Meet Jonathan
Born to a firefighter and a nurse I have always been surrounded by great examples of public service.
I was raised that folks run towards a challenge rather than away from it.
I went to college at Luther College where I met my amazing wife Kristi and studied to become a public school teacher. I have had the privilege of teaching for the last ten years.
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I fell in love with Waterloo and its diversity and its drive as I started teaching here in 2015. Waterloo has always been a community of those willing to open their doors to others.
My wife and I are very fortunate to have two lovely and smart daughters, both born here in Waterloo. We are proud to call Waterloo home and to be raising our daughters here.
In 2019 I ran for City Council on a platform aimed at building a bright future for Waterloo.
My first term on council has been one of accomplishments and progress.
Waterloo in the past four years has adopted ambitious goals to address the climate crisis. We have put policies in place to help families gain access to child care.
We are investing in 21st century infrastructure including a public utility broadband network.
I have led the fight on many occasions to ensure that Waterloo is a welcoming place for all people.
I am proud of what I have achieved.
I am especially proud of:
Passing a resolution Affirming LGBTQ Waterloo Ctizens and asking for a state ban on conversion therapy
Passing a Declaration of Climate Emergency
Getting a Climate Action Plan in the works
Working to protect public health
Implementing reforms to foster more community connection with WPD
Becoming the 4th city to Adopt the 24/7 Clean Energy by 2035 Pledge
Passing the Changing Station Ordinance
Passing a Conversion Therapy Ban
Helping to create and being elected Chair of the Waterloo Safe Neighborhoods Commission
Being a Sponsor for the Solar Group Buy
Establishing a Pregnancy Loss Bereavement Policy for City Workers
Our progress toward City Wide Broadband
Having the highest level of Police Staffing since 2016
Station 6 is open
Child Care incentives created through CURA and CLURA
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In the next four years I will continue to work to further the progress we've made and push forward with future focused leadership to address:
Housing Insecurity
We need more affordable, accessible housing. I want to work with my colleagues to help ensure quality housing for residents of Waterloo.
Attracting Young Folks Back to Waterloo​
I plan on working with our business community, leisure sector, and others to make Waterloo an inviting community for young folks. We have so much to offer and we need to proudly show that so more folks choose Waterloo as their home.
Investing Equitably in Neighborhoods Across the City
We know that unfortunately in our past not all neighborhoods received the same opportunities for new housing, new businesses, and new infrastructure. As a councilor representing all of Waterloo one of my key goals is ensuring that we all do better and that means equitably distributing city resources.
Four years ago I asked the people of Ward 2 to let me represent them on the city council and work on their behalf for a better future for Waterloo.
And I believe I delivered.
But there is work yet to be done, fights still left to be fought, folks still to be helped up.
It has been an absolute honor to serve the folks of Waterloo over the last 4 years and now I'm running for the At-Large seat to truly represent ALL of Waterloo.
I hope to earn your support and your vote this November.
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Checks payable to Grieder for Waterloo can be mailed to:
2719 Edgemont Ave.
Waterloo, IA 50702
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