Schulz announces candidacy for FM Mayor

CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR

Residents are grappling with rising living costs, higher property taxes, and looming infrastructure projects that threaten to increase the financial burden on taxpayers further.”

Tom Schulz, candidate for Fort Madison Mayor

FORT MADISON - A former Fort Madison City Councilman and Lee County Supervisor will be running for Fort Madison Mayor in the November City/School general election.
Tom Schulz announced his candidacy for mayor in a letter to Pen City Current saying the city is at a crossroads and is teetering on a financial brink of crisis.
"Residents are grappling with rising living costs, higher property taxes, and looming infrastructure projects that threaten to increase the financial burden on taxpayers further," Schulz said.
"Significant change is needed in how our city operates and we must get our financial house in order, set clear priorities, and focus on cutting costs while promoting sustainable growth."
Schulz won a special election in December of 2022 and was re-elected in 2021. In 2022 he vacated the seat after defeating Donna Amandus for the District 2 Supervisor seat. He was named chairman of the Lee County Board in 2024 and resigned after being cited for public intoxication following a board meeting by Fort Madison Police.
Despite the resignation, Schulz applied to be reinstated during an open candidacy appointment of his successor. Tim Wondra was appointed to the position and Schulz said his public service wasn't over.
“I believe people in my district still think I can do a good job representing them,” he said following Wondra's appointment.
Schulz said the change in mayor, with current Mayor Matt Mohrfeld saying he won't be on the ballot in November, will require a change in leadership style.
"This change requires leadership free from the influence of insider relationships, personal friendships, and outdated “good old boy” politics," he said.
"The era of pet projects and untouchable “sacred cows” must come to an end. Our leaders must be singularly focused on one priority: serving the taxpayers. Fort Madison needs servant leaders who deliver real results, leaders who are free from personal loyalty, and who focus on the greater good of the community rather than on issues and projects that benefit themselves."
Schulz went on to add that he wants to implement both short- and long-term solutions that stabilize the city's finances and position the city for a stronger future.
"As mayor, I am committed to financial reform, smart growth, citizen engagement, and transparent leadership. I will implement cost-control measures to eliminate waste and stabilize our budget; encourage responsible development that expands our tax base without overburdening residents; and host regular town hall meetings where every voice can be heard, not just scripted and restricted agendas, he said.
"Most importantly, I will ensure transparency by providing accessible information on city finances and projects, so residents know exactly where their money is going."
He said he understands key players and how to get things done, but hasn't been part of insider circles.
"If you want a mayor with an open door, a steadfast focus on taxpayers, and the determination to work tirelessly for Fort Madison, I am ready to serve," he said.
"If you are interested in joining our campaign team alongside our campaign treasurer, Sherri Yasenchok, please contact me by phone or text at 319-371-9134."