Candidates Eric Giddens and Dave Williams October 26
 

 

 

Dave Williams Biography.

Dave is a 40 year resident of the Cedar Valley, arriving in 1979 to continue his John Deere career as an engineer and manager.  Dave was fortunate to have a varied career while continuing to live in the Cedar Valley. In 2008 he retired to spend time and travel with family, teach in the UNI Department of Business, serve as Cedar Falls School Board Vice President, consult as an executive coach, advise small businesses, volunteer for community initiatives in the environment and historic preservation, and pursue hobbies.  

 

During his Deere career, he volunteered in the classroom, church, and the YMCA, served on the Boards of Cedar Falls Utilities, (including a term as Chair,) and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as well as several statewide organizations.  Dave was instrumental in developing the vision for, and then creating, the Cedar Falls Telecommunications utility, which was one of the first ten municipal systems in the United States, and is now recognized as the fastest internet service provider in the country.

 

Dave was raised in rural and small town Iowa and was the first in his family to attend a 4 year university. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University and later earned an Executive MBA at the University of Iowa. Dave considers himself to be a lifelong learner, believing strongly that individual learning should never end. For example, he maintained his Professional Engineering License long after he moved into management.  His interest in, and support for, STEM led to his appointment  to the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council in January of this year.

 

Dave is grateful to the voters of House District 60 for the trust they have placed in him, allowing him to serve as their voice in the Iowa State Legislature. He serves on the Appropriations, Education Budget, Commerce, Transportation, and Agriculture Committees during the session and the Tax Credit Review Committee during the interim.

 

His technical and business education and experience have served the District well. His drive and ability to look at issues from all sides, coupled with technical and business acumen, have been assets in developing credibility within both parties. Dave is the only Engineer in the House, was quickly recognized for his technical expertise, and was able to influence proposed legislation addressing environmental and business related technical issues within the Commerce Committee and the Transportation Committee. Dave worked on both sides of the aisle to advance legislation that will benefit our community and state. He advocated for continued investment in education at all levels to ensure citizens have the opportunity to reach their potential and so our businesses can recruit qualified, educated employees. Dave was the lead Democrat on broadband issues, supported the Governor’s broadband bill, and worked on utility regulation bills to promote cost effective solar energy and keep rates equitable.

Dave has worked with the majority party and his own peers to table several proposed bills that were not in the best interests of all Iowans. This rarely makes the news, but is a key legislative role.

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When not in session, Dave enjoys connecting with constituents, working on policy ideas for the next session, spending time with friends and family, traveling (including a few long distance motorcycle trips), and keeping up his historic property, (the oldest home in Cedar Falls).