Matthew Rowe seeks to represent Fairfield’s Fourth Ward

Matthew Rowe is running to represent the Fourth Ward on the Fairfield City Council, which covers the city’s downtown.

The seat is currently held by Elizabeth Estey, but she is vacating it because she is moving within the town. Rowe is competing with Curtis Oliver for the seat. Whoever is elected on Nov. 7 will assume office in January.

The Union sent a candidate questionnaire to all the Fairfield City Council candidates. Here are Rowe’s responses: [Editor’s note: Curtis Oliver had not returned a questionnaire by press time]

1. Why are you running for Fairfield City Council?

About a week before the deadline to get on the ballot, it was announced that the previous voice of ward 4 had moved across town and would no longer be able to serve us. When that happened, some of my neighbors got together and asked the hard question of who would step up to the plate. After much deliberation, I was asked to take on that responsibility.

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

I’m an Eagle Scout and a TM Teacher, giving me a good understanding of every side of the Fairfield community. With a degree in Mathematics, I have a keen eye for broad based solutions to the difficult problems facing our town, and know how to apply them in detail. Finally, as a life long resident, I have a deep appreciation for the tone of life here, and I want to see that quality cultivated.

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

My first focus has to be the budget. I am concerned about the way it’s currently being managed. In the current fiscal year, our city has planned for a deficit of $443,000. To make up that shortfall, we have dug into the general fund (which is limited in size) and the Local Options Sales Tax account. The LOST account is earmarked for specific expenses in the city, and using it to make up for a general deficit is negligent.

I’m also interested in improving lines of communication, both from the city to it’s residents and vice versa. The city should be putting out regular newsletters, at least once a month, letting people know what issues are being discussed at city council meetings and what changes to expect in town.

I would also like to get rid of the regulations that limit community participation. Right now signing up to talk must be done four days in advance. The agenda for the meetings is only published three days in advance. That state of affairs is odd and should be done away with.

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

Fairfield is caught in the middle of many challenges facing our Nation. Inflation, unemployment, and homelessness can be seen in our fair city. Every small town across the country is dealing with these issues, and few have found answers. Such problems require bold solutions to fix, and we need leadership that is willing to address them from every angle.

There are many policies I would like to see implemented, and I’ll mention one here. With the new Work from Home trend sweeping the nation, there is an opportunity to market Fairfield as a wholesome, lively, friendly, and affordable community. One that is open to those who can leave the commute, crowds and cost of city life behind.

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?

Our town has it’s fair share of problem, but still stands above the rest of the pack here in SE Iowa. We are safer, friendlier, and have more of an entrepreneurial spirit than the neighboring communities. Still, the problems of rural America continue to knock at our door. We are seeing an increase of crime, homelessness, economic down turn, and drug use that must be addressed if we are to maintain our high quality of life.

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

Our town’s population will wax and wane as circumstances evolve. Our home should not be judged by it’s size, but by the virtue of it’s inhabitants. Still, all else being equal, no one would like to see Fairfield shrink. The most valuable growth come from new generations who are raised to appreciate our community, and are enthusiastic to invest in their home. This requires a two pronged approach.

First. We must support efforts to attract and keep young families in the community. This can be done by building dignified and inviting homes and neighborhoods. Our schools and businesses must also have opportunities for people of all ages and talents.

Many new housing technologies and systems are being developed around the world, and those can be implemented here to great effect. I have plans to create a system of forgivable small business loans that could support new job opportunities in town, and I’d love to discuss them with you when we have more time.

Second. We must help the young generation see themselves in the story of our city. They must learn to recognize their part in the great web of relationships our town is founded on. The city government should work with the schools to help teach the history of the town and show them how they can be a part of it’s future. There has also been discussion of a mentorship program that would bring the oldest and youngest members of our community together for mutual enrichment.

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