DSM City Councilperson Joe Gatto filed organization papers this week to seek the Democratic nomination for Polk County supervisor, a seat that Tom Hockensmith is not seeking reelection to next year.
Why it matters: Gatto’s potential move could alter the balance of power in both city and county governments, creating a seat on the council and bringing new leadership to the board after months of infighting.
Catch up quick: Gatto, a part-owner of Baratta’s Italian Restaurant, has served on the council since a special election in 2014, filling a spot vacated after Brian Meyer won an Iowa House seat.
- Hockensmith announced last week that he will not seek reelection after serving more than 20 years on the board, citing ongoing division among the board as a reason for his decision.
Zoom in: Gatto’s time on the council has focused on revitalizing neglected neighborhoods, attracting small business investment and upgrading infrastructure, especially along commercial corridors like Southwest 9th Street in his district.
- He’s known for being direct, recently telling some of DSM’s top managers that they are in the wrong positions if they recommend cutting fire department services.
- He joined Hockensmith in 2023 in leading an effort to oust the longtime director of the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The intrigue: Hockensmith tells Axios he’s not ready to endorse anyone for his seat and wasn’t aware, as of Tuesday morning, of anyone else running for it…