Craig VanDerAa is running for Macon City Council Election Ward #3

Craig VanDerAa

As many are aware, I have decided to run for office. Here is a portion of my vision for our community:

1. We are situated at the intersection of two major crossroads in northern Missouri, yet our town is not experiencing growth. What are the root causes of this stagnation?

2. Over the past few years, transparency within our city government has been lacking. What factors have contributed to this lack of transparency?

3. The availability of sustainable income jobs is extremely limited. What initiatives can be implemented to address this issue?

4. Our town has actually experienced a decline in population over the past 20 years, albeit a small one. If this trend continues, how long will it take for the numbers to significantly decrease?

Many have asked me why I have chosen to run at this time. My simple response is that I am committed to seeing Macon grow and become a self-sustaining community, a place where people will want to visit for entertainment, shopping, and small-town experiences. While we do possess some of these qualities, they are fading. I have spoken with long-time residents who recall Macon being a destination town, attracting visitors from surrounding areas. We had thriving shops downtown and throughout the town. I believe we need to revitalize this aspect of our community. Therefore, I encourage Ward 3 residents to vote for me. I do not have all the answers, but I am confident that together, as a council, mayor, and community, we can rebuild and restore what was once a vital part of our town.