Oskaloosa City Council Candidates Present Competing Visions for Transparency, Growth, and Leadership

The Oskaloosa City Council Candidate Forum, hosted by Experience Oskaloosa this week, brought a couple dozen residents eager to hear from those seeking to help shape the city’s future. The event, moderated by John Nelson, offered voters a another look at the tone, temperament, and priorities of each contender ahead of the November election.

Candidates participating in the forum included Andy Holmberg, Javin Sword, and Nick Ryan, for the two at-large seats, each emphasizing distinct priorities—ranging from economic growth and housing development to restoring transparency and public trust in city government.

Themes of Accountability and Vision

Throughout the evening, candidates returned repeatedly to the topic of accountability. Several emphasized the need for city leadership to operate with greater openness, promising to make decision-making more accessible and data-driven. Others defended the city’s existing strategic plan as a roadmap for continued progress, highlighting its quarterly review process and its focus on economic development, housing, and infrastructure.

One candidate called for a more resident-driven approach to planning, arguing that too many city decisions are made by a small group of insiders rather than a broader cross-section of citizens. Others countered that Oskaloosa’s strategic plan already provides a foundation for community input and transparency, pointing out that progress reports and project updates are publicly available.

Economic Development and Housing

Economic development emerged as a central issue, particularly around the balance between attracting new business and easing the burden on current taxpayers. Multiple candidates spoke about reducing property and utility costs by expanding the tax base through business growth and job creation.

Housing was also a focal point, with several candidates noting that Oskaloosa’s development priorities should target affordability rather than luxury. Some stressed that a strong community depends on access to mid-range housing priced for working families, while others noted that public-private partnerships could play a greater role in meeting the city’s housing goals.

Leadership and Conduct

Candidates were unanimous in calling for a more civil and professional tone in city government. Many pledged to model respectful behavior in meetings, avoid personal conflicts, and maintain decorum even during disagreement. The discussion reflected growing voter frustration with what some view as dysfunction in public meetings and the resulting damage to the city’s image.

Several participants endorsed the idea of a formal code of conduct for council members, describing it as a way to ensure accountability and consistency in behavior. Others noted that professionalism, preparation, and transparency—not politics—should define how Oskaloosa’s leadership interacts with the community.

Technology and Modernization

The conversation also touched on modernization and technology. One candidate envisioned a future where residents could track street repairs, permits, and public projects online in real time. The vision underscored a broader theme of using technology to improve efficiency, reduce frustration, and make city operations more transparent.

Others emphasized that progress depends not just on technology but on execution—arguing that good planning must lead to measurable results. Several participants urged the city to focus less on producing plans and more on achieving tangible outcomes that residents can see and feel.

Public Trust and Transparency

Transparency was the throughline of the evening. Candidates spoke about rebuilding public confidence after what they described as years of limited communication and insufficient accountability. Many vowed to deliver clearer explanations of council decisions and to make city documents and financial reports more accessible to citizens.

Accountability, they said, begins with communication—acknowledging mistakes when they happen, explaining decisions openly, and ensuring residents understand how local policy affects their daily lives.

Final Reflections

As the evening drew to a close, the candidates outlined the personal values that shape their approach to leadership. Terms such as integrity, service, courage, and communication surfaced repeatedly. Several referenced a “servant leadership” philosophy, emphasizing that city government should reflect humility, responsiveness, and a willingness to make difficult but necessary choices.

Despite differing perspectives on policy, all agreed that Oskaloosa is at a pivotal moment—one that requires balancing growth with preservation, and progress with accountability.