Meet a Waukee Candidate: Casey Harvey

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 in the election. 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 the first of the three candidates running for the Waukee City Council.

Name: Casey Harvey

Age: 29

Occupation: Application Systems Analyst at EMC

Address: 180 S.E. Dogwood Lane, Waukee

E-mail: casey.harvey@gmail.com

Phone: 515.987-4615

Social Media: http://reelectcasey.com/

www.facebook.com/pages/Casey-Harvey/253747397984369

Of the three candidates vying for two seats on the Waukee City Council on Nov. 8, incumbent Casey Harvey is the only one who can say he's been here before.

Harvey, 29, is wrapping up his first four-year term on the council and says the experience he's gleaned from his position makes him ready to take on another term. He says it's his role as a frugal financial watchdog that will do the most for Waukee residents.

"I'm someone who really watches expeditures to ensure that residents get the most value out of their tax dollars," he said. "I think I've done that well, so far, in that I've made sure that their money is spent wisely, and I want to continue to do that."

Harvey says the things he's most proud of helping to accomplish in his four years in office include the completion of the walk/bike/run trails, the city's new website and of course, the budget.

He says the Alice's Road corridor project will be on his immediate radar should he be re-elected on Nov. 8.

"We will need to continue to make sure taxpayer money is being spent wisely so that we get Alice's Road completed," he said. "We also need to make sure that we listen to the public and ask what they want."

As far as what Harvey thinks about the criticism of some residents who say Waukee's property taxes are too high? He says sometimes the end justifies the means.

"I don't think anyone is happy paying taxes," he said. "You get what you pay for and your taxes have paid for high-quality service and a high quality of life here. We feel we get a better living experience in Waukee and we're leveraging what we need to to get the most out of it. I think most people would say we're doing the right thing."