News

Contains responses to questions posed at the Candidate Forum hosted by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

This article focuses on my motivation for serving on city council.  It also discusses my background.

There are a couple of errors:

• I worked for the World Bank in Washington, DC, not in New York City.
• I graduated from law school in 2002, not 1992.

This article includes a biography and responses to questions posed by the reporter.

Councilman Charles Schneider Formally Files for Re-Election

West Des Moines – West Des Moines Councilman Charles Schneider officially filed paperwork today seeking re-election to his Ward 2 seat.  With this action, Councilman Schneider will have his name on the ballot this November.

“I want to build on the success we’ve had in spite of the recession.  We’ve tightened the city’s budget but at the same time continued to attract new businesses, provide quality services, and enhance the quality of life,” noted Schneider, 38, who works as legal counsel at Principal Financial Group.

“Today I’m submitting 61 signatures from constituents who are encouraging me to seek re-election.  I’m honored and humbled by those who have placed their confidence in me and support my candidacy,” remarked Schneider, who was first elected in 2007.

Schneider attended school at Sacred Heart and Dowling High School in West Des Moines.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Creighton University and his law degree and MBA from the University of Iowa.  Prior to being elected to the city council in 2007 he served on the West Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission.  He recently received the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s 2011 Distinguished Government Leadership Award.

Councilman Charles Schneider to Seek Re-Election

Touts West Des Moines’ Successes

West Des Moines – June 1, 2011.  Councilman Charles Schneider today announced he is seeking re-election this Fall to the city council.  Schneider, the current Ward 2 councilman, wants to continue his work in controlling government spending and growing the city.

“I want to make sure West Des Moines continues to be a brain gain engine for Iowa.  In spite of the recession, our city has attracted great employers like Aviva and Microsoft, and has added marquee retailers like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.  Quality growth like this helps West Des Moines attract and retain families,” commented Schneider, who works as legal counsel at Principal Financial Group.

Although recent years have been challenging to families and businesses, the city has continued to attract nationally known companies and retailers.  Additionally, the city’s finances are strong.  It has the highest possible bond rating from both Moody’s and S&P and has not raised its property tax levy during Schneider’s term. 

As Chair of the city council’s Finance Committee, Schneider has helped steer the city through the recent recession.  “My goal was to get West Des Moines through the recession without raising the city’s property tax levy.  By watching city spending, sharing more services with other cities, and managing our health care costs, we’ve kept the levy flat without shutting down essential services or halting growth altogether,” concluded Schneider, who has both a law degree and an MBA from the University of Iowa.

In his re-election announcement Schneider was very clear on his re-election strategy.  “I will take my record on the council for the past 4 years door-to-door and ask Ward 2 residents for their vote,” he said.

Charles and his wife Lisa reside at 7887 Cody Drive in West Des Moines.  He attended Sacred Heart School and Dowling High School in West Des Moines.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Creighton University and his law and MBA degrees from the University of Iowa.  Prior to his election in 2007, Schneider served on the city’s Plan and Zoning Commission.  He recently received the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s 2011 Distinguished Government Leadership Award.

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www.schneiderforcitycouncil.com

Paid for by Schneider for City Council

The City of West Des Moines has recently hired AngelouEconomics, an Austin, Texas based economic development firm to complete an economic development action plan for the City of West Des Moines.  Councilman Schneider has been tapped to serve on the project's Steering Committee.  The Steering Committee will be responsible for providing insights and overall project guidance and oversight.

The AngelouEconomics' project team will be making their first trip to West Des Moines July 7-9. During the trip, they will be leading a series of focus groups and interviews with representatives from civic leaders, local government, workforce development and education, the development community, and local businesses. The purpose of the interviews and focus groups is to help AngelouEconomics gain a solid understanding of West Des Moines' current economic situation, including its strengths and its challenges. Their first workshop will be a Steering Committee "visioning" session to brief Steering Committee members on the overall project process and gather their input on which specific issues they should be focusing over the next several months.

Subsequent to that session, the Steering Committee's responsibilities over the life of the project will include reviewing and providing timely feedback on project reports as well as periodically convening to provide in-depth direction.