Meet a Waukee Candidate: Bill Peard

On Nov. 8, Waukee voters will decide who should serve on the Waukee City Council and as mayor of Waukee.

There are two seats up for grabs on the Waukee City Council. Casey Harvey is seeking re-election, while newcomers Shelly Hughes and Chris Colter hope to nab a spot, as well. Mayor Bill Peard is running uncontested after challenger Daniel Pettit withdrew from the race in October.

Today on Waukee Patch we profile Bill Peard as he campaigns to serve another term as the mayor of Waukee.

Name: Bill Peard

Age: 51

Occupation:

Address: 785 S.E. Bob White Lane, Waukee

E-mail: blpeard@mchsi.com

Phone: 515.978.1492

Social Media: http://www.billpeard.com/

https://www.facebook.com/billpeardformayor

https://twitter.com/#!/billpeard/

It's been an interesting election year, so far, for Waukee mayor Bill Peard.

On Sept. 20, just days before the deadline, a challenger, , threw his hat into the ring for the mayor's seat.

Pettit, who at the time was virtually unknown to those in Waukee city government, spoke out against the incumbent mayor in the Oct. 4 , criticizing Peard for everything from high property taxes to the lack of progress on the Alice's Road corridor project.

“Believe with your eyes, not your ears,” Pettit said during the forum. “It’s time for a change.”

But on Oct. 10, from the race citing increasing work commitments, leaving Peard once again, as the lone candidate in the race.

Still, nothing is stopping Peard from going whole-heartedly after re-election. He's still out and about attending events and knocking on doors to get his name out there to the more than 14,000 residents of Waukee.

"I want people to know that even though I don't have a challenger in the race, I'm still campaigning and asking for their vote just as if I did have one," Peard said. "I would be humbled if they chose me to lead them another four years."

With 14 years already under his belt, Peard stands ready to take Waukee to the next level. With rapid population growth and several expensive projects already in the works, Waukee will need a leader with experience, Peard said.

"We've seen 170 percent growth in 10 years," said Peard. "We have created a standard of living that's the envy of Iowa. Nothing happens in a vaccum. I've been around and helped to create a place that people want to live and work and raise a family. There are currently a lot of critical things in place for Waukee and I want to be around for the next four years to ensure they happen."

Peard cites projects like the Alice's Road corridor as having the most impact on the residents and future growth in Waukee. In fact, the Alice's Road project just received a from the Iowa Department of Transportation that will nudge it closer to completion.

"Right away we're going to have to get a jump on Alice's Road," Peard said. "We have some work to do and our focus will be accelerated because of the grant money. Alice's Road is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will be huge for us."

Peard was quick to remind residents that no matter the subject, he wants to hear from them before and after the election.

"Everyone has their opinions and I certainly don't discount them at all," he said. "I'm a resident as much as I am the mayor, so I understand. I'm sensitive to people's concerns."