Mayor & City Council

Mayor Bill Bennett

Mayor of Hiawatha

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2023

Contact Information:

  • 101 Emmons Street
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-360-1986

Bio:

Bill has lived in Hiawatha for 45 years. He also owns and operates a second generation small business that has been operating in Hiawatha for 45 years.

Campaign Pledge:

To lead city government to be more financially efficient. To encourage the continued growth of Hiawatha, while protecting personal property rights. To encourage citizen involvement in city government.

Familiy:

Spouse Tracy and two children.

Aime Wichtendahl

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2023

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

Jerry Mohwinkle

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2023

Contact Information:

  • 2465 Wolf Creek Trail
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-360-0921

Bio:

Jerry and his late wife Pamela, moved to Hiawatha in 1975 purchasing a house on the west edge of town with a cornfield in our backyard. Twenty years later they built a house further west in Hiawatha, which at the time was last house on Wolf Creek Trail. They have truly experienced the expansion of Hiawatha. He seeks decision making for the greater good. He wishes to continue the advancement of the City of Hiawatha for all residents.

Family:

Partner, Mary; four sons and ten grandchildren.

Civic Experience:

  • Foundation II: Volunteer
  • Hiawatha Kids League: Coach, Board Member and Commissioner
  • Kennedy High School Booster Club: Vice President
  • Cedar Rapids Sunrise Rotary: Board Member
  • Co-Chairman of the annual Make-A-Wish Iowa "Wish Upon a Par" fundraiser
  • Miracles in Motion: Board Member and active volunteer
  • (Therapeutic Equestrian Horse Center for children with physical and cognitive issues. As well; also provide services to Veterans)
  • Hiawatha Public Library: Board Member and member of the Hiawatha Library Expansion Steering Committee

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."

Dick Olson

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2023

Contact Information:

  • 1840 Lyndhurst Dr
  • Hiawatha, IA 52233

319-378-1943

319-373-4713 X250

Bio:

Elected to fourth term. Served Hiawatha as Mayor Pro Tem and on numerous Hiawatha boards and commissions. Active leader in St. Pius X Parish. President of Personal Safety Corp., headquartered in Hiawatha.

Campaign Pledge:

To listen, learn, lead and pursue fiscally responsible initiatives.

Stated Objective:

To position Hiawatha as the area's premier place to live, work, invest and enjoy.

Education:

B.S. in Marketing and Management; DePaul University, Chicago, IL.

Family:

Wife Rita, two sons, two granddaughters and two grandsons.

Steve Dodson

City Council

Four-year Term Ending December 31, 2025

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."