15 people are running for three open seats on the Burlington City Council. The Oct. 10 primary election will narrow the field from 15 to six ahead of the Nov. 7 general election. Tri States Public Radio spoke with the candidates ahead of the primary, including Ryan Rogers.
Rogers previously worked construction at Iowa Fertilizer Company’s new plant near Wever. He said he is running for alderman because he wants to bring different ideas to the city council, especially ideas that will help the working people of Burlington.
Rogers said his top priority will be to deal with poverty in Burlington, which he believes is the biggest challenge facing the city. He said he would work to improve the quality of life for residents by getting more money into their pockets.
Rogers said he would support more neighborhood improvement programs through grants and programs to bring more solar energy opportunities to residential neighborhoods to help them save money on energy bills.
Rogers said people need a reason to move to Burlington, so he would like to see more entertainment attractions aimed at young people, including a trampoline park and a more productive use of Memorial Auditorium for events. He said reducing crime will also help encourage people to move to the city.
Early voting is underway in Burlington ahead of the Oct. 10 primary election.
