RIVERSIDE
Allen Schneider is running unopposed for a sixth two-year mayoral term in Riverside, and four candidates, including current Mayor Pro Tem Tom Sexton, are running for two Riverside City Council seats in the Nov. 4 election.
Each City Council seat carries a four-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Sexton is seeking re-election, and former City Council member Edgar McGuire, Chris Grinstead and Levi Schnoebelen are seeking Council seats.
Also on the ballot is an $8 million bond referendum for a proposed wellness center and a Washington County property tax measure.
Polling stations will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 4.
The News asked a series of questions as the election draws nearer.
MAYOR
Allen Schneider
(running unopposed)
Mayor since: 2016
Residence: Riverside
Family: Wife, Katie; Children, Jackson, Jacob, Cooper.
Community service: Coaching and supporting Highland Community Schools activities.
Business: Security Officer, MidWestOne Bank.
The News: Why are you running for re-election?
Schneider: We have a great community and a good team of elected officials and city staff. I think we’re seeing exciting things happening in a number of areas. I’d especially like to see the wellness center project through to completion.
The News: Which accomplishments are you most proud of?
Schneider: I’m most proud of the group we have in place to lead the city and the support we receive from our citizens. There are a lot of positive things going on in Riverside right now and I want to see that continue.
The News: What are the top issues facing Riverside?
Schneider: We’ve seen a good amount of residential and commercial development over the last 10 years and there’s the potential for Riverside to continue to grow. We need to be thoughtful about how we want that to happen and what we want our town to look like over the next 5-10 years.
The News: If re-elected, what are your top priorities as you look at the next two years?
Schneider: If we’re fortunate enough to have our wellness center referendum approved, that will be a big focus over the next two years. I’m also excited to see our downtown revitalization project completed, as that should really give our downtown area a new look.
CITY COUNCIL
(2 seats, 4 candidates)
Chris Grinstead
Residence: Riverside
Family: Wife, Susie, married 41 years, District Office Manager, Endodontic Associates of Iowa; Two children, Corbin, Connor.
Community service: When the children were younger, my wife and I participated in ESO at Riverside Elementary, helped with lunches for teachers during parent-teacher conferences, worked with fundraisers to buy supplies for teachers and volunteered to go on field trips. Volunteered with the Riverside Ball Association for 10 years. Seven of those years I was an officer, we averaged around 225 to 240 kids per Summer League. We hosted three state tournaments during this time that brought teams in from all over the state. I did some volunteer work with Highland Football, mainly some fundraising and helping with field maintenance.
The News: Why are you running for election?
Grinstead: I am looking to give back to the community; we have lived in Riverside 39 years. I call it my adopted hometown as our family really feels a sense of fitting in. I want Riverside to continue to grow and prosper, and I hope to be able to help in any way possible.
The News: What are the top issues facing Riverside?
Grinstead: I believe it will be the possible construction of a Wellness Center, the continuing effort to upgrade streets and storm sewers, and also the development of the north end of Riverside with emphasis on zero lot homes, and possible townhomes and condos.
The News: If elected, what are your top priorities?
Grinstead: If elected, I hope to continue the great work of the previous councils, and continue the emphasis on the infrastructure of existing city streets and storm sewers and the continued development of the north end of town with addition of new construction. I believe the citizens of Riverside have great ideas and vision, and we need to listen to and keep that dialogue open.
The News: What are three improvements you would like to see in Riverside?
Grinstead: 1, I love our hidden gem, the walking/biking trail here in Riverside and would like to see it get more attention. But I would have to go with the need for more attention and follow-up of nuisance properties. We need to be firm but fair and if possible help the home owner with compliance. People should not have to be told, it’s part of owning property. Show some consideration towards your neighbors; 2, Continuing of the upgrading of streets/storm sewers as in finishing up 2nd, 3rd and 4th street on both the east and west ends of town; 3, continue development of new construction of houses, zero lot homes, and townhomes on the north side of town. And I might add, if the citizens of Riverside vote in favor of the Wellness Center, then this obviously will become an important priority to put out a great product for the people in the area. I think that the previous councils over the years have done a great job, they have set up Riverside to succeed. I hope to continue with what they have started but with a different perspective, basically different set of eyes. My hope for Riverside is nothing but the best.
Edgar McGuire
Residence: Riverside
Family: Brother lives in North Liberty.
Community service: Chair, Board of Adjustments; former City Council member.
The News: Why are you running for election?
McGuire: I served five years on the city council and saw firsthand what works — and what doesn’t. I enjoyed rolling up my sleeves and getting things done for the community. But lately, I’ve been concerned about where we’re headed. We’ve got real challenges coming and we can’t afford to treat them like business as usual. I’m running because I’m not afraid to ask tough questions, make hard calls and fight for a city that works for everyone.
The News: Which accomplishments are you most proud of as a former City Councilman?
McGuire: What I’m most proud of from my time on the City Council isn’t one thing, it’s everything we accomplished together. Every project we tackled, every tough decision we faced, every time we listened to the community and got things done—that collective effort is what made a real difference. Serving on the Council, as Chairman of the Board of Adjustments, on the EMS Advisory Board, and with the Riverboat Foundation, gave me the chance to dig in, lead when it mattered, and help Riverside move forward. That’s the kind of impact I’m proud of and it’s what drives me to keep serving.
The News: What are the top issues facing Riverside?
McGuire: There are several important issues facing Riverside that require careful thought and planning. First, I’ve always been a strong supporter of our public safety agencies—whether it’s the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, EMS or the Riverside Fire Department. Ensuring they have the resources they need to protect our community is a top priority for me. I’m also deeply committed to fiscal responsibility. One area of concern is the cost of community-building projects. We’re talking about spending millions of dollars on a town of just 1,000 people. I believe it might make more sense to partner with Kalona, offering Riverside residents the opportunity to use their community building at a lower cost. This approach could save us money while still offering valuable services to our residents. Another issue I’m keeping a close eye on is the Cedar Rapids Casino and its potential impact on Riverside’s spending. We need to carefully consider how it might affect our local economy and the demand in our budget.
The News: If elected, what are your top priorities?
McGuire: If elected, my top priorities will focus on fiscal responsibility, community growth and ensuring Riverside remains a great place to live for everyone. First, we need to finish our street projects before we run into any funding issues. Streets are the backbone of our community and it’s crucial that we maintain them properly. I’m committed to ensuring that we’re spending wisely, addressing our infrastructure needs and avoiding unnecessary debt. Another key priority is revitalizing our downtown area. A vibrant downtown can attract new businesses and services that cater to all our citizens. We need to focus on creating a welcoming environment that supports a diverse range of businesses, which will ultimately boost our local economy. Additionally, we must address city nuisances—whether it's poorly maintained properties, abandoned vehicles, or litter. Ensuring that Riverside is clean and well-kept is essential to maintaining our community's pride and appeal. Lastly, public safety will always be a priority for me. I will continue supporting our law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS to ensure they have the resources they need to keep Riverside safe.
Tom Sexton
Residence: Riverside
Current position: City Council member, Mayor Pro Tem.
(Editor’s Note: Tom Sexton did not respond to requests by The News for inclusion in this question-and-answer candidates’ format)
Levi Schnoebelen
Residence: Riverside
Family: Lisa and Randy Schoebelen, mother/father; Ralph Schnoebelen, grandfather; Jarad, brother; Amy Magil, sister; Hannah Collins, significant other.
The News: Why are you running for election?
Schnoebelen: I'm wanting to carry on my grandfather's commitment and love for the city of Riverside. Also, I want to be a spokesperson for the younger generation interested in the community.
The News: What are the top issues facing Riverside?
Schnoebelen: Infrastructure/roads and sidewalks. Also, the safety of Highway 22 and the Interstate. Along with the safety of Riverside in general.
The News: If elected, what are your top priorities?
Schnoebelen: My top priorities will be infrastructure and being open to learning more about city government.
The News: What are three improvements you would like to see in Riverside?
Schnoebelen: Improvements I would like to see are the finishing of roads and sidewalks, more activities for the community, and the growth of houses and local businesses.