cOUNCIL MEMBER AT-LARGE

TOMAS PODZIMEK
   At-Large overview

Biography:

Podzimek is homegrown with a Czech name in a city with Czech heritage. He served as an Air Force intelligence officer: ‘‘I fought in the Cold War,’’ he says. And he left engineering studies at Iowa State University to start his one-man remodeling company. ‘‘I’m labor and management wrapped up in one package,’’ he says, calling it a ‘‘a unique balance’’ that includes a concern for the environment. Running a contracting operation, he says, requires much — vision and an ability to work with customers, subcontractors and government — that is applicable to the City Council. And most importantly, it requires fiscal responsibility. ‘‘No contractor has an infinite budget. We want to get the most value from the money we spend. Sometimes (elected officials) act like we don’t work hard for this money.’’

Education:
Kennedy High School, 1975;
Forestry and engineering studies at Iowa State University