Editor’s note: The general election for city and school district offices is Tuesday, Nov.7. In anticipation, ThePerryNews.com asked each candidate for a Perry city or school district office to answer a few questions in order to give voters a sense of who the candidate is and what issues motivate him or her. These candidate profiles will be published over the coming days. Interested voters might also wish to attend a candidate forum for the mayor and city council candidates, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 10 ay 6:30 p.m. at the Perry Public Library.
Dirk Cavanaugh is running for mayor of Perry. Cavanaugh lives at 2223 Fourth St. in Perry. He can be reached at 515-333-1361 or dirkcavanaugh@aol.com.
1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself, Dirk. What do you want voters to know about you, your qualifications, your intentions as an officeholder?
- Age: 65
- Born: Iowa City, IA
- St. Patrick’s School 1-8 grade
- Perry Community High School – 1977 Graduate
- Iowa State University – 1981 Graduate – BS civil engineering
- 35-year career in midstream oil and gas construction
- Serving on Perry Rotary Club Board, Dallas County Hospital Foundation Board, Dallas County Hospital Trustee, Perry Alano Club Board, Nudgers Inc. Board, helper at Perry Area Food Pantry, Everybody Wins Iowa Reading Mentor, member of 100+ People for Perry
2. Why are you running for elected office? Is it something that you have done before? Are other forms of public service a part of your background?
I am running for office because a number of people had talked to me about it and hoped that I would run. I have not served in a government position before.
3. Are there particular issues that you believe are urgent or important and are facing the residents of Perry? If so, what issues are these? How to you think the city council can address or resolve these issues?
Important issues are: Perry Streets are terrible and need repair. Need to figure out how to get people to support local businesses, figure out how to get Hotel Pattee to be a success for the city. Investigate why Tyson not in city limits. The mayor and city council need to investigate ways to help make the above successful and then promote/fund it.
4. What do you envision as the future of Perry? In what direction would you like to lead the town?
I envision Perry as a vibrant, multicultural place where all residents believe it is a great place to live! I would like to see more involvement in town affairs by our non–Caucasian population.
