A J Drew challenges incumbent Carl Voss
Two candidates are vying for the atlarge seat on the Des Moines City Council, A J Drew and incumbent Carl Voss.
The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they’re running and the issues facing the city. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
The election is Nov. 7.
A J Drew POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:
cal experience.
Voss
POLITICAL AGE: GREW UP: CURRENT EDUCATION:
Iowa 55
Highland Park area, Des Moines 74
EDUCATION: HOME:
Sheridan Gardens/Capital Heights neighborhoods, Des Moines
Bachelor’s degrees in secondary education and computer science; Master of Business Administration, Iowa State University
Carl Voss (incumbent) AGE: GREW UP: CURRENT
No politi
Atlantic,
HOME:
East Village, Des Moines
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia
EXPERIENCE:
Des Moines City Council at-large, 2020-present. Interim Ward 4 council member, 2013-14
Why are you running? A J Drew:
To be an advocate for the “regular” citizens of Des Moines and get the processes that impact their lives to be more inclusive and informative. Also, want to get a better handle on road and bridge maintenance to be better with longer-lasting results (i.e. not having to keep patching the same things over and over).
Carl Voss:
I must have public service sanded into my DNA because I really enjoy the wide variety of issues and the opportunity to ask questions for a better outcome. I’m attracted to communitybuilding projects. I’m especially keen on collaborative projects — city, county, and public sector working together. It feels grand to get projects accomplished — makes me smile.
What is the biggest issue facing your community and how would you address it? A J Drew:
Transparency in government. Government should be concerned with how they impact people. Many times even when the goal makes sense, the method of implementation has larger impacts than intended and that can be minimized with simple changes.
Lots of top issues. Here’s one: stronger neighborhoods. I address this through initiatives to improve home ownership, property value, and neighborhoods. Invest DSM: I serve on the Invest DSM board, which has provided over $1 million in homeowner program funds in 2023 alone. For every Invest DSM dollar, owners invest $2.04. Block Challenge Grant Program: I support this program, which has awarded nearly $680,000 in matching funds for exterior improvements since 2021. Improving Our Neighborhoods (ION): I support this program for exterior repairs that help homeowners with limited resources. Neighborhood Development Corpora
Carl Voss:
tion & Neighborhood Investment Corp.: I serve on both boards.
How would you work with community leaders, developers and stakeholders to improve access to affordable housing in Des Moines? A J Drew:
I would work with community leaders, developers, etc. by evaluating the potential benefit for the Des Moines community and not just that of the developers, etc on any ideas presented. The goal of affordable housing is often met with the feeling that it is a good idea but “not in my neighborhood.” While that feeling is understandable, the reasons behind it is something that needs addressed to get neighborhood acceptance of any plans and increase the reduction in problems that can occur. We need to address what would allow neighborhoods, in general, to feel comfortable with lower-cost housing to be placed in their areas.
See five programs noted earlier plus one more: Vacant Property Registry (VPN): This recent initiative started monitoring 684 properties, 173 of which now have licenses. Within just a few months, 23 properties are now occupied or sold, signaling progress in combating property vacancies. While campaigning, residents around the city suggested I add seven additional vacant homes to this list. More potential housing.
Carl Voss: How do you envision the future of public safety in the city and would you support a citizens’ review board that would provide some oversight to the Des Moines Police Department? A J Drew:
I would support a citizens’ review board, but only if it has some real authority. If their input and decisions can be ignored then there is no real point. There would need to be discussions as to what all their scope is, but I feel this could be beneficial.
Within a decade, I believe there will be four branches of public safety: police, fire, EMT, and mental health. Yes, I support a citizens’ review board. I’ll await the 21st Century Policing guidance for a model that fits the framework of Iowa law and what’s working well among members of the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE).
Carl Voss: What are the steps you would take to reduce barriers to shelter and help community members experiencing homelessness improve their chances of finding stable, permanent housing? A J Drew:
People need jobs to be able to afford stable housing. Programs that help prepare individuals to get a job (volunteering for experience, temporary housing, help with resumes, etc.) are good to help people transition. However, we also need to help them keep jobs by building skills that are needed in our current marketplace and not just try to create new jobs that are usually lower paying.
Carl Voss:
I’m already addressing this issue. In September 2022, I traveled with other Des Moines folks to visit the Community First! Village outside of Austin, Texas. I’m convinced it’s a model that will work for Des Moines. For me, an achievable first step for Des Moines: Let’s get 25 people off the streets and into tiny homes. We shouldn’t allow “perfect” location get in the way of a good fit for the community. I’ll continue to work with individuals and groups in Des Moines who share a similar vision. It’s worth your time to dive into the program’s website: https://mlf.org/community-first/