Three-Way Race For Two Urbandale City Council Seats

Three candidates are running for two at-large seats on the Urbandale City Council: Ron Pogge, David Russell and Michael Sadler. The candidates were provided with questions from Patch and the information they provided is below. Candidate biographical information, including where to learn more about their campaigns, can be found at the end of this story. The election is Nov. 7. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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URBANDALE, IA — Michael Sadler is the lone challenger in a three-way race for Urbandale City Council. He says it's important to have broad representation in the community and points out that if elected he would be the only Dallas County resident among the board members. Sadler says managing the growth of the community over the next two decades is the pressing issue the council will be involved in and he would ensure that infrastructure keeps up with that growth while maintaining a community that will be attractive to newcomers.

Ron Pogge and David Russell are the incumbents in the race. Pogge, who has been elected to the council in three consecutive races, said his record of service to the community and his experience qualify him to continue on the council. He said continuing to provide quality services in a cost-efficient manner is the most pressing issue for Urbandale council members, while he also wants to bring more housing options to the city for all ages and income levels, and he wants to see more commercial development, especially in the Urban Loop.

Russell, who was elected in 2013 to the council, said he has gained a lot of insight into the community's needs and the operations of the city during his first term and that experience will help guide him as he keeps Urbandale thriving while ensuring a fiscally responsible city government. (He was unable to provide Patch's responses and requested information about his campaign be taken from responses he provided previously to other groups. Where applicable, his replies link to the source to which he provided those replies originally.)

Voters also will decide Tuesday whether to approve a $6 million bond referendum that would include construction of a third Urbandale fire station and whether Dallas County should have a one-cent local option sales tax.

Each of the candidates addressed those issues with the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. They all believe there is a need for the fire station to serve the city's growing residential development on the west. Sadler and Pogge support the passage of a sales tax increase, but Russell said it is a regressive tax that "disproportionately burdens low-income families."

The candidates responses to questions by Patch follow and are provided alphabetically by candidate.

The single most pressing issue in Urbandale, and what I intend to do about it is:

Pogge: Continuing to provide excellent city services in a cost-efficient manner.

Russell: Continuing to address expansion and growth in a fiscally prudent manner will present challenges. The city council needs to continue development of the I-80/35 interchange corridor to maximize orderly, planned economic development of the three new interchanges to be built.

Sadler: Managing the growth of our city over the next 10 to 20 years. I will ensure that infrastructure upgrades keep up with growth as we maintain a community that will be attractive to newcomers.

What are the critical differences between the Urbandale City Council candidates?

Pogge: Primarily experience. I have a record of service in which I have demonstrated my commitment and willingness to work for the citizens of Urbandale. I have proven that I bring a thoughtful, logical approach to issues and am able to work well with my fellow council members

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: The majority of Urbandale's growth will be westward into Dallas County. The other candidates do not live in Dallas County, which makes it difficult to fully grasp the impact of decisions that are made on behalf of those residents. If elected, I will be the only Dallas County representative on the council. I have a variety of life and professional experience that provides me a unique perspective.

What other issues define your campaign?

Pogge: Increase reasonable housing alternatives for all ages and income levels; continued commercial development that meets Urbandale's long term goals, especially in the Urban Loop; and providing a safe and healthy environment for everyone who lives or works in Urbandale.

Russell: Priorities are to continue to provide exceptional, cost-effective municipal services to residents while maintaining fiscally conscious budgeting; provide effective emergency services as Urbandale continues to expand, including a new fire station; and to identify locations and potential developers to partner with to build affordable senior housing to encourage retired seniors to continue to live in Urbandale.

Sadler: If elected, I will add a diverse perspective as someone that lives in the Dallas County portion of Urbandale. I also bring a broad perspective of how Urbandale can thrive and be a leader across the Central Iowa region and our state, based on my participation with regional and statewide organizations.

What accomplishment would define your term as a success in office?

Pogge: The development of affordable, senior housing and the continued cost-effective excellent services provided to the residents of Urbandale,

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: I will be an effective communicator, not just with City staff, but with residents and other community stakeholders. I think government belongs to the people and transparency is critical. Urbandale leaders should find creative ways to bridge the perceived/real divide between Dallas and Polk counties. I will lead on issues and projects that will make Urbandale a more united, stronger community.

Share a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made:

Pogge: I have made many mistakes throughout my life but I have learned that you are not defined by the mistakes that you make, but how you respond to the mistake and how that affects your future actions.

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: You cannot be afraid to ask. dare to win. I was hesitant 20 years ago to apply for a promotion; full of self doubt. I gathered the courage to interview, got the job and haven't looked back. I am asking the people of Urbandale for their vote today.

Why should voters trust you?

Pogge: I have proven myself to the residents of Urbandale for the past 12 years and to my clients for the past 41 years. I take an elected official's duty to respect the trust of the voters very seriously and have always tried to act in a manner that respects that trust.

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: I have a history of service. I've given thousands of hours of volunteer time time over the years. I have no agenda, I just relish service to community.

What quote defines your philosophy?

Pogge: "It is not the critic that counts, not the person who points our how the strong person stumbled or when the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the one who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and often comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms in a worthy cause; who at worst, if they fail at least fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." — Teddy Roosevelt

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: "Have utmost concern for what is right, not who is right." — John Wooden

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to the city council?

Pogge: Are you doing the job assigned to you, in the most cost-efficient manner, while being friendly and respectful of those you serve?

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: Where do we go from here? What should the council study to prepare for the future? What new or existing partnerships and collaboration need to evolve?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by the council:

Pogge: We should handle the city's money as if it still belongs to the taxpayers. Government needs to be efficient. It can't do all things, but what it does, must be done right.

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: Taxpayer dollars are just that. They belong to the taxpayer and should be used in the manner that the taxpayers wish. Again, open communication with residents should ensure that spending is in line with the needs of the community and within a defined budget.

What accomplishments in your past can you cite as evidence that you could handle this job?

Pogge: During the past 12 years, Urbandale has installed substantial infrastructure, including streets, trails and parks. We have taken advantage of the unusually low tax rates. These projects will allow Urbandale's continued expansion, both residentially and commercially. This has been done while keeping Urbandale's tax rate one of the lowest in the area.

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: Professionally, I have held positions of increasing responsibility over my career. In terms of community, I have chaired and help leadership positions on multiple boards and commissions. I work with people with a variety of backgrounds, from front line workers to CEO's and elected officials. I am keenly aware of how to get things done.

What is the best advice ever shared with you?

Pogge: Set goals, work hard, celebrate!

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice as much as you speak. You learn more by listening than by speaking.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself or your position?

Pogge: If re-elected, I will continue to work hard to make Urbandale a great place to live and work.

Russell: Did not answer.

Sadler: I am committed to public service. I pledge to communicate openly and often, not just during an election cycle. I bring a perspective as a Dallas County resident and active business leader at regional and state levels that will help make Urbandale stronger going forward.

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Candidate Biographical Information

Ron Pogge, 65

Family: Wife, Susan; three children, five grandchildren.

Education: BA University of Ntre Dame, JD Drake University

Career: Partner at Hopkins & Huebner, P.C. since 1976

Campaign experience: Elected to Urbandale City Council in 2005, 2009 and 2013

Campaign website: Ron Pogge for City Council on Facebook

David Russell, 66

Family: Wife, Mary; two children.

Education: U.S. Naval Aviation Mechanical School, 1970; Grand View College, 1975; graduated from Drake University with a liberal arts degree in 1977 and Drake Law School in 1980.

Career: Attorney with Urbandale law firm of Abendroth and Russell since 1987.

Campaign experience: Elected to the city council in 2013.

Campaign website: David Russell for Urbandale City Council on Facebook

Michael Sadler, 50

Family: Daughter, Mykal, 19
Education: Simpson College, B.A. Business Management; Upper Iowa University, MBA
Career: Assistant VP of Public Policy, CenturyLink. 23 years with the company.
About the campaign: Michael Sadler for Urbandale City Council on Facebook

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The Urbandale Chamber also polled candidates on a number of issues. Read their replies here.

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Election 2017: Patch graphic