Grimes City Council member David Gisch and Allen May are vying to become the new mayor of Grimes.
Two-term Mayor Scott Mikkelsen is not seeking reelection.
The Des Moines Register asked each candidate to respond to questions on why they're running and the issues facing their city. Their answers may be lightly edited for clarity or length.
The election is Nov. 4.
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David Gisch
Current occupation: College academic dean at Des Moines Area Community College
Education background: Master's in mathematics
Where did you grow up? Algona
Political experience: Served two terms (eight years) on the Grimes City Council, including time as the vice chair of Metro Waste Authority and current chair of the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District board.
Age: 44
Allen May
Current occupation: Retired past city planner in Des Moines, approved projects like 801 Grand, Sleepy Hollow, Principal Park and Salisbury House, etc.
Education background: Bachelor's urban planning and MPA credits, both from Iowa State University
Where did you grow up? Northern Iowa, in Garner and New Hampton
Political experience: Ran for Grimes mayor last time and got 40% of the vote, yet only lived here for a year.
Age: 73
Why are you running?
David Gisch: When I first ran in 2017, I wanted to change how our city was run and see key projects accomplished. In my two terms, we’ve done just that — lowering taxes while completing major projects like the library, splash pad, public safety building, Hy-Vee Multiplex, and significant infrastructure investments. I want to continue this positive trajectory. I truly enjoy the work of solving challenges, listening to residents, and collaborating to find common-sense solutions that keep Grimes moving forward.
Allen May: Facilitator for the betterment of Grimes through a collaborative working environment for citizens. Get back to basics. This requires open meetings and discussion from all sides. Listening is a key in communication.Transparency of budgets and project work activities. On time project completions. Good city customer service on resident issues and observations for a positive outcome.
What is the most important issue facing your city and what would you do to address it?
David Gisch: The most important issue is ensuring Grimes grows responsibly with the resources we have. We’ve secured long-term solutions for drinking water and wastewater and are investing in roads to prepare for the state’s future widening of Highway 44. At the same time, we’ve delivered amenities like the library, splash pad, and Hy-Vee Multiplex that strengthen our community. As mayor, I’ll continue leading with a balanced approach — investing in core infrastructure while enhancing public spaces — to keep Grimes vibrant, family-friendly, and prepared for the future.
Allen May: One of the biggest issues in the city is our street network and continuity within Grimes and to adjoining cities. It is obvious that the open ditches along James Street and with standing water are sad. James goes into four-lane in Urbandale and needs improvement for our citizens and potential developers. Address this issue to be paved and widened as a main north/south connector. First Street is a mess during our rush hour. An idea is to move Highway 44 out of the middle of town, to link from 37th Street to County Line Road to bypass the truck traffic out. In the election four years ago, I stated that SW 11th Street needed to tie in with James Street, so take a look.
How would you balance a desire to lower property taxes with a need to provide resources to your city?
David Gisch: We’ve lowered the city levy rate six years in a row while still delivering key projects and services. The key is balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs — using data and public input to guide decisions and ensuring we live within our means. That approach has worked, and as mayor I’ll continue focusing on efficiency, smart investments, and thoughtful planning so we can keep taxes low while providing the resources our growing city needs.
Allen May: The comment that the city hasn't raised our levy is a smoke and mirrors analogy because all our taxes have gone up, not down. This only relates to the fact that our property assessment evaluations has gone up year after year, so we can levy less and still generate the same or more tax revenue to Grimes. An innovative way to help solve this issue is to leverage funds from other sources like state and/or federal funds, or private sources. I have done this in previous cities to obtain grants for multiple city improvements free to the citizens, even going to Washington, D.C., showing leadership in action.
Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at [email protected].