Lydia Goken.

Lydia Goken

Age: 28

Education: Bachelors of Science in Nursing

Occupation/Profession: Registered Nurse

Family: My husband is Tairk Goken and we have a daughter, Scout, and a son, Jett

1) Why are you running for a seat on the Dysart City Council?

I’m running for Dysart City Council because I care deeply about Dysart and the future we’re building for our children. As a mom of two young kids, I want to see our community continue to grow and thrive while holding on to the small-town values that make Dysart such a special place to live. I want to help make sure Dysart stays a welcoming, affordable, and family-friendly town where young families want to plant roots.

2) In general, do you feel like Dysart is headed in the right direction, and if not, how would you propose reversing that course?

I believe Dysart is headed in a positive direction, but there are always opportunities to build on that progress. We have strong community involvement and great local leadership, but continued growth will take intentional effort. I’d like to see us focus on supporting local businesses, ensuring access to childcare, and encouraging housing and development that helps attract new families. These are the kinds of steps that keep our community strong for the long term.

3) What are the biggest issues facing the City of Dysart in your opinion and how would you like to see those addressed?

Like many small towns, Dysart faces challenges with growth and sustainability. Attracting and retaining young families is key – which means we need to continue investing in things like quality childcare, affordable housing, our schools, and community amenities. As a member of the Little Knights Learning Center board, I’ve seen firsthand how vital childcare is to our local workforce and families. I’d also like to see us continue improving infrastructure and maintaining the quality of life that makes Dysart a place people are proud to call home.

4) The Union Community School District, which serves Dysart students, has been experiencing a downturn in enrollment over the last decade not unlike other rural public school districts in Iowa. Do you believe the council and the city’s current strategies to attract new residents and businesses are working, and if not, how would you recommend changing them?

Our schools are the heart of our community, so supporting them by attracting young families should be a top priority. I think the city has made good progress in community development, but we can always do more to market Dysart as a great place to live and raise a family. Strengthening partnerships between the city, local businesses, and organizations like the daycare and school district can make a real difference. Promoting new housing opportunities and family-oriented services will help bring more people here and keep our schools strong.

5) If you received a $1 million grant to use for Dysart any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?

I’d invest it in projects that directly support families and strengthen our sense of community. That could include expanding childcare facilities, improving parks and recreation areas, and updating infrastructure to support new housing and small-business development. Every dollar should go toward making Dysart an even better place to live, work, and raise children.

6) What are some of your favorite things to do in Dysart?

I love spending time with my family at local events like the Fourth of July Celebration, taking my kids to the library, going to local businesses like KE Black for a coffee and being a part of the community through our church and daycare center.

7) Why should people vote for you?

People should vote for me because I’m deeply invested in Dysart’s future. I understand the needs of young families, I’m active in our community, and I bring a caring, practical perspective from my work as a nurse and a mom. I’ll listen, work hard, and make decisions that keep Dysart growing while preserving the values that make it home.