Matt Marquardt declares candidacy for Fourth Ward City Council seat

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)