Mayor & City Council

Bio:

Steve has been a resident of Hiawatha for 18 years. He served our country as a Captain in the US Army and USAR. Steve graduated from Oklahoma State University and Emory University in Atlanta, GA. He loves spending time with his family, friends, and the great outdoors.

Family:

Spouse, Deb; 5 children, 9 grandchildren

Civic Experience:

• Hiawatha Board of Adjustment
• Hiawatha Unified Development Code Review Committee
• Hiawatha Comprehensive Plan 2036 Committee
• Board Member: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• (JDRF) Eastern Iowa Board of Directors
• Faithful Navigator 4th Degree Knights of Columbus
• Bowen Assembly #269
• Chancellor Knights of Columbus Council #909

Campaign Statement:

"I love Hiawatha and am proud to be a resident. I want to hear what other residents and businesses have to say and promote better growth and opportunities for them."

Bio:

Bill Bennett is a lifelong resident and dedicated public servant in Hiawatha. He previously served as mayor for two terms (January 2016 – December 2024) and now continues to serve the community on the Hiawatha City Council (appointed February 2025). As the owner of A-1 Storage, Five Seasons Motorsports Inc. and commercial properties, Bill has built strong relationships with residents and local businesses alike. He and his wife, Tracy, have two adult daughters, Ali who lives in Chicago and Lia who lives in beautiful Hiawatha.

Campaign Pledge:

To ensure transparent government, support public safety, and maintain the high quality of life that makes Hiawatha a great place to live and work.

Family:

• Spouse, Tracy
• Daughters, Ali and Lia

Civic Experience:

Bill is actively involved in several civic organizations, including the Hiawatha Lions Club and, as the former mayor, was involved in the Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation (HEDCO), where he advocated for responsible growth and community engagement.

Bio:

I grew up in the Hiawatha area and have a passion for the city and the corridor. My family and I have lived in the Wolf Creek neighborhood since 2013, and I firmly believe Hiawatha is a great place to raise a family or grow a business. I have worked at Duane Arnold since 2011 and currently work as their Industrial Safety and Health Manager. I have been a volunteer member of the fire department since 2002 and was involved in the implementation of Hiawatha Fire Department ambulance service. I have also worked full-time for both Coralville and Hiawatha Fire Departments.

Family:

Spouse, Chelsea; 3 daughters

Civic Experience:

• 2016 Recipient of the CBJ 40 under 40
• Volunteer Firefighter/Paramedic since 2002
• Hiawatha Funfest Committee Member
• Created and organized Firefighters 5k for Hiawatha Funfest 2016 and 2017
• Partner at St Marks Lutheran Church
• 2008 Floodfest Committee Member

Campaign Statement:

"Growing up in the area, I have a passion for the city and the corridor and firmly believe Hiawatha is a great place to raise a family or grow a business."

Bio:

Jeff has lived in Hiawatha since 2016. They are a family of 5. Jeff is married to Katie, who is a Cedar Rapids 1st grade teacher, and have 3 children Harrison 24, Anna 21 and Ryan 18 all at the University of Iowa. They love their current location in Dell Ridge and all that the City of Hiawatha has to offer.

Campaign Pledge:

I first became interested in serving the community in 2021 and ran unsuccessfully for city council at that time. However, as a result of that run I was offered the opportunity to serve on the City Planning and Zoning Commission, the Fire Department 2 Steering Committee and the Comprehensive Plan Review Committee in 2022. The experience gained from this convinced me that playing a role in the future direction of the City was a valuable endeavor. My goals center around promoting the opportunity that exists here for retail growth, increasing food and beverage options, and continuing to offer as many recreational options for Hiawatha and Linn County citizens in general as possible.

Bio:

Ben has been a resident of Hiawatha since 2017; however, he has spent the majority of his life in this area. Ben has been a member of the Hiawatha Board of Adjustments, Friends of Hiawatha Parks and Rec Foundation, Fire Station 2 steering committee.

Campaign Pledge:

My candidacy for Hiawatha City Council was inspired by a deep appreciation for the accomplishments of previous councils, many of whose members were retiring. In recognizing the need for continuity, I felt compelled to step into this role. With a passion for community service developed through involvement in local committees and volunteering, I am dedicated to enhancing community engagement. My overarching goal is to inspire a greater sense of connection among Hiawatha residents and ensure that the City Council reflects the diverse voices within our community.

Bio:

Jill is married with three grown daughters. Her family moved to Hiawatha in 2013. Prior to that time, they lived in Cedar Rapids, right next to Hiawatha city limits.

Jill works part-time at St. Luke’s Child Protection Center in Hiawatha as a Forensic Interviewer.

Campaign Pledge:

Hiawatha is a vibrant, growing community and I am excited to be part of supporting and helping with its development.

I strive to be open and accessible to those who live in Hiawatha. I am a collaborator and listener and will be open to all perspectives. I work to be a strong communicator, and I make decisions based upon the data available to inform those decision. I also recognize that not all decisions will make everyone happy, so I will do my best to communicate the rationale behind decisions that I help to make. I am honored and grateful to serve Hiawatha on the city council.