One incumbent was apparently defeated, while two others retained their seats on the Belle Plaine City Council following Tuesday’s election.
Third Ward Councilman James Kurovski was ousted by businessman Jason Parizek, 59-57. First Ward Councilman Marv DeRycke received 82 votes. He was unopposed. Councilman-at-Large Garrison Reekers, who was appointed to the council in August, received 220 votes. He also had no formal opposition, although Jerry Blomme conducted a write-in campaign.
According to unofficial results from the Benton County Auditor’s office, Blomme received 92 write-in votes for the at-large position out of a total of 103 write-in votes cast. Nathan Beck jr. received three votes and Sam Beck jr., Gene Severson, DeRycke, Caroll Border, Vernon Blomme, Jerry Tubaugh, James Kurovski and Matt Clark each received one vote.
There were also 22 write-in votes for the first ward position, including eight for Jerry Blomme, two each for Dan Johnson and Clark and one each for Jerry Hamilton, Nathan Beck jr., Vernon Blomme, Sean VanGarf, David Riherd, Charles Garden, Parizek, Denny Garling and Kurovski.
Jerry Blomme received three write-in votes for the third ward council seat and Tubaugh received one.
No candidates filed for election for a park board position. There were a total of 86 write-in votes and Nick Palmer received the most, with 18. Current park and recreation director Joel Formanek was second with 13. Bob Storm, who is retiring after 30 years on the board, received seven votes. Jerry Blomme received six, Judy Ehlen and Kay Ellen Palmer each received four votes. Russ Jacobi, Clark and Dave Hrabak each received three, Chris Johnson, Denny Brown and Larry Weeda each received two and Alex Snyder, Doug Johnson, Nate Moore, Wayne Parizek, “Formanek”, Mervin Kucera, LaVern Willey, “Anyone,” Josh Van Hemme, Bob Spading, Dick Wells, Chris A. Hirsch, Beu Chades, Bob Knacke, Lou Weber, Tubaugh and Vernon Blomme each received one vote.
The auditor’s office reported that 16.52 percent of the registered voters in the city cast ballots.
A formal canvass of the votes will be conducted by the Benton County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Parizek owns Kool Kustumz, an auto and home improvement company. In an earlier profile, he pledged to further open the lines of communication between the public and the city council.
I can’t believe this. What is this town coming too?
Apparently suffering from lack of interest . .only 116 persons voted! .. I would say then that those 116 are the only ones with a right to complain over any issue that the city brings up, but somehow I don’t imagine that will be the case.
How can the citizens of BP support and vote for a (person with a lengthy criminal history)?? That sure makes a heck of a statement about the community. I’m ashamed to have Mr. Parizek representing my town. Didn’t I just read his name in the paper for a second offense drunk driving?? C’mon people, think about it. Ooops, too late, you’ve already done the damage. Check out Iowa Courts Online to see just what your newest city council member has been up to. It’s all there, and YOU all voted for that?????
This town appeared to be heading in a positive direction…this vote just set us back. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!
Yes, I have made mistakes. Haven’t we all or are the negative people the perfect ones? Wheres the respect? The best way to learn from a mistake is to make one. I see this as another opportunity to change myself from my past to the good of the future, for myself and the city of Belle Plaine.
On another note, thank you to all who voted in my favor on November 3rd. Please feel free to contact me via email, jason@koolkustumz.com with any concerns or opinions you would like to voice and I will do my best to stand by the people of our community to continue to make it a better, more RESPECTFUL and beautiful place for the future.
Sincerely,
Jason Parizek
Ha ha. OK, wait a minute. “The best way to learn from a mistake is to make one.” Wow. Now that’s some words of wisdom. How about not make the misatke in the first place. I don’t know anyone that’s perfect, but this is a little much.
Mr. Parizek, I really don’t know you, but that statement makes no sense and it is totally contradictory of you as a person. You just pleaded guilty to your second drunk driving. Apparently the first one didn’t teach you anything, why would the second, right? I’ll make sure to wave at you when I see you walking to the council meetings. Don’t be late!
How about those other issues? I suppose you learned from them too; you’ve probably been “cured” and have seen the light.
Better pay attention to whats been going on. Lots and lots of positive movement in BP. More so than at any other time in recent history. Don’t screw it up, pal. I don’t think you have any idea of what you have gotten yourself into.
By the way, I am not negative, I am in fact very positive. Which is exactly why I feel the way I do about your election to our city council.
Your opinion is yours, mine is mine. Thank you, and I look forward to the friendly gesture “Angus.”
Jason,
Mistakes1? Mistakes!???
I suppose your hand just slipped and it was mistaken for forgery.
I suppose your fingers were just sticky from your job and something stuck to your hand and you were mistaken for a thief.
I suppose you accidentally fell throug an open window and you were mistaken for a burgular becuase you had stolen goods in your possesion.
I suppose you got the second OWI for remedial education to amke sure you learned your lesson well.
a record like yours isn’t a mistake. You had to work at it.
Kind of like your cousin says, “Finding a way to make a living.”
Any one who voted in the city has a right to complain. Only 116 people voted in 3rd ward. I don’t think 3rd ward was very well informed of Mr. Parizek’s past. I think when First and Second ward find out about his past they will raise a stink and they should. He is representing all of Belle Plaine. I checked out his record and obviously he didn’t learn from his mistakes. One OWI is an oops two, nope no way, they were barely a year apart! One felon count, two felon counts, and they go on, wow! I have heard about Jason’s opinions. He wants to get rid of the police force. Gee, I wonder why? And Jason respect has to be earned looking at your past “businessman” (I say that very tongue in cheek) or not you have to EARN it. I agree with Angus. Belle Plaine has been moving forward the residents of this town deserve better. We have volunteers who work hard constantly to keep us moving forward. Don’t screw it up.
Jean…I hope you had bad info on the “getting rid of the police force” bit. Agree or disagree with our current council, mayor & city administrator. Like them or dislike them…they ARE trying to DO something with this town. I may not like the taxes, or like the way they do somethings or say somethings, but I will give them their due…they put in the time & are trying to make BP a place people might consider living in. As far as Mr. Parizek, I really have no idea what he wants to do with this cityj, never heard him at the forum or his in-depth plans in the paper or on this website. I do not live in his precinct, but I hope he is as dedicated to reviving this community like Mr. Kurovski was. I hope he takes the time, I hope he really thinks about the PEOPLE he represents & not what he wants. Jason, if you really want to get rid of the police force, which I just can’t believe, what in the world is your rationale behind that? A town of 3,000 people & obvious elements within this community that need to be kept from committing crimes…Jason crime does not equal a very viable community that fosters a feeling of growth & enthusiasm. I will give Jason a chance, there is a such thing as 2nd chances…however with your history, your margin of error is very slim! As Jean said, Don’t screw this up…people are working way too hard to improve this place.
“Rowdy”, thank you for being an understanding citizen. You are a prime example of what the others should look up to as being a citizen. I do NOT intend to terminate the “police force” or anything of that nature. I have no reason to. I get along well with a couple of the police officers and even one is a very good business client to me. Let alone, I am a business owner in this city and I would expect them to do their job by making sure the city, citizens and business’ be kept safe. People seem to be getting their information from sources other then the source itself. If you want to know more about me, feel free to read up on me here on belleplainenow.com or my article in the newspaper. Also, my email, again, is jason@koolkustumz.com I am for the people. I want to hear the views and concerns of the community. I want the community to be just as happy with the decisions being made in the council chamber just as the council members making them. And I also plan to see through what Mr. Kurovski planned to see through as well. My main priority is to get the community more involved with what is going on/going to happen, to let them have a voice within decisions as much as possible. Like the mayor said recently, too many people are complaining and not doing anything. It seems to be the only thing being brought up here is my past record and rumors of what others THINK I want to do. Where is any of that going? Nowhere. If you don’t want me on the council or don’t think I am good enough for the job then Ill expect to see you on the ballot next time. Good day and God bless!!!
Mistakes are unavoidable in life and we all have our share of them, unfortunately some make more mistakes than others, but it makes no difference if the mistake is big or small, there is always something to be learned from it.
It seems like Mr. Parizek is encouraged to prove himself to be part of this town through his decision to serve this community for the next several years and we should support that. We pray that he will adapt to the process of city government well and deal with issues that will lead our community forward, and focus on the potential of doing what is best for all of Belle Plaine and it’s citizens.
Gary Ehrle
This man did not make mistakes, he made cognizant choices to BREAK THE LAW not once, not twice, not three times, but many times. There is a huge difference. Obviously he didn’t learn. If he were truly a changed person he would have been upfront with the people of Belle Plaine and told them he had a record. Then people could have made an informed vote. Withholding that information was a misrepresenation on his part and wrong! We cannot brush it all away like it never happened. He was just convicted of his second OWI! The people of Belle Plaine deserve better. Bury your head in the sand if you must, that is how you get bitten. Trust and respect are earned not a given! I have more respect for the gent in Cedar Rapids who was running. He had a criminal record and he owned up to it!
“Amber Brock” or whoever you are, what is the point you are trying to get at exactly? I think many of us reading your posts’ are a bit confused as well as probably tickled by the fact that you hide your real identity, as others too. I also hope your children, grand children or even great grand children never make a mistake in their life time.
Good day and God bless you and your family!
Congrats Jason! Personally, I think you are just what this city council needs! Too bad Skeeter didn’t make it also. BP is one of the highest taxed communities in the state.How many jobs has that attracted?ZERO! Kind of like Chicago family politics. How many jobs has the “unelected, unaccountable” city manger brought? ZERO! If you build it they will come results in the few paying more and the more leaving. You pay less in CR for property taxes and get more. Nobody moves to BP for an aquatic center or murals or spiffy mainstreet. Jean is just sticking with her relatives. Heck, the mayor only won by a few votes last time by a write in. He won’t win next time. People are not happy with city government, plain and simple. How far do you people want to go back to judge a person’s character? Anyone want to comment on the city managers youthful days? Didn’t think so. Sounds to me like threats are being made against a legally ELECTED council person. Anyone who pays taxes in this city has a right to complain whether you voted or not. “Don’t screw it up” or what? Trying to intimidate an elected official just might constitute “criminal activity” Jason, I would look into it if I was you. Don’t let the city “elites” intimidate you!
First, congratulations to all who ran and those that were elected. It takes a lot of guts to be someone with a past a run for a political office. Now, while those of you are pointing fingers at Mr Parizek, perhaps we should reiterate the fact that 116 people voted in a town of how many? Shame on the residents that did not vote and shame on the people who voted without knowing the candidate. Perhaps it is time to give people a chance in this town. It seems that Jim Daily has been given two separate chances and hasn’t made any improvements whatsoever. And he doesn’t even have a criminal background. Just a criminal political career. So Jason made mistakes. So has Skeeter. So has pretty every much in that little bitty town. Before he is burned at the stake shouldn’t he be given a chance to do some good?
Perhaps a fresh face, with a different last name will bring something good to the town. We have things that can be capitalized upon but no one wants to stand up and face the “elites” to get them. A motel/hotel would be nice to go with the aquatic center. A grocery store that had affordable groceries in it would be nice. How about playing up that there is NO gas station between Tama and Cedar Rapids on Hwy 30. Come on people, Belle Plaine is just like every other little town in Iowa. Do something to make it shine. Maybe voting in a checkered past is what it’s going to take to bring that shine back to the town. Good luck!
Dear John,
The city of Belle Plaines’ property tax levy for FY9/10
is 14.79 per 1000.( Down from 16.78 when I took office )
The city of Cedar Rapids property tax levy for FY9/10
is 15.21621.
You should check your data. Some might suspect you to be making false inflamatory statements to purposely cause hate and discontent.
So John what is your plan? By doing nothing with this town we will almost certainly not bring anyone in & we will most likely not keep any one here either! I’ve lived in CR, taxes might be lower, but CR makes up the difference in other “creative” ways. Complain for the sake of complaining…unless you got some ideas what good are you doing anybody?
Who’s complaining Rowdy? Seems to me, you are the one complaining because the election didn’t turn out the way you “elites” wanted it to. I”m stating facts! My plan? Quit taxing people to death and shrink local gov’t to start! I’ve heard all the “great” plans for years and they haven’t resulted in one new business or people moving here. Build an airport and they will come, etc. etc. I do know one thing. The more you tax something the less you get of it, whether that be people, products, services, business or whatever. And I don’t think you have any idea what I have or haven’t done here. Again, I would caution you and others regarding your attempts to intimidate a fairly elected individual. You may want to check the law on that. This ONE individual will set back BP? Does he get more than 1 vote? Give me a break!
Huhhhhhhhh….John your entire rant from Nov. 10 was a complaint. Your taxes are too high,no jobs in BP, yada yada yada. As far as me intimidating anyone…are you reading the right post or are you one of those “citizens” sitting around the barstool too long with all the answers for this community? As far as myself being elite…if being unemployed with a house I can hardly pay for is elite I’d like a little of what you have been smoking!
Way to go Jason! Wow what a bunch of whinny cry babies. Guess you can’t handle the results of the election. Even though it was won fairly . The at large position that got so many write in votes for Jerry Blomme,hmmmm makes you wonder,what’s really on peoples minds. And what about the last election when Jack Clement actually got more write in votes then the standing mayor. Many of which could not be counted because many people did not understand that with an electronic ballot the oval also has to be filled in. You see with paper ballots you don’t need to fill the oval in,but because the paper ballot is read by a electronic machine it is considered an electronic ballot.Therefore the oval must be filled in, along with the write in name.Soooooo back to my original question what’s really on people’s minds? Why is it that these incumbents are having such a hard time,if they are so loved.
Yes maybe they don’t see Belle Plaine the way an outsider can. Sorry to say but the town is dyeing,loosing many good business, and good people.Many people are struggling to just get by. Many homes are older and run down,right along with many main street businesses.There are a majority of elderly that live there,and all they want is to live in peace. Not having to worry about grass,snow, or any other natural event,that the city administration can use to stick a hefty fine on them for. Now, that will make folks just what to move right it.NOT!!!!!Face it folks, times are getting worse,most folks are just getting by,and if you look back 30 years ago,I guess you could say Belle Plaine was a little booming town.Now its just another rural community struggling to hang on. The last thing people need or want is to be harassed all the time by the police,and their elected officials.
What you really need is an administration that knows how to run a sustainable operation, and not a pie in the sky dream.
So if so many of you are so concerned about Jason not being able to fulfill the job or anyone else that may come after him. Then look no further then what’s in there now. I don’t think this will be the last time the incumbents will be thrown out.
John, thanks for the support and I will definitely look into the legal side of things here. And thank you to all who have been reading these posts’ and backing me via email. I have more support, like many said, then the negative people posting here. Again, thank you and God bless!!
There were a lot of posts that I did not get to see before posting my last one. So, I want to thank those posters for the support also. Seems that the negative people have since silenced from behind their computer screen and taken in reality. That is good for them being they did not have much of a point before besides complaining about ones criminal background and being legally elected. I know there are A LOT of people reading this and I seriously encourage anyone and everyone to email me and vent a little about your opinions and concerns about Belle Plaine, the administration, the council, ordinances, ect. ect. My main goal was and is to get the community more involved and have someone on the council to listen to them and actually take their thoughts and ideas into consideration. Again, my email is jason@koolkustumz.com Please feel free to email me!
Good day and God bless!
If the legally elected official can’t take the heat he should get out of the kitchen or get used to it. If you haven’t noticed lately that is what politics is all about. Did you know Iowa is one of nine states that allows covicted felons to run for office? Mmmm….problably ought to lobby to get that changed. I checked on Daily’s record it came up empty, clean, nothing. 116 people voted in third ward not the whole town. Over 300 voted in the Reekers/Bloome vote. Reekers won by a lot. John the mayor just gave you some facts what say ye? As for “Don’t screw it up”,the ending would be, “like you have the first 28 years of your life”. Doesn’t sound threatning to me. Jason knows lawyers, so he should be able to check out all the legal mumbo jumbo quickly. And John if you want to call me elite that’s okay just don’t call me a republican. By the way happy early birthday Jason. God Bless you too.
“Amber Brock,” no heat taken here and thank you for the birthday wishes.
I agree with Katie.Congrats Jason. People just face it Jason won. And I think Belle Plaine needs a change. I could not vote for Jason because I am not in his ward. BUT I would of. You know Clinton made a mistake to, oh thats right he didn’t inhale. But he was a damn fine president.
Kevin and Jill, thank you for your support and VERY GOOD POINT!!!
Kevin and Jill, Clinton made one “mistake” after looking at Iowa Courts online I have counted and the newly elected council person made over 40 “mistakes” in which this newly elected council person was the defendant. The latest offense for which there was a conviction was for OWI second offense. This offense occurred in June of 2009 with the conviction being a few days before the election. To compare the two is more than apples to oranges it is like mice to elephants, or grapes to watermelon. BP does not need a change like that, but they got it. Mr. Orvis told voters to be informed, they were not. This information should have been available to the voting public.
John, since you have labeled some “Elite” does that make those not elite curds and whey or just sour milk?
“Amber Brock,” 40 huh? You must be counting traffic tickets as well? Lame. Whatever the point is you’re trying to make is not working. You have a hard time dealing with reality and that’s a shame. You can NOT intimidate me, nor upset me, just make me laugh. I enjoy reading your posts’ for the specific matter. As well as to find out more about my past because I have seemed to move FORWARD from it and have forgotten much of it. I am a fairly elected official and that’s that. Whine all you want, but it will NOT change anything. And if you’re so upset that a small portion of the community did not know about my past prior to the election, you should have done something before because now you’re just wasting your time, literally. I am happy for you for being the only perfect person I know but seriously, get over it. I am done with this thread and have nothing to argue with nor get upset about. Good day and God bless you all!
First reaction to post comparing Parizek “mistake” to Clintons’ puffing pot. I was very upset. Than realized it was a joke. Nobody would be so stupid to equivicate a puff on pot to 5 felony convictions.
I had just heard about the uproar and the comments being made towards Jason and felt that I needed to chime in. First of all congratulations and kudos go out to Jason on handling these comments with civility and dignity. I am guessing that evertone who has posted a comment on hear has made mistakes in their life that they have both learned from and regretted and I DO HOPE all of those who are making comments voted (106 votes?). If not, you have absolutely no business posting a negative comment here.
Before reading this I too had preconceived notions about Jason but the way he has been responding to all of the negative comments says a lot about his potential and character. Don’t we all deserve a second chance now and then?
I think if anything this is what the Council needs. Another young member of the communittee who is not afraid to let others know his opinion, wrong or right. I don’t know all of the specifics of the decisions made in your community nor do I claim too, but I strongly feel that if there were more younger committee members on the Council, the community wouldn’t have wasted a large sum of money on projects like a museum who’s visitors most likely consist only of grade school students that visit during mandatory field trips. I realize a lot of money came from private donations, but that moneey could have been used to support and/or develop attractions more appealing to the younger generations, much like the pool remodel.
I do have the experience to say this and can tell you that having a few people on a committee that aren’t afraid to question the decisions of their fellow committee members in a constructive way is a great thing and helps avoid groupthink.
I am not taking the side of Jason nor the side of the angry citizens posting here. I do think that if given a chance it is possible that Jason will provide much needed input that the council may not be getting currently.
Belle Plaine will always be my home and I want nothing but to see it thrive, but small towns of today have the odds stacked against them and it is very important that they be strategic and forward-thinking, yet slightly conservative in action. New projects (like the museum) create a percieved step in the right direction in the rejuvenation of the town but definately don’t help with the sustainability of it.
Sincerely,
Ben Foley
Correction – 116 votes.
1. If you didn’t vote please explain the rationale behind thinking you have a right to complain?
2. Those who’ve said a persons respect has to be earned are absolutely correct, but a fairly elected person to a public office is due the common courtesy of the respect of his office. No different than President Obama and the position he holds.. I disagree with most of the things he’s done and where he’s leading our country but the office he’s holding deserves respect. I have little respect for him as a man.
3.Amber ..the citizens who chose not to take the time to go and vote that Tuesday made “cognizant choices” not to participate in directing where our city goes and forfeited their right to complain about the individuals who were elected and now govern it, or the choices made by them in their elected positions.
4. If the taxes are too high, the governance too oppressive, the fines too steep, the buildings and homes too blighted…. . . .even after this months elections .. .. .. for those of you who do believe this … . . . …you did retain the right to move.. ..and one of you makes Cedar Rapids sound like a pretty nice place to move to.
Congradulations to Jason! The mans traveled around, lived life, made mistakes, isn’t afriad to put himself out there for you people to critize him, and without stooping to your level of childish bickering. Sounds like a strong individual to me, more so then the people who’ve lived in their little “bubble” their whole lives and just can’t stand when things don’t go their way. Bill Daily couldn’t keep a bar running and now he’s running the town, I don’t see people making a huge uproar about that. Why? Because people are a sum of their expierences and no matter good or bad thats how people grow and evolve. I wouldn’t want someone in there that hasn’t tasted defeat or been forced to face the consequences of their actions. I bet Jason will conduct himself in a much more professional manner then many on the board right Marv?
If you don’t have the courage to post your name, your REAL NAME on here then your voice is UNHEARD your a little kid behind a keyboard crying because you didn’t get your favorite ice cream.
Man…since Jeff reiterated the policy of using your whole name to post here. .. .not much but wind whistling thru the pines for noise on these forums. . .. .what happened to all the vocalites????? .. Must be like Steve says …keyboard courage????…