Aaron Sewell For West Des Moines Parks Commissioner

Creating a proactive government that engages with the people.

WEST DES MOINES PARK COMMISSIONER ELECTION RESULTS:

We did it! Thanks so much to everyone who supported me and gave me encouragement. I could not have done this without you.

This is only the beginning. The work of serving the public is never ending and requires diligence, patience, and integrity. I will strive for transparency and communication in all I do. I am honored to be entrusted to be a representative of the residence of West Des Moines.

Thank you,

-Aaron

POLLING LOCATIONS:

Local Government impacts our lives every day and in many ways. From the city council to your local school board the citizens honored to be elected to those offices are charged with making decisions and serving the people of their community to the best of their abilities.

The West Des Moines Parks and Recreation Commission is no different. This commission has five sitting members whose main duties include voting to recommend approval or “not approve” any parks related issues before the city council takes it up. It is an opportunity for people to voice their concerns, thoughts, or suggestions as well as keep tabs on what’s going on with the parks, aquatic centers, and other recreation facilities in their neighborhood. The members are unpaid and serve staggered 4-year terms and regularly meet the third Thursday of each month.

WHY I AM RUNNING:

I have a passion for serving others. Bringing people together and making sure every perspective and voice has an opportunity to be heard. I want to be a voice for my neighbors and the community I am a part of to ensure we continue to have great parks across West Des Moines that people from all over Iowa come to visit. I want to make sure our local government is proactive and listening to the people. Not just sitting and waiting for citizens to voice their concerns but engaging in the communities and serving the public to the best of its abilities.

ABOUT ME:

I am a graduate of Simpson College as well as a current student at Iowa State where I am working on obtaining a degree in elementary education so I can teach full time. Currently I work as a substitute teacher here with West Des Moines Community Schools as well as many of the surrounding school districts. In the past I had served on the Cemetery Resource Board in Jefferson City, Missouri. I am a 2015 recipient of the Iowa Juneteenth Liberty Award for voter registration and engagement. I am a commissioner serving on the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women. I enjoy playing guitar, archery, going on bike rides, taking walks with my wife Katelyn and our dog Tucker. We live in Valley Junction where we get to enjoy the great Farmers Market atmosphere.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION:

-Member — Valley Junction Neighborhood Association.

-Volunteer — Children and Families Urban Movement.

-Former Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry — St. Paul Presbyterian Church.

-Substitute Teacher — West Des Moines School District.

-Commissioner — Iowa Commission on the Status of Women.

CONTACT ME:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @aaronfsewell

Facebook: facebook.com/aaronforwdmparks