John Edwards, associate dean for information resources and technology and professor of law, was recognized as Outstanding Citizen of the Year 2019 at the Clive Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner.
The evening’s program offered these highlights:
Clive certainly would not be the same today without the help of John Edwards. His service as a Clive City Council member began in 1995. Prior to being elected to the City Council, John served on the Clive Active Park Task Force and the Clive Library Committee. Through his work and strong leadership on the Library Committee, the Clive Library came into existence in 2000. The Aquatic Center, built in 2003, and the Public Works facility, built in 2008, are both projects that John was involved in. Today, he is working to bring a new joint police and fire station to the community with hopes of it being completed in 2021.
In addition to serving as Mayor pro-tempore from 1998-2005 and since 2010, John currently serves as Chair of the Metro Advisory Council (MAC) and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Surface Transportation Funding Subcommittee. John additionally represents the City of Clive on the Metro Waste Authority and the City of Clive Personnel Committee. He also has twice served as Chair of the Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority.
His nominating letter noted:
John Edwards is truly a public servant that continually works to better the community of Clive. He is the longest serving member of the City of Clive City Council, having served as a council member since November 16, 1995. In his 24+ years of service, John had not missed a single regular council meeting.
The award is sponsored annually by the Clive Lions Club.