Brian Wolken, Monticello mayor

Address: E. Third Street 

Why did you want to run for re-election for mayor? Monticello is a great place to live, work, and play. I want to do my part to make sure this continues for generations to come. 

What are some challenges/issues the city will face in the near future? The wastewater treatment facility is reaching the end of its life cycle. This will be a major project. The city will need to get creative to finance this large-scale project without a major impact to water/sewer rates. 

What good things does Monticello have going for itself? The fountain is up and running, a new trail at Willow Park, Sycamore Street and the middle school are coming along great. I love to see this progress in the community. 

What are your thoughts on the city working with Main Street Iowa to help revitalize the downtown? If this isn’t the solution, what is? I have learned a lot about the program in the last year, and I have really bought into this philosophy. They have a proven model and their staff was great to work with during the application process. I look forward to building on this relationship in the future. 

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to check out their website: www. iowaeconomicdevelopment. com/MainStreetIowa. 

How should the city handle the re-zoning process when it comes to residential development? The current process has been working well for the most part. Recently, some constituents had concerns with the process and suggested posting signage on the property if re-zoning is requested. I think this is something we could implement moving forward. 

How should the City of Monticello use and disperse its hotel/motel tax? Should entities such as Jones County Tourism and the Monticello Chamber be allowed a piece of the pie? It just depends on how thin you want to slice the pie. We can give to multiple organizations or we can focus it on tourism/ recreation projects. I think Monticello is behind other communities when it comes to a trail system. I think this is a great use of the tax in the near future. 

Additional comments: City council meetings are the first and third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. Stop on by!