Why am I running for Mayor of Red Oak, Iowa?

Change is necessary, Unity is critical, Infrastructure upgrades are expected and Citizen Engagement is essential!  In order to attract and retain talent, grow population and businesses, we must address these critical and necessary issues!

Red Oak has abundant, untapped potential. Bringing together proactive, collaborative-spirited and passionately enthused community champions and key partners all with a shared vision, we will GROW Red Oak's opportunities for people, business and the overall economy!
Building Healthy CommUNITY!

For going on five years in Montgomery County, Iowa, in which over three were as the Executive Director/Economic Developer for Montgomery County Development Corporation, (MCDC), I experienced encouragement, appreciation and collaboration with the county supervisors, City of Stanton, City of Villisca, City of Elliott and MANY within Red Oak. However, the majority of MCDC's committees and board members knew where the rejections for progress were stalled.  

As a resident, tax payer, courageous leader and engaged volunteer, and as a professional who works with government officials on a daily basis to help rural communities thrive, I cannot sit back and watch the misalignment continue that is impeding progress for Red Oak. We will be courageous and visionary and set 2050 growth goals to retain and grow our talent, population, schools, businesses, spread our tax base and improve the overall economy!

Progress in our surrounding communities is being seen and realized because of:

• UNITY
• COMMUNITY (CITIZEN) INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING
• COURAGEOUS LEADESHIP
• AND SHARED VISION AND DETERMINIATION

We could not gain the same momentum and synergy in Red Oak and it's time for change, especially change focused on GROWTH GOALS and PEOPLE!



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​It's time we focus on:

I've stood firmly behind the critical priority topics necessary for forward-thinking progress, both, through my words and actions on foundational core topics:

• Fiber-Optic broadband & other critical infrastructure
• Housing - more types of options and more housing stock
• Childcare and Talent Development focused on Innovation 
• Unity - between city, economic development, county, chamber, financial investors, education, healthcare, social services, public safety, civic groups, non-profits, faith-based organization and collaboration across committees;
• Citizen Engagement - invite all our citizens, regardless of socio-economic status (especially those with barriers and across all ages and ethnicities) who are struggling and/or bring new topics to discussion. We are building a community for our youth and everyone!

I’ve spent the past 17 years as a professional rural, community-based economic development specialist, as a successful entrepreneur and very active volunteer focused on all aspects of community and economic development.  A key element of my current position is working with elected government leaders to find a united path forward to advance communities to a prosperous tomorrow. 

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Who Inspires me?

Anyone who is willing to stand up against all odds and strive with passion to overcome past challenges; who stand for something they believe in or know is the right thing to do for the majority; who seeks to solve issues and take action that advances others above themselves; and those who are driven to shine their light to brighten even a moment for others. Those who believe and live their faith and love all people - placing service over self. These are people that inspire and aspire me!

"Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success!" - Henry Ford
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Shawnna Silvius for Mayor of Red Oak, Iowa