Blind to run for FM Mayor

BLIND

RUNNING

My first thought was, ‘Really?' but then I started to think about it, and I realized that maybe this was something that I could do.”

Melinda Blind, candidate for FM Mayor.

FORT MADISON – A very familiar face is looking to move what used to be just one seat to her right at Council Chambers in Fort Madison.
Former City Clerk Melinda Blind announced Thursday that she will be running for Fort Madison Mayor in the November City/School general election.
Blind said she’s about three weeks into deliberations to seek the office, but doesn’t have a platform developed or campaign strategy.
“I’m just getting it out there,” Blind said.
“There are a lot of people who are wondering who’s going to run and I wanted to let them know I’m running.”
Current Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld has indicated he won’t be seeking re-election for the next two-year term.
Blind said she was approached by several people encouraging her to run.
“My first thought was, ‘Really?' but then I started to think about it, and I realized that maybe this was something that I could do.”
Blind certainly comes with the qualificationsof understanding city staff. Her 13 years as City Clerk uniquely positions her with an understanding of city processes. But she also has additional time with the city, totaling almost 30 years, as a stenographer with different departments. She also has background as an Accent page editor at the Daily Democrat, Director of the Lee County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and a stint as a legal secretary with a local law firm.
“I started talking to a few City Council members and mayors - some current and former - you know, this is my hometown and it’s just one of those things that I want to see thrive,” she said.
“I want to see the improvements that have been made in the community continue and I want to help Fort Madison work to become more efficient in what we do. (City staff) do a good job now. I always have to give them kudos. They do a good job, but I always believe there are ways to continue to improve.”
Blind said she understands the set up of the city budget and that’s a big learning curve for most.
“For a lot of people, that’s quite something to sit down and decipher all the different pieces of the city budget. Where this funding comes from and can be spent and how it all works,” Blind said.
If she’s fortunate to earn enough votes for the position, Blind said she doesn’t believe she could step into the role without anticipating new things to learn or finding a new comfort zone with a gavel.
“There’s going to be some things that you know, and just like anything, there's some things that you're going to do. At first, you may be a little out of your comfort zone, but it's just like any new job.”
She’s also aware of some of the polarity that exists in the community right now and says it’s just a common occurrence.
“I think wherever you go in this country right now, there are levels of polarity. It  comes down to trying to find common ground to work from,” she said. “And you would think you should be able to find common ground. That would be a goal, right? You just have to keep promoting civil discourse.”
The Fort Madison native said she believes the city staff continues to operate at a high level despite the budget challenges currently facing not just Fort Madison, but many rural communities in Iowa and across the country.
One of the concerns she has is filling positions in the police department. The department is currently down six officers, according to a presentation from Police Chief Cody Potthast at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
“I want to say we’ve had trouble filling those spots since about 2020 and there are different factors. There are wage disparities and Fort Madison has the fire and police retirement fund, but some places are on IPERS.”
She wouldn't compare herself to past mayors, but said she plans to be very involved with city staff.
“I'll be involved. I intend to have regular contact with city staff and working with them on what the needs are for the city and how to accomplish those things. I just want to further the best interests of the city of Fort Madison and its citizens.”
She plans on having multiple sessions where residents will have an opportunity to meet her and discuss her candidacy. She also plans to use social media to promote her candidacy.
Blind and her husband Doug live in Fort Madison and raised three children, Tyler, Seth, and Ryan. Ryan died unexpectedly in April.
She said her family is supportive of her decision.
“I’m sure Ryan is saying the same thing.” she said.
No other names have surfaced officially to run for the seat. The school/city general election will be held Nov.. 4.