Mayor & City Council

Steve Dodson

Mayor Steve Dodson

Mayor of Hiawatha

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2027

Contact Information:

  • 2455 Creekside Drive
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-573-3252

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."

Aime Wichtendahl

Aime Wichtendahl

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2027

Contact Information:

  • 101 Emmons Street
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-721-9907

Bio:

Aime has been a resident of Hiawatha since 2007. As a former small business consultant with Godaddy.com, she helped local businesses throughout the U.S. develop their web presence and adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.

Campaign Pledge:

To create an environment in city government in which we celebrate the success of all local businesses.

Family:

Son, Steven.

Civic Experience:

  • Caucus Secretary for Hiawatha Precinct 2008
  • Graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Mount Mercy University in 2005
Rob Archibald

Rob Archibald

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2025

Contact Information:

  • 2560 Wolf Creek Trail
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-329-2830

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."

Jeff Cater

Jeff Cater

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2027

Contact Information:

  • 3021 Forrest Meadow Lane
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-360-0588

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.

Ben Fiedler

Ben Fiedler

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2027

Contact Information:

  • 140 Northwood Drive
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-899-2783

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.