Candidates for city council
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Matt Henle
Please give your name and occupation
Matt Henle. I am self-employed in construction.
Why are you uniquely qualified for a seat on the Mount Ayr city council?
I was on the park board for seven years and involved in several projects with the city. Running my own business I am faced with daily challenges and and decision making. I have sat on city council now for a little over a year already.
Why did you decide to run for city council?
I am running for re-election to continue with the projects which have started and see them through.
Please list your top three priorities should you win election to the council.
Working to get the square project going. Continuing with street improvements. Improving on the housing development.
Carter Kupper
Please give your name and occupation
Hello fellow Mount Ayr residents. My name is Carter Kupper. I work for the U.S. Postal Service and am proud to serve my community every day in that role
Why are you uniquely qualified for a seat on the Mount Ayr city council?
I’m running for City Council because I believe in the extraordinary potential of our city and the importance of service over self. Throughout my time living here, I’ve come to appreciate the values we share and the opportunities we have to grow together as a community.
Why did you decide to run for city council?
I bring with me several years of experience in both political activism and leadership, going back to high school. I’ve traveled the country through organizations such as Leadership Institute, Turning Point USA and Young America’s Foundation, attending conferences and engaging with our state and federal leaders. I’m a former Republican Party precinct chair, helping lead grassroots efforts in electing conservative candidates up and down the ballot. Two years ago I co-founded the Southern Iowa Young Republicans, which today spans eight counties and is focused on recruiting, training and electing the next generation of conservative leaders across this state and nation. I’ve also proudly supported President Trump’s 2024 campaign, making phone calls and speaking at the Ringgold County Caucus on his behalf. These experiences have shaped my perspective and sharpened my leadership skills, and have inspired me to take a step forward in serving our community. I’m also proud to have the endorsement and support of elected officials, including State Representative Devon Wood, reflecting the trust and confidence others have in my ability to lead.
Please list your top three priorities should you win election to the council.
If elected, my top priority will be to serve the people of Mount Ayr and to represent your interests. To do that effectively, I will promote public safety by taking care of our roads, ensure fiscal responsibility through a balanced budget, protect property rights and pursue smart, forward-thinking solutions to create lasting success for our city.
I humbly ask for your vote on November 4. Whether it be at the State Capitol or here at City Hall, we are all united in this mission to keep our great state prosperous and free. Thank you.
Rachael Rumple
Please give your name and occupation.
Rachael Rumple.
Process Lead, Amazon
Owner, Whiskers & Wags Boutique
Why are you uniquely qualified for a seat on the Mount Ayr city council?
As a proven leader with extensive experience in transportation, business operations, and community service, I bring a unique blend of skills needed for effective city leadership. Currently serving as a Transportation Process Lead at Amazon, I have demonstrated my ability to manage complex systems, implement efficiency improvements and bring diverse stakeholders together to achieve common goals.
My background as a business owner and service manager showcases my understanding of local business needs and customer service excellence. My experience in process improvement and data-driven decision-making will be invaluable in optimizing city operations and resource allocation.
What sets me apart is my proven track record of community engagement, including my volunteer work as an Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group President, where I served as a crucial link between military families and leadership. This experience highlights my ability to bridge communication gaps and advocate for community needs effectively.
As a current ASU student completing my degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology, I bring fresh perspectives on public safety and community relations. My diverse professional background – from managing multi-million dollar service departments to running my own business – has equipped me with the financial acumen and leadership skills essential for responsible city governance.
My commitment to transparent communication, demonstrated through years of stakeholder management, combined with my problem-solving abilities and dedication to community service, makes me an ideal candidate to represent and serve our city’s diverse needs on the council.
Why did you decide to run for city council?
I decided to run for city council because I believe in taking direct action to improve our community. As a resident, I’ve seen both the challenges and potential of our city, and I want to be part of creating real solutions.
My decision was driven by several key factors:
First, I believe the most effective change happens at the local level. On city council, I can work directly with residents to address specific problems in our neighborhoods – whether that’s fixing infrastructure, improving public safety, or ensuring better services.
Second, I want to help shape policies that directly impact our daily lives. From housing affordability to transportation solutions, these decisions affect every resident, and I want to ensure they’re made with our community’s best interests in mind.
Third, I believe in responsible governance, especially when it comes to our city’s budget and resources. Every tax dollar should be allocated thoughtfully to benefit our residents and support our city’s growth.
Most importantly, I’m running because I believe in service to others. My faith and personal values teach me that we have a responsibility to contribute to our community’s wellbeing. I want to strengthen the bonds between our neighborhoods and ensure every resident’s voice is heard at City Hall.
Simply put, I’m running because I care deeply about our city’s future and want to work alongside you to make it even better.
Please list your top three priorities should you win election to the council.
My top priority is fostering local business growth and economic development. As someone who owns a small business, I understand the challenges our local businesses face. I’ll work to streamline permit processes and create programs that support our small business owners. When our local businesses thrive, our entire community benefits through job creation and a stronger tax base.
Second, I’m committed to addressing our aging infrastructure and enhancing quality of life for all residents. This means systematic road maintenance, upgrading utility systems, and enhancing our parks and recreational facilities. I believe our residents deserve well maintained roads, reliable utilities and quality public spaces where families can gather and children can play.
Third, I will focus on ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods. I’m committed to strengthening our community-oriented policing programs and improving emergency response times. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home and neighborhood. This means ensuring adequate funding for our first responders and making smart investments in crime prevention programs that work.
These aren’t just campaign promises – they’re my commitment to you. As your council member, I’ll work tirelessly to turn these priorities into reality. I’ll bring a collaborative approach to the council, working with colleagues, city staff and most importantly, you, the residents, to achieve these goals.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas about these priorities. Please reach out to me at Rachael.rumple@gmail.com to share your perspective or learn more about my campaign.
