Terri Kness brings experience as County Treasurer to Fairfield City Council candidacy

Terri Kness is running unopposed for the First Ward seat on the Fairfield City Council.

The seat is currently held by Martha Rasmussen, who will be stepping down from the role. The First Ward covers the east side of Fairfield.

The Union sent a questionnaire to all candidates for Fairfield City Council. Here are Kness’s answers:

1. Why are you running for Fairfield City Council?

I care deeply about the Fairfield Community and believe I bring sound leadership to the city council in assisting with short and long term goals. Housing and property taxes are two issues that I am well versed in and hope to become involved in the ways and means committee, and the housing task force. I’m eager to learn about new aspects of city government that are different from what I experienced as Jefferson County Treasurer.

When I was treasurer, Dave Neff had a great idea to bring members of local government offices together to identify issues and find ways we could work together to solve them. I would love to start those conversations again between the county, city, Chamber, FEDA, state departments, and anyone else that’s able to make a positive contribution.

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

I am a logical, caring and thoughtful person that listens to all sides to make the best decision for our community. I was in county government for eight years and have been in the private sector the remainder of my professional career. I understand some of the obstacles government faces and bring a more diverse, fresh perspective to the table. My grandfather started the oldest real estate company in Fairfield in 1970 so I was raised in real estate and have a great understanding of the challenges we face with housing shortages in Fairfield.

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

I intend to quickly gain an understanding of the realities our city is facing in terms of budgeting, capital improvements, housing shortages, etc. With that understanding, we can collaboratively focus the council’s efforts on long-term goals which address these realities for our community.

I would like to see more neighborhood volunteer groups getting together to help neighbors paint and repair their homes. I appreciate the volunteerism shown with the community gardens at OB Nelson Park and would like to see more community-minded organizations like theirs getting together to achieve common goals.

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

This isn't specific to Fairfield, but sadly through social media people have become isolated and our society has become increasingly divisive. Locally I’ve witnessed this divisiveness and negativity on social media channels. To combat this I believe more volunteerism and community-focused groups will help build Fairfield up and improve our quality of life. I encourage people to get out from behind their keyboards and do something constructive for the community so that we'll all have a better place to live.

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?

We always face a cost of living issue here locally, at least in my experience. Due to a housing shortage and low interest rates housing prices have greatly increased and as of today we have not seen a correction. Increasing the supply of homes can help lower the cost over time. We have a vibrant economy. I enjoy and frequent our local businesses, but I’d love to see more retail presence on the square.

Washington and Pella are two communities that do a good job supporting local retailers, perhaps we can emulate them. I had the opportunity to tour Agri-Industrial Plastics at the Chamber’s Business After Hours recently and was impressed by their processes and ingenuity. We have a very strong manufacturing community here and we need to bring new employees to town for these businesses to employ and continue to grow our local economy.

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

We have a unique community and when people visit, they love it here! We have a wonderful new day care center that FEDA was instrumental in from inception to the day the doors opened. It is essential to work with organizations like Fairfield Economic Development Association and Iowa Economic Development Authority to pursue common goals of bringing population to rural Iowa. FEDA is working on a new housing development that the city should be lockstep in ensuring happens with the utmost support from the City government.

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