Urbandale City Council Honors Former Representative Scott Raecker For Service to Community

For fourteen years Scott Raecker served the residents of Urbandale at the Iowa State House.

Raecker, who didn't see reelection in November, was recognized by the Urbandale City Council Tuesday night for his service.

"Scott has been a valuable asset to the city of Urbandale and its residents as the legislature worked its way though difficult issues," Urbandale mayor Bob Andeweg said. "He's not only our representative, but our good friend."

For his part, Raecker said it was an honor to serve his community.

"We love this community," he said. "It was 20 years ago last month we moved to Urbandale. We raised our children here, we're so proud of the education they received."

Raecker thanked his family - wife Martha and children Emily and Max - for allowing him to spend time with residents of Urbandale.

"It's a tremendous honor to be someone to serve the residents of our community," he said.

While he may no longer represent Urbandale in the Legislature, Raecker said he plans to continue to be an active member of the community.

"The best days for Urbandale are still ahead," he said.

Andeweg said the council had taken up a collection in order to make a donation in Raecker's name to the Urbandale Community Action Network and Urbandale Food Pantry.

Raecker served as vice chairman for the House Ethics Committee, as the chairman of the Iowa House Appropriations Committee and also served on the Education Committee.

He is the executive director of the Character Counts in Iowa organization and speaks and advocates teaching and modeling good character and ethics.

In 2010, Cityview named him one of 25 people who aren't running for governor, but should, saying, "He understands complex issues, is persuasive and truly wants what’s best for Iowa, not for Scott Raecker."

Raecker's seat, redistrict as House 40, was won by former Urbandale city councilman John Forbes in November.