Aiddy Phomvisay hopes to bring unifying message to Fairfield City Council

Aiddy Phomvisay is running for an open at-large seat on the Fairfield City Council.

The seat is currently held by Katy Anderson, but she is not seeking re-election. Phomvisay and Elizabeth Estey are competing for the seat. Whoever is elected would assume office in January and serve a four-year term.

The Union sent a questionnaire to all the candidates running for Fairfield City Council. Here are Phomvisay’s responses:

1. Why are you running for Fairfield City Council?

I'm running for City Council simply because I love and believe in Fairfield. I believe in strengthening the invaluable and intangibles of a quality community that promotes the well-being of all of its citizens, I believe in the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of Fairfield, and I believe in the tremendous potential for our community to be a model for resilience, growth, and innovation. I also believe that it would be beneficial to have a voice on the council that represents our school district and our young citizens.

2. What experience do you have that would make you a good city council member?

I have years of school leadership experience and civic engagement ranging from small towns to large cities in Iowa. I served on numerous school, city, and statewide committees and boards to address issues facing communities including but not limited to affordable housing, career and skills development to create skill labor, recruitment and retention of employees and citizens, and community relations.

My undergraduate studies were in political science and sociology. My graduate degree focused on educational leadership and policy studies that focused on school and community improvement. I have been recognized for exceptional leadership in improving schools and building business and community relations for growth and sustainability.

3. What do you hope to accomplish during your term as city council member?

I hope to bring a cohesive and unifying message that promotes all of Fairfield in partnership with the school district, business community and county. I will seek greater collaboration and opportunities whereby various agencies across the community can have a shared vision, shared resources and shared responsibilities for affordable housing, early access for free three and four year-old preschool, affordable childcare and improvement of city and school facilities and infrastructure.

4. What do you see as Fairfield's biggest challenges, and how should the city address them?

Biggest challenges facing Fairfield are interrelated from improving our school, affordable housing, access to high quality and free early childhood education, and improving city and district infrastructure to increase quality of life, leisure, entertainment that will help recruit and retain families and skilled labor for economic growth.

5. How do you think Fairfield is doing compared to other cities in Southeast Iowa or compared to cities of comparable size? In what areas are we doing well? Are there areas where we can do better?

I believe Fairfield is doing very well in terms of variety and strength of small to large businesses. We have some of the most exceptional and innovative midsize manufacturing industries in Iowa and a remarkable financial sector for Southeast Iowa. This business and creative entrepreneurial spirit has served our community well. However, we need to strengthen them by having a quality and attractive educational system, affordable housing and high quality and affordable child care that promotes and attracts new families and skilled labor.

6. Do you think we should take steps to increase Fairfield's population? How in particular should the city do this?

Same as above. Additionally, Fairfield has immense, highly educated, globally recognized experts in the areas of agriculture, finance, sustainable energy and community resiliency that we need to embrace and collaborate with for a shared vision for Fairfield that is vibrant, healthy, and growing.

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