2 challengers, 1 incumbent vie for Ward 4
Gatto was elected to position in 2014
Three candidates are running for the Ward 4 seat on the Des Moines City Council, including Jason Benell, incumbent Joe Gatto, and Justin Torres.
The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they’re running and the issues facing the city’s southeast side. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
The election is Nov. 7.
Jason Benell POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Joe Gatto
Gatto
POLITICAL AGE: GREW UP:
Iowa 39
CURRENT
Des Moines
CURRENT
Moravia,
EDUCATION: HOME:
Bachelor of Science in sociology, Iowa State University
I am a combat veteran who served in Iraq in 2005. Hispanic Educational Resources board member; Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, treasurer; central committee member and caucus site manager, Polk County Democrats; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers, president
AGE: GREW UP:
56 of Des Moines
Des Moines
Southside
EDUCATION: HOME:
Lincoln High School, class of 1985
EXPERIENCE:
Des Moines City Council Ward 4 representative, elected in 2014.
Justin Torres
Torres cal office held.
Jason Benell: Joe Gatto: AGE: GREW UP: Justin Torres:
30 and Iowa
CURRENT Why are you running?
New Jersey
EDUCATION: POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: HOME:
South Park neighborhood, Des Moines
No politi
Something I felt prior to running, and has been reaffirmed time and again while talking to constituents, is that Ward 4 has been left behind by the current council. We see it in our deteriorating parks, crumbling infrastructure, insufficient public transit, and food deserts. I am running to be a voice for those on the southeast side of Des Moines who feel forgotten. Government, especially local government, should be something that works for the people it represents, not something that happens to the people. We need a new generation of leadership that is more responsive, representative, and transparent.
I am running for reelection because I am deeply committed to serving the residents of Ward 4 and contributing to the overall progress of our city. In my time on the council, I have had the privilege of working closely with the people of this community, understanding their concerns, and fighting for their needs. I am proud of our positive accomplishments, but I believe there is still more to be done to enhance the quality of living for everyone in my ward and citywide.
Ward 4 has been severely neglected while the rest of the metro and surrounding communities are progressing and providing the best to their residents. Residents deserve better. Our schools are severely outdated and underfunded, our infrastructure needs significant improvements. Public and private relations need to be managed better to cut down on construction time. The cheapest is always the best, especially if the residents pay for it again in five years. Fleur Drive is a perfect example of that. Property owners need incentives to improve their land without too much red tape and regulation. I believe helping residents improve their wealth through homeownership helps the overall morale of the community.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how would you address it? Jason Benell:
Underdevelopment. While there are new businesses and new housing developments springing up throughout Des Moines, precious few of them are on the south side or the east side. If elected, I will fight on the council to bring development dollars to Ward 4. The south and east side of Des Moines should be a destination for families to put down roots, not a place that is left behind. I will also fight for funding to refurbish our deteriorating parks and roads. We need to revitalize Ward 4.
Every member of our community needs to feel safe in all aspects of life. Poverty, undereducation, and lack of access to mental health and addiction services are the main drivers of crime in our city. Ensuring public safety will require collaboration with school leaders, resources for our first responders, and advocacy for state and federal engagement in public health initiatives to respond to those with mental health and substance abuse needs.
I feel the biggest issue facing Ward 4 is the overall quality of life and the lack of improvements. Our water needs to be better. Access to higherquality education is a must. I would like to build a stronger relationship with School Board members, and I will look at improving the Des Moines water purification systems and methods as a team effort with Des Moines Water Works. We don’t have the worst quality
Joe Gatto: Justin Torres:
of water, but we don’t have the best. I feel we have too much fluoride in our water and that is something I will devote time, energy and effort into improving.
How would you work with community leaders, developers and stakeholders to improve access to affordable housing in Des Moines? Jason Benell:
First and foremost, we need zoning reform to allow for higher density housing units throughout the city. Second, we should provide more tax incentives and grants to developers who want to build affordable housing units in the city. Third, we should provide grants and incentives for home repairs. Fourth, we should partner with the county and homeowners to expand the creation of accessory dwelling units. Fifth, we should coordinate with nonprofits working in these spaces and provide support where needed. Lastly, we need to provide access to these services through multi-language services and hire staff to coordinate this accessibility.
Joe Gatto:
Des Moines, like many other cities, is facing a shortage of affordable homes, making it challenging for our residents to find stable housing. It affects singles, families, and seniors alike, and it will limit future economic growth if not addressed. I am proud to have voted for significant investments in several nonprofits focused on offering affordable financing for homebuyers and neighborhood revitalization. Solving the problem will require collaboration, advocacy for funding, mixed-income housing developments, and public engagement. Involving the community will allow us to identify unique, community-driven solutions that align with the actual needs of the residents we serve.
Justin Torres:
Ward 4 has so much potential to be at the forefront of