ABOUT CJ FLYNN
Why I’m Running for City Council
In 2024, I had the honor of running for a seat on the Hiawatha City Council in a special election. While I came up just three votes short, the experience reaffirmed my deep commitment to civic engagement and the importance of serving our community.
I believe in the power of local government to make a real difference in the lives of its residents. That’s why I’m running for City Council again—this time, with the determination to win.
Our city deserves leadership that represents everyone, not just a select few. As a resident of Hiawatha’s more diverse and working class neighborhoods, I’m committed to bringing fresh perspectives and inclusive ideas to the table. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community for all of Hiawatha.
Let’s make it happen—this time, together.
CAMPAIGN ISSUES
Housing
Hiawatha has a unique opportunity to address the growing need for more affordable and accessible housing. Our community should explore creative solutions that go beyond traditional single-family homes to meet the diverse needs of current and future residents. Owner-occupied duplexes, like the one I call home, are a great example of housing that can offer affordability and community stability. Expanding options such as townhomes, multi-family units, and mixed-use developments can also create more opportunities for people to live and thrive in Hiawatha.
By prioritizing housing policies that encourage a variety of living options, we can ensure that Hiawatha remains an inclusive and welcoming city for families, young professionals, retirees, and individuals across income levels. Accessible housing benefits not only those who live here but also strengthens the fabric of our entire community by fostering diversity and growth.
All voices heard
Hiawatha thrives when all voices in our community are heard and represented. Currently, the city council is dominated by members from just two subdivisions in the northern part of town, creating a risk of an echo chamber where policies and decisions reflect only a narrow set of perspectives. The day-to-day experiences of someone living in a million-dollar mansion in the north are vastly different from those of a resident in a $100,000 duplex, like me. Both perspectives matter, but one should not dominate the conversation.
By bringing representation from other precincts and income levels, I can ensure that the voices of all Hiawatha residents are heard and valued. My goal is to broaden the council’s focus to include the needs and challenges of our entire community—not just a select few. By fostering diversity in perspectives and priorities, we can make decisions that truly reflect and benefit everyone in Hiawatha.
Ecological preservation
Ecological preservation is vital to maintaining Hiawatha’s natural beauty should be a priority, not an afterthought.