PROFILE: Longtime City Council member Gary Rustad is running for Mayor

Gary Rustad is no stranger to Decorah city government. He has served on the Decorah City Council for the past 20 years and has been Mayor Pro-Tem for the past 12 years.

Rather than seek re-election for his at-large seat on the city council, he has opted to run for Mayor of Decorah.  Rustad says it  has been a long-time goal of his to run for mayor--"It's something I've always wanted to do."

During his time on the Decorah City Council, Rustad has served as chairman of the Street Committee, served on the Utility, Community Betterment, and Personnel committees, and has represented the city on the Winneshiek County Community Foundation Board.

Rustad envisions the role of mayor as being a leading salesperson who actively talks about the merits and benefits of Decorah. His priorities include: working with the city council, Chamber of Commerce, and Winneshiek County Development to attract new business and employment opportunities; maintaining and improving city services without passing the burden onto the taxpayers; and expanding residential development to make it possible for young families to make Decorah their home.

"I believe the strength of a community lies in its downtown. Decorah has a host of wonderful leaders and business owners and I want to work together to grow Decorah's downtown and provide the support needed to keep it vibrant."

To contact Gary Rustad, email garyfrustad@gmail.com or call (563) 380-0124.