I support Matt Walsh's reelection

Full disclosure: I've known Mayor Matt Walsh and his wife, Barb, for more than 25 years. During that time, I've had the privilege of working alongside Matt and city staff on a number of initiatives focused on making Council Bluff s a better, stronger, and more connected community.

I'm also one of many volunteers supporting his reelection campaign because I've seen firsthand the impact of his steady leadership and commitment to our city.

What I've consistently seen from Matt is a leader who shows up, not just for photo opportunities or headlines, but for the hard, day-to-day work of city government. He listens, asks questions, and makes decisions grounded in what's best for residents and businesses alike.

Whether it's improving public safety, investing in infrastructure, supporting housing development, or partnering with local nonprofits to address community challenges like homelessness, Matt's leadership has helped move Council Bluff s forward in meaningful ways.

Lately, social media has become a breeding ground for negativity and misinformation. But when you step away from the noise and talk with residents, business owners, and community partners, a very diff erent story emerges. People are proud of Council Bluff s, proud of our growth, our parks and recreation spaces, and the sense of momentum that's building.

I encourage everyone to do their own research. Visit the candidates' websites and learn for yourself who has the experience, integrity, and ability to collaborate with city staff , business leaders, and the philanthropic community to keep our city moving forward.

That's why I'm supporting Mayor Matt Walsh's reelection and I hope you will join me with your vote on Nov. 4. His experience, steady leadership and genuine commitment to this community make him the right person to continue leading Council Bluff s into the future.

Tara Slevin

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Mayor Matt Walsh represents integrity, hard work

I have known Matt Walsh since he was a young boy, and our families have been close friends for serval years. Over and over, we have watched people from all walks of life approach Matt with a handshake or a hug in restaurants, at nonprofit events, and city gatherings. They thank him for what he does for Council Bluffs.

To us, Matt represents integrity, hard work, and someone who thinks out of the box to solve problems. His contacts in the state of Iowa, and Washington, D.C., have served him well in helping fund projects without increasing property taxes.

He has a deep love for Council Bluffs, and genuine appreciation for the city employees who serve our community. It is disappointing to read and hear the negative comments about someone so clearly committed to the public good. Those critics do not know Matt or his heart.

This campaign for mayor should focus on who is best qualified to lead the city. Review each candidate's official site, compare accomplishments and current plans, and then decide where to cast your vote.

Matt's resume is impressive, and his service has been recognized statewide. Last month he was inducted into the Iowa League of Cities Hall of Fame for his "leadership, dedication and commitment to Iowa communities."

We hope you will vote for Matt on Tuesday to continue the success of Council Bluffs.

Dr. John and Leslie Southard

Council Bluffs

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Walsh makes Council Bluffs better

Bruce Rasmussen

As a business owner in Council Bluff s, we have worked with Matt Walsh and he has always been attentive and helpful.

Matt has dedicated much of his life to the betterment of Council Bluff s and is striving for the much needed growth in our community.

I believe a vote for Matt is a vote for development and fair treatment of all citizens in Council Bluffs.

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Reelect Matt Walsh

Oct 25, 2025

I am writing to offer my strong endorsement of Mayor Matt Walsh as he seeks continued leadership of the City of Council Bluff s. Mayor Walsh has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant, a forward-thinking leader and tireless advocate for the people of our community.

Council Bluff s has benefited from strong mayoral leadership under Tom Hanafan and Matt Walsh. The transformation and progress of the city over the last three decades, if you step back and reflect, are exemplary. The development of West Broadway corridor, attraction and development of new businesses and services, the Hoff Center (PACE), growth of Iowa Western, strong pre-K thru 12 schools, the partnership with Iowa West Foundation and the quality of city services are reflective of a city government that works. One constant has been Matt Walsh with over 26 years service to Council Bluff s, leading the way.

Our town has opportunities, too. Mayor Walsh has a vision, in which growth is a key part. Growth requires investment, population growth, housing and economic development. Growth requires that Council Bluff s continue its transformation to be an area people want to live. Growth also demands that we address the challenges of our time that we share with cities nationwide; quality roads, homelessness, economic development, good health care and fiscal responsibility. The opportunities and challenges that the City of Council Bluff s faces today require experienced executive leadership; Matt Walsh is the only choice.

Mayor Walsh's proven leadership, deep local roots and unwavering commitment to our community make him the clear choice. I wholeheartedly endorse Mayor Matt Walsh and encourage voters to get out and VOTE and support his reelection.

Dave Petratis

Council Bluffs

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Praising Walsh's business sense

Sep 27, 2025

I am the CEO of Nestory Park Capital. While I do not live in Council Bluffs, my company has done business in the city and I have seen firsthand how leadership at City Hall affects companies, employees and neighborhoods. I am writing to offer my strong support for Mayor Matt Walsh's re-election.

Mayor Walsh brings deep institutional experience to the office. First elected to the City Council in 1996 and serving as mayor since 2013, he has a practical understanding of the city's needs and the workings of local government.

What sets Mayor Walsh apart is his steady focus on results, not rhetoric. Under his leadership, the city has advanced major infrastructure and public safety improvements, attracted private investment downtown and at River's Edge, and invested in parks and public spaces that make Council Bluffs more attractive for families and businesses.

From a business perspective, predictability, fiscal prudence and collaboration matter a great deal. Mayor Walsh's background in banking and careful stewardship of the city budget have given Nestory Park Capital and other partners confidence that projects will be handled responsibly and with an eye toward long-term value.

With his support and guidance, I was able to bring the second-largest real estate transaction in Iowa's history to fruition — an accomplishment I am extremely proud of, and one that shows how critical strong municipal leadership is in making major investments possible.

Council Bluffs has also made progress on housing, celebrating new mixed-income projects and pursuing innovative solutions to expand supply and stabilize rents. At the same time, the city is boldly exploring transformative opportunities for the riverfront and regional attractions that will bring visitors, jobs and economic vitality to the community.

No leader is without critics, but Mayor Walsh consistently approaches tough debates with data, transparency and an eye toward the broader good. He has shown a readiness to listen, explain tradeoffs and adjust when needed to keep projects aligned with community priorities.

I believe Matt Walsh is the right person to continue leading Council Bluffs through the challenges ahead. I respectfully urge my fellow citizens, business leaders and neighbors to support his re-election.

David Flaherty

Belvedere, California

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Mayor Walsh is a champion for Council Bluffs

Sep 19, 2025 Updated Oct 24, 2025

After coming to the United States from Bulgaria in 2006, I pursued my education at Lewis Central High School, the University of Nebraska Omaha and Boise State University for my bachelor’s degree and later earned my master’s at Maryville University in Saint Louis, Missouri.

When I returned to Council Bluffs, I did so with the vision of becoming an entrepreneur and positively impacting the place I proudly call home.

From the very beginning, Mayor Matt Walsh showed me respect and care. Over the years, I have watched him serve this community with passion, integrity and relentless commitment.

Mayor Walsh has led Council Bluffs through a period of historic growth. He has strengthened public safety by hiring more officers and firefighters, modernized emergency services, rebuilt and repaved over 60 miles of city streets, and overseen major flood protection upgrades. He has championed economic growth — bringing in hundreds of millions in private investment, supporting small businesses and revitalizing neighborhoods.

What I admire most is that he has done all this while balancing budgets, holding the line on property taxes and prioritizing transparency. He listens. He engages. He creates environments where families, businesses and young people can thrive.

As a family man, Olympian in the sport of wrestling, entrepreneur and community leader, I know the value of discipline, vision and resilience. Mayor Walsh embodies those qualities. He has faced challenges from the state and nation, yet still finds creative ways to move Council Bluffs forward. His leadership gives me confidence that our future will be brighter, safer and full of opportunity.

I am proud to support Mayor Walsh as he continues to serve the city we love. Together, we can build a stronger community and a better place for all of us to call home.

Georgi I. Ivanov

Council Bluffs