Nathan Mortensen
Age: 24
Occupation: Mechanic
Email: Nathanmortensen123@outlook.com
My name is Nathan Mortensen. I have lived in Council Bluffs my whole life. My family has been here since the early 1900’s and owned the local south side grocery store “Mortensen’s.” I graduated high school from Abraham Lincoln, and college from Iowa Western Community College. I have had the pleasure of accumulating over 400 hours of community service/ volunteers. I did this by participating in roadside cleanup, lake cleanups, food drives, clothing drives, and so much more. It goes without saying that I love this city and the people that fill it. I like many of you believe that our city government is not fully representing the needs of its people. Tax dollars are being recklessly spent, and many are sick of the feeling of not having representation for where their money goes. I want to run on behalf of everybody who is ready for a positive change in the city!
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 absolutely essential, however, it is essential to be cautious doing so. Rapid growth can cause cities devastation, at the same time keeping a city stagnant will ultimately drive residents away. We need to work on the city we have before we can work on the city for the future. Fixing issues plaguing our residents and creating a safe, sustainable, and overall pleasant place for newcomers is important." |
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.
"I would work with the CBCSD, Lewis Central, and Saint Albert’s in creating an education plan that will effectively teach and prepare our youth for the real world. Currently our school system is not great and preparing students for after high school, a rejuvenation of our curriculums is definitely a necessary starting point." |
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.
"I believe a better question is how do we get Omaha residents to come work in Council Bluffs. Currently Omaha is booming with businesses and workers not only from Nebraska, but also from Council Bluffs. It is up to the city government to work with local businesses on convincing residents of our city and Omaha to work here. This could be done by using tax incentives, improving our education systems, creating more workforce development programs, this is really just a small list of tools I would use to incentivize businesses and workers to come here over Omaha." |
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 previously the General Manager of a local business where I had to be fiscally responsible in order to stay afloat. I would ensure that I was having weekly budget meetings to stay up to date on all spending that happens. When I first enter the Mayors Office I would thoroughly go through our previous and current spending to cut out any wasted there may be. I would prioritize our schools, law enforcement, and our public works! I think these three departments can make the most impact on issues that need addressed NOW!"
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.
"We have many vacant building all across our city. I would want to redevelop these building into affordable housing and businesses. Huge properties such as the old Menards building are just sitting vacant and would be the perfect spot for a franchise, local businesses, or business looking to expand to call home. There is also some prime real estate options for affordable housing to be opened up around town." |
Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil Questionnaire
1. Why do you want to serve in this office?
I love my community and the people in it. I want to do what I can to help our community improve, grow, and come together!
2. What should voters expect if you’re elected?
Voters can expect a highly transparent government as well as community first objectives. I will do my best to hear people’s concerns, opinions, and requests for change and implement strategies to keep our citizens safe and happy as well as our community clean!
3. What’s the most important issue facing voters?
There are many issues Council Bluffs is facing. I would say number one would be homelessness.
4. What's something else you plan to focus on?
Another big concern of mine is our roads/ vacant buildings. We need to make use of buildings we currently have around before we can begin expanding. Our roads are atrocious and need some serious attention.
5. Is the city going in the right direction?
I do not feel that the city is headed in the right direction and believe that most people feel highly ignored by our local government.
6. What is your position on the streetcar? Is that position firm or flexible?
I am firmly against the streetcar. We do not have a use for one at this moment and there are much better things that taxpayer money can be used for.
7. What’s a realistic timeframe to make housing no longer the city’s top priority?
I think housing/ affordable housing should ALWAYS be a top priority. If you want a city to grow and flourish you have to make sure people have places to live.
8. If you could have the state adopt or change one policy, what would you want?
I would say whoever wins this race needs to focus FIRST on issues facing our city. Then move onto battling for policy change. We need to educate our students better, fix our roads, figure out a solution to the homeless, create affordable housing options that matches our cities median income, and this is just the beginning of issues the need attention before anything else.
9. What else should voters know about you?
I was born and raised in Council Bluffs, my family was all born and raised in Council Bluffs. Like you and many of our candidates I am ready for change. Your money deserves representation, and as of now the money we pay in taxes goes to things that are not improving OUR LIVES.
10. In a sentence, why are you the right choice?
I will work tirelessly, day and night, to foster a healthy and transparent government that represents what the taxpayers want and need! I am not someone that will be swayed by money or politics to make decisions, the only thing on my agenda is helping our community.