🗳️ Election Quick Dates

• Oct 15 – Absentee ballots mailed & early in-person voting begins
• Oct 20 (5 p.m.) – Deadline to request absentee ballot & voter pre-registration (postmarks do not count)
• Nov 3 (4:30 p.m.) – Early in-person voting ends
• Nov 4 (7 a.m.–8 p.m.) – Election Day! Polls open; absentee ballots due by 8 p.m.

City/School Elections – November 4, 2025

The City/School Election will be held Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

• Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m..
• Vote at your assigned polling place. (See the Linn County Polling Places list online.)
• Absentee ballots mailed beginning October 15 to voters who requested one.
• Deadline to request an absentee ballot or pre-register to vote is 5 p.m. on October 20 (postmarks do not count).
• In-person early voting runs October 15 – November 3 (until 4:30 p.m.) at Election Services.
• All absentee ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
• Linn County Election Services is on the 2nd floor of the Jean Oxley Public Service Center, 935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids.

Vote by Mail

Voting from home is convenient and secure!

• Absentee ballot requests open 70 days before Election Day and must be received by 5 p.m. on the 15th day before Election Day.
• Each voter must submit their own original, signed request (mail or drop-off). Faxed/emailed requests must be followed by the original.
• Mail requests to: Linn County Election Services, 935 2nd St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404.
• When your ballot arrives, it will include instructions, a secrecy folder, and a prepaid return envelope. Be sure to sign the affidavit envelope.
• Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Track your ballot and get more information at Linn County Election Services.

Meet the Candidates

Name: Lyle Andersen - (Mayor Candidate)                             

Why do you want to be a part of city government? I enjoy the challenge of problem solving and have always been a person who wants to get involved.

Whether it is in business or an organization, being involved allows a person the opportunity to meet new people, become acquainted with new methods or doing business and (in this case) make our community a better place to live.

What is your background/experience that will help you be successful? After graduating from Kirkwood Community College, I joined the Navy. From there, I began working in customer service, then transitioned to sales. In the sales profession (both retail and wholesale), I have had the opportunity to work with many people from the Midwest to the coastal areas. The methodology of doing business changes from region to region so to be successful one must adapt.

What would you see as the biggest challenge facing Springville in the next 5 years?  One word — GROWTH!! We have a very good school system in our community. And with that comes families that want to enroll their children in this system. Then comes the question—” Are there any houses for sale or is there an area for new home building?” The answer is yes, we know when one becomes available. But for new homes, it is a different situation. Development costs have spiraled upward in recent years. Developing an area for both residential and commercial development takes millions of dollars… just to get it started. It takes a lot of forward thinking, planning and effort, but it will come.

How do you plan to stay connected with residents and ensure their voices are heard? A very important aspect in business, whether public or private, is to communicate. Taking the time to listen to a person’s comments, questions or issues will bring about a better resolution to whatever the subject may be. Being retired allows me more time to communicate with city staff, and residents of our community to keep everyone up to date on what is happening in Springville.

What do you appreciate most about living in Springville? I enjoy meeting people in our community, not only our neighbors but those on the north end of town as well as those in the Manor and new addition through the festivities and events held throughout the year.

Name: Daryl Pearson - (Mayor Candidate)  

 Why do you want to be a part of city government? The heart of my campaign is the belief that decisions made at the city level must be rooted in community input. ‘Our Town, Our Future’ isn’t just a slogan – it’s a promise that we will strengthen Springville together.

If elected Mayor, I will focus on preserving Springville’s small-town values while planning wisely for the future. That means making sure our infrastructure keeps up, supporting local businesses, investing in community spaces, prioritizing public safety, and ensuring every tax dollar is used responsibly while maintaining a balanced budget.

I want city leadership to listen to the citizens, weigh their input, and vote on decisions based on citizen interest in mind. This allows residents to feel connected to the decisions being made.

I recognize that I won’t always have the answer and may make mistakes. However, I pledge to lead with clarity, prioritize clear communication, and foster open dialogue within our community.

What is your background/experience that will help you be successful? I am currently chair of Springville’s Planning and Zoning Commission, a role I have served in for more than a decade. I work closely with city leadership, developers, and residents, gaining valuable insight into the town’s needs and priorities. This allows me to come into a new role with previous understanding of zoning code, ordinances, and municipal government. This would also allow me to be an effective mayor from day one, without a steep learning curve.

For over 20 years, I have been with Adel Wholesalers, where I now serve as the COO. I oversee day-to-day operations, keep departments aligned, and ensure things run smoothly – very similar to keeping a town’s services and projects organized and efficient. I also know how to support a team, balance a budget, and make sure goals are set and met on time. I have experience listening to others — and translating that into clear action.

What would you see as the biggest challenge facing Springville in the next 5 years?  Every challenge is a new opportunity; however, I believe one challenge facing Springville over the next five years will be balancing growth pressures with preserving our small-town identity. We need to be proactive – while still protecting the close-knit values that make Springville special. If elected, I want to make sure that every decision we make keeps our community connected, sustainable, and prepared for the future without losing the qualities that make Springville home. An example of an upcoming challenge would be the overpass project over HWY 151. Challenges will consist of loss of businesses like Casey’s and Citizens State Bank, future expansion inquiries, and economic shifts.

#R.I.P.Casey’sPizza 😥

How do you plan to stay connected with residents and ensure their voices are heard? Staying connected with the community is one of my top priorities. Through my years of attending countless city council meetings, I’ve seen firsthand how disconnected many residents are currently feeling – and that drives my commitment to change it. Too often, citizens are not fully informed about what is happening, nor do they feel like they have a true voice in shaping decisions. As mayor, I would ensure that minutes, agendas, and newsletters are made more easily accessible to the public. I also want to make the city website clearer and more user-friendly so residents can quickly find the information they need. In addition, I plan to post short and consistent video updates (2-5 minutes) on social media to provide clear and timely information about what’s happening in Springville. My goal is to create open, ongoing communication so that residents feel informed, included, and connected in every step of the decision-making process.

What do you appreciate most about living in Springville? What I appreciate most about living in a small town is the sense of community and connection. I came from a very large town and never imagined myself being in a small town, but after living in Springville for over 20 years, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. In Springville, people know their neighbors, they show up for one another, and there’s a shared pride in our traditions and values. I live here with my wife, Shelly, and our daughter, Megan – both proud Springville alumni – and together we’ve experienced firsthand what makes this town so special. Living here means being part of something bigger than yourself – where relationships matter and every person’s voice carries weight. That closeness is what I want to preserve and strengthen as mayor.

Name: Cindy Kilburg - (Council 4-yr Candidate)  

 Why do you want to be a part of city government? I have been on the City Council for the last 4 years. I would like to continue to be a part of a positive group of community members who are focused and driven to keep Springville a place where people come to find their home, raise a family, and want to stay - just as I did.  I think it’s important to give back to your community.  I can say that I have learned so much about our community while serving on the Council these last 4 years. I believe that I have the skills, personality, determination and commitment to serve Springville for another 4 years. If given the opportunity, I would love to continue serving my community in this manner.

What is your background/experience that will help you be successful?

My family has lived in Springville since 1998, and my husband and I raised all 8 of our kids here in this community. Being active in many school related activities over the years, as well as being on the Council, that last 4 years has allowed me to become familiar with community needs, wants, and concerns. On a professional level, I have worked in sales for 28 years. I feel that my profession requires me to work together with people of differing opinions, ideas, and sometimes goals to find common ground and complete tasks at hand

What would you see as the biggest challenge facing Springville in the next 5 years?  Growth. With growth comes growing pains. Growth is necessary for the survival of small towns like ours, but it also means making sure we keep the character and close-knit feel of our community while welcoming new families and businesses. Planning carefully for housing, infrastructure, and services will be important so we can grow in a way that benefits everyone.

How do you plan to stay connected with residents and ensure their voices are heard?  I don’t work in the community; however, I gladly accept emails, calls, texts, messages, or stopping me to chat while I’m out and about!  I encourage residents to reach out to your Council Members with any thoughts or concerns you may have.  I want to be sure that community issues are being addressed, and communication is the key to this happening.

What do you appreciate most about living in Springville? I appreciate the small-town atmosphere! My husband and I moved here to raise a family, and we would do it all over again!  There is a sense of peace and pride in knowing nearly everyone in town. It’s comforting to know that when our neighbors need help, there’s a community ready to jump in at a moment’s notice with a helping hand. We consider Springville to be our extended family 

Name: Drew Mollenhauer - (Council 4-yr Candidate) 

Why do you want to be a part of city government? I want to be part of city government because I enjoy new challenges, I strive to help people, and I believe my perspective as a young professional can add value. Serving on the city council would allow me to contribute fresh ideas while working to meet the needs of our community

What is your background/experience that will help you be successful? I have over 12 years of experience in city government, currently serving as a Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Marion and previously working in Marion’s Public Works Department. This professional background has given me a strong understanding of city budgeting, operations, and customer service. For the past ten years, I have also been active in public safety, and I currently serve as a volunteer firefighter and AEMT with Springville Fire and Rescue. These roles have strengthened my knowledge of community needs, emergency response, and teamwork. My professional and volunteer experiences provide me with a balanced perspective on how city services operate and how they affect residents’ daily lives. I am committed to bringing this experience, along with a simple approach, as a member of the city council.

What would you see as the biggest challenge facing Springville in the next 5 years?  I think one of the biggest challenges for Springville in the next five years will be proper funding and how those funds are allocated. Whether our community grows or stays closer to its small-town roots, there will still be ongoing needs for infrastructure, public safety, recreation, and other city services. Making sure tax dollars are spent wisely will be key to keeping those services strong and reliable. By planning ahead and prioritizing carefully, we can protect what people already value about Springville while also being ready for future opportunities. The real challenge will be finding that balance and making sure resources are used in a way that benefits everyone.

How do you plan to stay connected with residents and ensure their voices are heard? I plan to stay connected with residents by being visible and approachable. Attending public meetings and events will allow me to hear directly from residents, while surveys and social media can help reach those who may not attend meetings but still want their voices heard. I believe community engagement is key, and I will work with the city clerk and city staff to get accurate answers when concerns are raised and share them back through public-facing means, such as the city newsletter. I want residents to feel well-informed and confident that information is being shared with transparency.

What do you appreciate most about living in Springville? What I appreciate most about living in Springville is the small-town feel, where you know the people you see walking by. I like being part of the fire department because it’s a group that truly cares for the residents and works together as a team. I also enjoy the local traditions like the tractor pull and the parades that bring people out. I appreciate having a nice fishing pond at Cox Park and the sense of safety that comes with living here.

Name: Steven Pingel - (Council 4-yr Candidate)  

Why do you want to be a part of city government?  I’ve greatly enjoyed serving on the Parks Board, where I’ve helped raise funds and see new parks take shape for our community. That experience has inspired me to bring the same dedication to the broader work of city government. I want to do my part to ensure Springville continues to thrive by keeping our infrastructure safe and functional, supporting strong public safety, and planning for sustainable growth that allows families to live, work, and play here for generations to come. Most importantly, I want to preserve the small-town character and sense of community that make Springville such a special place to call home.

What is your background/experience that will help you be successful?  By day, I work as a Software Engineering Consultant, helping organizations from billion-dollar manufacturers to small local businesses. In that role, I lead diverse teams, guide projects from ideas to delivery, and find innovative solutions by looking at every side of an issue. I also help companies improve efficiency so they can do more with fewer resources—skills I believe translate directly to city government.

Locally, I serve on the Parks Board, where I’ve helped plan community events like Fun Days and supported projects such as Emmons Park. I also manage the Parks Board’s Facebook page, which has boosted community engagement. Together, these experiences have given me both the leadership and the local perspective to serve Springville well.

What would you see as the biggest challenge facing Springville in the next 5 years?  I see three priorities ahead for Springville: infrastructure, amenities, and growth—in that order. Without safe and functional infrastructure, we can’t support the amenities families expect, and without amenities, it’s hard to attract and retain the next generation who will keep our community thriving. That means making sure our critical systems are strong: safe roads and sidewalks, reliable stormwater and water quality, and public safety services like fire and sheriff’s support. It also means ensuring children can walk to and from school safely with adequate sidewalks, marked crossings, and appropriate intersections. By focusing first on infrastructure, we’ll be positioned to build the amenities that make people want to stay, guiding healthy and sustainable growth.

How do you plan to stay connected with residents and ensure their voices are heard? I believe the best way to understand how our city is doing is by listening directly to residents. I plan to stay engaged by attending community and city events, meeting with people one-on-one, and being available for conversations in everyday life—even if it’s just while I’m out walking my dog. I also follow the lively discussions on Springville’s community Facebook groups and value the perspectives shared there. Beyond that, I encourage residents to attend city council meetings, which are a great way to stay informed and see how decisions are made. My commitment is to always listen first and make sure the voices of Springville residents are reflected in the direction of our city.

What do you appreciate most about living in Springville? My wife and I moved to Springville in 2017 and have loved raising our two children in this welcoming community. We appreciate the strong connections with neighbors and the friendships we’ve built, as well as the energy and involvement of citizens throughout town. I am proud of our small yet vibrant school system and the way the community comes together—whether through sports, volunteer projects, or planting trees in our parks. What I value most is the small-town feel: the sense of connection, care, and shared responsibility that makes Springville unique. I want to help ensure our town remains healthy, vibrant, and a place my children—and future generations—will remember fondly as the heart of their childhood.

Name: Treva Davis - (Council 2-yr Candidate)  

Why do you want to be a part of city government? I have been attending council meetings for many years. I have been interested in being a part of city government for a long time, as I want to be a part of the improvement of our city. I appreciate that the council gave me a chance to be on the council by appointment, it has been an amazing experience. I want to be a part of the current council and work with them to make things better for Springville.

What is your background/experience that will help you be successful? Since moving to Springville in 1972, I have been actively involved in the community. My experience in various organizations has motivated me to keep volunteering and helped me grow as a person. I have led a number of organizations in the past years. I was president of the library board of trustees when the current library was built, which entailed lots of challenges and leadership. I have volunteered at many community events and have worked hard to be an active member of the community.

What would you see as the biggest challenge facing Springville in the next 5 years?  Growth and the challenges the city will face with that growth. City infrastructure will be impacted by growth, requiring updates to streets, sewers, and water systems, along with ongoing maintenance of these resources each year.

How do you plan to stay connected with residents and ensure their voices are heard? I am open to receiving input from citizens regarding ways to improve the community.  If there is an issue, I would appreciate being informed. I am always open to conversations by email or in person.

What do you appreciate most about living in Springville? Wow, there are so many things—the people, the caring for one another, the safety, the way everyone steps up to do what is best.