Candidate Guide - Mason City Council - Murali Swamy

As you prepare to vote in this year's municipal elections, the Western Star compiled answers from candidates. Here are the responses as provided. All typos and grammar mistakes, if any, are in the original responses.

Headshot provided by candidate

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering

Current employment: Vice President

Office Sought: Mason City Council

Why are you the best suited for this position? (150 words)

I am best suited for this position because I bring a unique combination of professional expertise, community involvement, and a collaborative leadership style. With decades of experience in technology consulting and problem-solving for some of the world’s largest organizations, I know how to analyze complex challenges, design practical solutions, and deliver measurable results. Beyond my professional career, I have been deeply engaged in Mason’s community—listening to residents, working with local organizations, and building relationships that matter. This has given me a firsthand understanding of the issues families and businesses face every day. I believe in transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that our city remains a vibrant, welcoming place for all. My ability to lead teams, navigate diverse perspectives, and stay focused on long-term goals makes me well prepared to represent our community and drive positive, sustainable growth for Mason.

What are your top three areas of focus for your position?

Increasing civic engagement, Smart growth & economic vitality, and supporting family-friendly policies

What specifically are you going to do for each of your top three topics? (200 words)

1. Expanding Civic Engagement and Transparency I will make city government more accessible by introducing opportunities like virtual town halls and Zoom meetings so residents can participate in decisions without barriers. By using both in-person and online platforms, I will ensure transparency, open communication, and stronger trust between the community and local government.

2. Smart Growth and Economic Vitality I will guide development in a way that balances growth with sustainability and preserves Mason’s unique character. This includes supporting local businesses and attracting innovative opportunities that enhance our long-term prosperity. I plan to actively contribute to the Downtown Improvement Project, which aligns with my vision of creating a vibrant, welcoming city center that strengthens Mason’s economic and cultural vitality.

3. Family-Friendly Policies I will prioritize investments in our parks, schools, and safety initiatives to make Mason the best place to raise families. This means supporting the creation of a new park like Gould, improving existing parks, and ensuring programs reflect the needs of families today. By maintaining our community spirit and welcoming environment, Mason will remain a city where families can thrive for generations.

If you are an incumbent, what is your best accomplishment?

If you are a challenger, what do you think needs to change from the current situation?

NOTE: He is a challenger.

We need to instill an “Our City, Our Responsibility” mindset among residents. Currently, participation in civic matters is too low, and this limits our ability to fully reflect the voices of our community in shaping Mason’s future. By encouraging more residents to get involved, we can strengthen transparency, collaboration, and ensure that decisions truly reflect the priorities of the people who call Mason home.

What are your qualifications for this position? (150 words)

My qualifications for City Council are grounded in both professional expertise and community engagement. I bring more than 25 years of experience in technology consulting, leading large teams and delivering innovative solutions for Fortune 50 companies such as Procter & Gamble. This background has honed my skills in problem-solving, financial stewardship, and strategic planning—qualities directly applicable to managing city priorities and resources effectively. Beyond my professional career, I have been actively engaged in Mason through volunteerism, mentorship, and civic involvement, giving me a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our community. I have demonstrated the ability to listen, build consensus, and deliver results in complex environments. Combining my leadership experience, analytical skills, and commitment to Mason’s long-term vitality, I am well-equipped to serve as a thoughtful, collaborative, and forward-looking member of City Council.

Property tax is one of the top issues for local residents. What are your thoughts on the current property tax issues? (150 words)

Property taxes are essential for funding our schools, safety services, and community amenities, but we must ensure they remain fair, transparent, and sustainable for families and seniors alike. My priority is to strike the right balance—protecting the high quality of services that make Mason such a desirable place to live while looking for ways to ease the burden on homeowners. This means exploring opportunities to expand Mason’s tax base through smart economic development, supporting local businesses, and attracting innovative companies that contribute to our revenue without increasing the load on residents. I also believe in greater transparency, so residents clearly see how their tax dollars are invested back into the community.

State laws often impact our county and the funding of local project depends on the state budget. What is your relationship with the local state representatives and senator? (100 words)

I recognize that collaboration with our state representatives and senator is critical, as many local priorities depend on state-level policy and funding. While I am not currently an elected official, I have already begun building relationships by engaging with our local legislators, attending community forums, and keeping communication channels open. As a council member, I would strengthen these ties by proactively advocating for Mason’s needs—whether it’s securing funding for infrastructure, supporting our schools, or advancing economic development initiatives. My professional background has equipped me to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, build consensus, and ensure that Mason’s voice is heard at the state level. I view our representatives as partners, and I am committed to fostering a collaborative relationship that benefits our residents.

How have you been involved in the community outside of politics?

Outside of politics, I have been deeply engaged in our community through volunteerism, mentoring, and service. I’ve supported local schools and youth programs, helping students explore STEM and technology opportunities through mentoring and tutoring. I’ve also volunteered with community events and initiatives that bring people together and strengthen Mason’s spirit of belonging. Professionally, I’ve connected my expertise in technology and problem-solving to help organizations and individuals achieve their goals, which has further extended my impact beyond the workplace. Most importantly, I’ve always sought to be a resource, a listener, and a connector for residents—whether it’s helping a neighbor navigate a challenge, mentoring young professionals, or lending my skills to civic initiatives. These experiences reflect my belief that leadership begins with service, and they have grounded me in the values of collaboration, compassion, and commitment that I will carry into City Council.

Are you running as a slate or as a team with any of the other candidates?

Is there anything else you want the voters to know about you?

My focus is on representing all residents of Mason, listening to a broad range of perspectives, and making decisions that serve the best interests of our entire community. I value collaboration and will work closely with fellow council members. My campaign is centered on transparency, accountability, and putting the voices of Mason’s residents first.