There’s been multiple times as a small business owner that I’ve called Connie for help with city issues and she’s been proactive and responsive. There’s a morning where we came in to open the restaurant and we found that every meter had been bagged in every direction. I called Connie and she was very quick to get on the phone, reach out to city leadership and was able to get those bags removed so we could do business. It was the difference of making money or not for that week. What I’ve experienced with Connie over the years is that because she’s run her own businesses she is clearly always evolving and thinking of new ways to tackle problems. And really that’s all we can for from our city leaders is that they are on the spot and they are ready to help us when we need it.
Chris
Connie is the type of person that cares so much about getting something done that she does not have the ego that’s dying to get the credit for it. I’ve never ever heard her say – that’s not my problem. I’ve only ever heard her say – how can I help. We in the educational world want to know that elected officials get it. Having a mayor who’s served on the school board makes a ton of sense to me. We want somebody that knows everyone. We want somebody that’s already showing up to all these things, that’s been going to these things for years that recognizes who the people are that are also caring about Des Moines and bringing them together to keep that momentum going. To keep the progress of things going. We are lucky to have her.
Kristyn
I was helping a lady who had just come from Africa. She weighed 107 lbs and she had had twins but she was sleeping in a house with nothing. Imagine having 2 babies coming from the hospital and you have no food and you weigh that much. I called a couple people and Connie was one of them and I was like, she doesn’t have anything and I remember Connie and her husband coming late at night to bring I think dining tables or something. And then 2 days later she had gone shopping and brought this beautiful women all brand new clothing. And, what I do remember about that conversation with that young, amazing woman, she said it felt like someone had remembered her. I think leaders showing that commitment is really important.
Nancy
My name is Gloria Hoffmann and I’ve lived in Des Moines for 85 years. I’ve known of Connie for a long time. She has the experience as an at large councilperson. She has experience in other boards and committees around the city. She has business experience, finance experience, and whatever she’s done she does wholeheartedly. She puts her heart and soul into it. She’s energetic, she listens. She’d be an ideal role model as the mayor of Des Moines. The first women to hold that role.
Gloria
Connie is motivated. She is ready to make changes. She is ready to help the people. She shows us that everyday with her willingness to be out here and help us. We have an event every Friday in June and July and she is there every single Friday helping us with the 50/50 tickets, helping us take money, helping us serve water or pop, or anything we need. She did the water run for us one night. She’s an on the ground, hands on person and that’s what I love to see because I’m that way too. She is here to help every single one of us with any of the projects we try to take on in our neighborhoods. Connie cares about the people. That’s it, short and sweet. That’s what she cares about – us.
Emily
