Kyle Bauer was born and raised in Carroll. He is a businessman, General Manager at New Way Ford, and he owns storage units and rental properties within the city of Carroll. Bauer is another candidate for the Carroll City Council that is being supported by the local Political Action Committee (PAC), Citizens for Common Sense Government, but he says this isn’t the first time he has contemplated a run for an open seat.
Bauer says he also has concerns about how spending is being prioritized and wants to work collaboratively to see to it that the community’s needs are met in a fiscally responsible manner. He references a current project as an example.
Bauer adds he was contacted by City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, about a property he owns and a proposal from the city regarding the Corridor of Commerce 2.0 plan. He attended the meeting and was told they were considering putting commercial units or housing in that area. Bauer says he couldn’t help but wonder why they were not concentrating on the vacant properties in the heart of downtown first. The past year and a half has been a tough one for all Carroll businesses, he says, particularly in our Main Street region.
More fresh perspectives and fresh starts for existing businesses and to attract new businesses, such as the Chamber’s Live + Local events, are great ways to bring the support the merchants need. But it isn’t just about commerce. The need for expansion on the offering of local goods and services is directly tied to our census numbers and our ability to provide for their basic shelter needs first.
Bauer adds that the phrase “affordable housing” has been used to support the new rental code inspection policy in the city. However, he says, he has two houses that have had the same residents for 25+ years, and their idea of affordable housing is much different. The fact that the council did not listen to that has been an impetus for this candidacy. He also says he is saddened to hear from so many young people that they do not have plans to return after schooling, and this is an area in need of the city’s attention. Bauer says it is time to do away with the status quo and the rubber stamping. We can’t sit back and say “this is the way we have always done it,” he says. He is definitely not a yes man and he wants to research the issues, especially those that aren’t getting addressed. He says he will probably ruffle some feathers, but that is 100 percent okay with him.
But, he adds, he will just strive to do his best, every day. The Citizens for Common Sense Government PAC is looking for volunteers and supporters, who can give in a variety of different ways. For more information, call the organization’s secretary, Margaret Saddoris, using the number included below.
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To contact Margaret Saddoris for more information on the Carroll Citizens for Common Sense Government, call:
712-371-3454
