Two Mount Pleasant mayoral candidates — incumbent Steve Brimhall and challenger Kim (Kacey) Conrad — took the stage Thursday night for a public forum hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance: Government Relations Committee. The event gave residents a close look at each candidate’s priorities, experiences, and visions for the city’s future.
Conrad opened by thanking the Chamber and current Mayor Brimhall for his years of service. A small business owner of more than 40 years, Conrad said she and her husband moved to Mount Pleasant to be closer to family, and stayed because of the community. Since arriving, she’s co-founded a professional women’s group and helped raise over $8,000 for school libraries alongside the Kiwanis Club. “I’m not a cookie-cutter candidate,” she said. “I’m a builder.”
Mayor Brimhall, who is seeking reelection after decades in local government, highlighted his long record of civic service. Born and raised in Henry County, Brimhall served on the City Council for 19 years and is active in several local boards. “Our families deserve good jobs, safe neighborhoods, and responsive government,” he said.
Experience and Qualifications
Brimhall emphasized his background in finance and policy, noting that he helped develop the city’s personnel manual during his early years on the council. “I look at the budget monthly,” he said, adding that careful oversight has helped the city secure favorable loan rates and maintain financial stability.
Conrad drew from her international experience as a chief operating officer for an educational consulting firm, where she managed large-scale budgets, staffing, and facility projects. “I opened six private schools from start to finish,” she said. “I’ve built things from the ground up — that’s what I do.”
Economic Development and Growth
When asked about using local incentives such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, both candidates voiced cautious support. Brimhall said such incentives are “almost a necessity” in today’s competitive environment but warned against overly generous terms. “Give what you have to give to a new business,” he said, “but don’t give away the store.”
Conrad agreed that incentives can help but focused on supporting small and locally owned businesses. She proposed a “concierge page” on the city’s website to streamline information for new entrepreneurs and highlight available properties and zoning details.
Tourism and Community Amenities
Both candidates acknowledged the economic power of Midwest Old Threshers but said tourism could be broadened. “Old Threshers is great,” Conrad said, “but it shouldn’t be the only game in town.” She suggested developing downtown events, promoting the city’s diversity, and partnering with Amtrak and local hotels to attract weekend visitors.
Brimhall credited Old Threshers and Main Street programs with generating vital revenue and volunteer engagement, noting that city hotel-motel taxes help fund both efforts.
On parks and trails, Brimhall discussed plans for new recreation areas, including a long-planned park in the Lee Town area and trail extensions on Winfield Avenue.
Kim Conrad praised existing trail plans but urged better year-round maintenance and creative use of outdoor spaces like Oakland Mills.
Future Vision and Priorities
Steve Brimhall said housing development remains one of the biggest challenges to growth. “To increase population, you have to increase places for people to live,” he said, pointing to several new apartment projects underway since Iowa Wesleyan’s closure.
Conrad outlined three key strategies for growth: boosting tourism, recruiting remote workers, and attracting new small businesses through outreach and improved communication. “We can grow if we make Mount Pleasant more attractive for families and entrepreneurs,” she said.
When asked what she would add to the community “if money were no issue”, Conrad proposed public transportation and more benches downtown to make the area more accessible for seniors.
Brimhall said his dream project would be a long-discussed recreation center, though its cost has made it “a hard sell without a major bond issue.”
Utilities, Taxes, and Civic Engagement
On utility rates, Brimhall said the city works to keep costs low but remains “at the mercy of the market.” Conrad suggested exploring renewable options like wind and solar power to stabilize long-term energy costs.
Both candidates agreed that partisanship should stay out of city government. Conrad proposed quarterly town halls to increase citizen input, while Brimhall said he appoints people to city committees based on ability, not political affiliation.
Looking ahead, Conrad said she envisions a Mount Pleasant that’s “one-third larger, thriving, and diverse,” with a lively downtown and stronger connections between residents. Brimhall said continued growth will depend on housing, infrastructure, and cooperation among local leaders.
The Mount Pleasant mayoral election will take place on Tuesday, November 4, with early voting now open at the Henry County Courthouse. Sample ballots are available online at the county website.
