Richard A. Griffin.

Richard A. Griffin

Age: 40

Education: M.A., Applied Linguistics, University of Northern Iowa

Occupation/Profession: Banker

Family: Married, four children

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

I’m running because Dysart’s finances need urgent, responsible leadership. My family has been here for generations, and I want our kids to see a strong future here.

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

We are off track. Dysart carries a high per-capita debt load. We can’t just keep raising taxes to cover obligations. We need to control operating costs, prioritize infrastructure, and pay down debt.

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

Financial management. Dysart’s levy is about $18.04 per $1,000 of taxable value (statewide average about $12.70). About $6.64 of our levy goes to debt service (statewide average about $1.24). We need to restore financial discipline and focus dollars on essentials.

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?

Dysart’s population declined 6% from 1,347 (2016) to 1,266 (2024) while Iowa grew about 6% statewide. The city can help by lowering the cost of living and doing business, and by delivering the basics that matter: dependable roads and reliable water.

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 use the entire $1 million grant to pay city debt. Dysart carries roughly $7.4 million in outstanding obligations. Paying down principal now would reduce future interest costs, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, and frees up room in the budget.

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

My favorite thing to do in Dysart is to live in Dysart. Dysart is my home. My goal is to help it thrive into the next generation.

7) Why should people vote for you?

I understand the numbers and the long game. I’ll focus on essentials and set priorities we can afford.