and look forward to your campaign. Good luck !
Way to go Matt!!!! This election is going to be interesting and exciting to say the least!!! Looking forward to hearing about other candidates.
I am nervous about about the Mayor’s race…. Man,, if a serious candidate does not emerge, we will be stuck with Bookie and that is seriously wrong!!
The only thing u may have to watch as a sitting council person is the reporting– and inside information. Sometimes, especially in Economic Development, you have to keep things quiet until the appropriate time. That many time is out of respect for workers in the towns where some businesses may be leaving. etc…
It will be a balancing act…..
Congratulations!!
So you live in the 4th Ward? I note properties owned are in the 2nd Ward.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Mr. Matt Marquardt, you have made a life changing decision. It is one I believe you will handle well.
All the Citizens of Mason City need representation. The forth ward is fortunate you have responded to that call.
You have my support.
Former Councilman-at Large,
Larrey Loeckle
Nice Photo Matt – God Bless.
I hope you get it! Wish I could vote.
Good Luck Matt-You are not in my ward but you certainly have my full support. Now, if we can just get someone in the 2nd ward to run against Hickey maybe this town will have a chance.
Bye Bye Janet and GOOD RIDDANCE!!
Go Matt…GO!
Matt I dont live in your ward but good luck, we need you and a few others to change the IDIOTIC things going on here in good ole river city.
Matt, I wish you well in your campaign. I feel the premise as you state, is ideal, governing for all the citizens, not just a few.
In a smaller town, it is hard not to know someone, or befriend a person of influence. Yet, the ability to make decisions for the good of the whole, while difficult at times, is keystone of our system of government.
Good Luck Matt! I know you will help bring common sense back to the council and representative to “all” of our citizens. Thanks for running!
Good luck Matt. Got to admit,unlike Peter, you are willing to put yourself out there for the voters to decide. This should get real interesting.
Your a good looking young man there Matt. You kind of remind me of Russ Crane and his older brother. It’s hard to believe you’re such a wild man behind the keyboard…a real rock and roller.
Which council person is your opposition, Matt? I can’t keep the wards straight.
Good luck Matt, you will have my full support.