Joseph Thornburg
Age: 52
Occupation: Business Owner
Email: jcthornburg73@gmail.com
I am an Iowa man born and raised. I have lived in Council Bluffs for approximately 50 years. I have seen a lot of things come and go and things that i feel should have that didn't and other things the did that shouldn't have. I see a lot of potential in our community, and I would like to see that potential tapped in to benefit the residents of our wonderful community. I would like to see our money go to the things that benefit our community and residents, instead of things that do not.
Question 1:
Population Growth & Economic Vitality Many residents and business leaders believe that growing the population of Council Bluffs is critical to near- and long-term economic vitality, workforce sustainability, and community vibrancy. Others are more cautious or uncertain about the need for growth, citing a desire to keep the community the way it is.
"Population growth is essential to all communities, but when the growth over exceeds the abilities of a community that's when a community begins to suffer. So yes population growth is good, as long as it is the correct growth done the right way, and is done on behave of the residents and not the wrong reasons." |
| Question 2:
Attracting and Retaining Workers and Families Building and maintaining a strong workforce, particularly young professionals and families, is important to ensuring a strong future workforce and a vibrant local economy.
"Bring back trade schools and education programs that young people and families can afford and advance their education from a normal blue collar families to the next higher level of the economy. The more a family makes the more a family spends within their community. Which enhances the entire community for everyone." |
| Question 3:
Role of City Government in Economic Development Economic development is increasingly competitive across the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro, the Midwest, and the nation. Communities are vying for limited business investment, talent, and development opportunities. While these efforts are often driven by private and nonprofit partners, city government plays a vital role in creating the conditions for success through policies, infrastructure, incentives, and collaboration.
"Have a small business type convention/meet and greet for people wanted to change careers, start a career, start a small business or even advance their small business to the next level. A place where other businesses and talk to one another and possible make mergers with one another to help advance the community." |
Question 4:
Fiscal Responsibility & City Budgeting Developing and managing the city budget is one of the most important responsibilities of elected officials. A responsible budget must reflect community priorities, comply with legal and financial constraints, and respond to changing economic conditions. Understanding how city revenues are generated, and how those funds can and cannot be used, is critical to making sound decisions.
What experience do you have with budgeting, particularly in government, business, or nonprofit settings? Share your understanding of how a city budget works, including major sources of revenue and how city services are paid for. How would you approach developing and monitoring the city’s budget? What city services or projects would you prioritize?
" I was the operations manager for an armored car company for 15 years managing large companies funds. I am also a small business owner, and I manger my own funds, accounts and city services according to priority and city constraints. I would have more intense discussions and voting on the items the funds would be for, and also make sure the funds are used for education, training, and services for small businesses and residents to open businesses."
| Question 5:
Downtown & Corridor Redevelopment Vibrant, well-designed corridors and a thriving downtown are key to a city’s identity, perception, and long-term economic momentum. In Council Bluffs, areas such as First Avenue, West Broadway, the riverfront, and the historic downtown, among others, serve as gateways to the community and focal points for housing, business, entertainment, and civic life. Redevelopment of these areas is central to attracting new investment, residents, and visitors.
"Making the entryways to the city is crucial to the long-term advancement to those areas and the city in general, but over paying for fancy gateways takes away from services and policies that can be used for residents or future residents to start new businesses and to keep current businesses from moving to other cities that offer more and safer programs." |
Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil Questionnaire
1. Why do you want to serve in this office?
I am just and average Joe wanting to be involved more and help make a difference in my community
2. What should voters expect if you’re elected?
They should expect to brutal, honest and dedicated answer to the policies and issues I am involved in.
3. What’s the most important issue facing voters?
From the inquiries I have asked, the answers I have received were they are concerned with the crime rate, the homeless, and drug issues starting to rise in the community. As well as the items the funds the city is using.
4. What's something else you plan to focus on?
Bringing back more education programs for adults to advance themselves and or helping them start a small business.
5. Is the city going in the right direction?
A lot of times I see the city taking two steps forward to just take a giant step back, instead of taking extra time to focus on the issue.
6. What is your position on the streetcar? Is that position firm or flexible?
I feel its a waste of resources, and shows that we are moving backwards 100 years instead of progressing forward. We got rid of street cars and red bricks for a reasons years ago. Lets address those reasons before going with that project.
7. What’s a realistic timeframe to make housing no longer the city’s top priority?
Is the housing really a priority? If so, why is there some many homeless shelters? Why are government housing so scarce and expensive? And why is it so difficult to get assistance for any help? Why has all the places for assistance been closed but one? If the amount spent on street art was used on the housing, it wouldn't be a priority
8. If you could have the state adopt or change one policy, what would you want?
To lower the taxes on properties, so that people wont have to sell their homes or businesses to move to another county or state. As well for people not to be able to buy a home because the taxes are so high.
9. What else should voters know about you?
I am an average blue collar worker trying to make a living for my family, and just want to try to make it easier for other people to be able to do the same without working themselves into the grave.
10. In a sentence, why are you the right choice?
Because I live in the city and I see and live the difficulties the residents and want to help make the changes i see that can be done