Mayor Brimhall seeks reelection

Steve Brimhall is seeking reelection as Mayor of Mt. Pleasant.

The Southeast Iowa Union caught up with Brimhall to talk about his accomplishments and his vision for the town’s future.

Q: Why are you seeking reelection?

To continue to make Mount Pleasant the best small town in Iowa. I believe this is done by progressive leadership. Bike trails, city parks, and recreational amenities make people want to live in our community.

Q: What makes you a good mayor?

Being the current mayor for almost 16 years demonstrates that I understand the position and the process of getting things done. Mount Pleasant is known throughout Southeast Iowa as being very progressive.

Q: What are your main accomplishments in life?

The first is my family. My wife, Karen, and I raised three daughters in Mount Pleasant and they are all still living in Iowa with their husbands and eight grandchildren.

As far as the main accomplishments for the city…

1. It is bringing the infrastructure (streets & sewers) to a high level of quality and keeping the tax rate reasonable.

2. Funding of Main Street. This has led to the creation of over 60 upper story apartments in the downtown district.

3. Funding of the Mount Pleasant Area Development Commission. We have deeded to them the purchase of 60 acres of industrial land which now has provided over $500,000.00 in property tax revenue and a great many jobs.

Q: What about this city, needs the most improvement, and how could you, in your position, help with this?

1. Workforce recruitment and increased housing for workers. As chairman of the Mount Pleasant Area Development Corporation, we are in the process of a Capital Campaign to raise $1.1 million to help make this a reality.

2. Increase commercial business. It was a set-back for Mount Pleasant when Iowa Wesleyan University closed but since that closure the city has received $58 million in commercial building permits which shows great faith in the community and their desire to invest in Mount Pleasant.