2025 CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
WHO WILL BEST REPRESENT YOU?
Here is your opportunity to get to know the Pella City Council candidates and how they plan to lead if elected. The PACE Alliance posed the following questions to each candidate relating to why they wish to serve, smart growth, identifying gaps and needs, and communication with citizens. Below are their responses.
Have questions for the candidates? We encourage you to reach out to them at their email contacts below.
AT-LARGE
WARD 1
Lynn Branderhorst (Incumbent)
WARD 3
Spencer Carlstone (Incumbent)
Bruce Schiebout
Anita VerMeer Fischer
View the Questions & the Candidates' Answers
Click the candidate’s name to view their answer.
1. What are your top three priorities if elected to the City Council and why have you chosen these issues as your focus?
At-Large
Calvin Bandstra
Calvin Bandstra
AT-LARGE
Economic Development
This is really not a new priority, but an intentional resolve to continue what has already been put into action by City of Pella leadership. New housing initiatives have been completed, and more are in progress. But that is an area that still needs constant exploration, particularly for work-force housing. Creating opportunities for new businesses and working with the expansion of existing businesses is also a positive feature of the Pella landscape, and that needs to be ongoing, particularly with the use of TIF (Tax Increment Financing) programs.
Comprehensive Plan
A new Comprehensive Plan is in process of being formulated, and this important document will set the blueprint for the plans and goals to be pursued for the next 20+ years. At this point community input from individuals is being received, and my goal will be to analyze that input in conjunction with the comments from city staff, Pella’s business community, and those involved in the promotion of Pella’s heritage. This is a plan that will eventually be approved by the City Council, so it is important that all voices are heard first.
Emergency Management Services/Ambulance Services
This is an issue directly impacting Pella when it absorbed the former Pella Ambulance Service as a new city department a few years ago, with city taxpayers now funding a service that covers a territory beyond the city limits. This is truly a state-wide problem as tax levy limits and low Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements are hampering the ability of ambulance services to cover increasing personnel and equipment costs. The Iowa Legislature has provided some avenues to rectify this, but they are not easy to implement. Steps have been taken to find a County-wide solution, but much more work needs to be done.
Ann Summitt
Ann Summitt
AT-LARGE
The top three priorities for my campaign are Fiscal Responsibility, Thoughtful well thought out growth, and Communication/Transparency. Having attended multiple city Council meetings and budget hearings during the past several years, these are the items that continue to resonate with me concerning where our city is and will be going in the future. There are needs upon needs that must be met to insure a safe and thriving city. These three areas are at a critical point.
My answer to fiscal responsibility is found under question #2 below.
The other two areas of my focus are as follows:
Thoughtful well thought-out planned growth is necessary.
There are areas community-wide in the City of Pella that have NO access via sidewalks and/ or bike trails into the shopping districts and business areas of Pella. When people walk or ride bikes as their form of transportation they must have the same safety that anyone else has. It is not safe for them to have to walk or bike along extremely busy roads. Master planned roads and trails need to be developed ahead of homes and commercial centers.
Traffic flow is in need of being assessed. Intersections need attention especially those that have many vehicles turning left in a turn lane without an arrow. Some of our main corridors are continuously busy. This is a citizen and visitor safer concern that needs to be studied and solved.
We must took at access and exits into new, and sometimes even existing areas, to keep citizens safe. No area of multiple homes (40+) should have only one entrance and exit. Again, we must be proactive and not reactive when it comes to citizens’ safety.
The city needs to address environmental concerns when new development is being proposed. Bos Landen is an area where trees were worked around instead of removing them completely. Green space is important in our community as well, but we need adequate funding for these areas to be maintained properly.
As with fiscal responsibility, we also must make sure we have adequate essential services to supply the needs of future growth.
Third, but not least, we owe the citizens of Pella clear transparency and communication.
The newsletter that comes with the city bill should reflect upcoming issues and the key points that were discussed at the previous two city council meetings. It should be treated as the city’s informational newspaper. This is essential for the citizens to know what is coming up, when things will be happening, and any discussion items that might affect them. Articles submitted to this newsletter would be an opportunity for all citizens and businesses to see their tax dollars at work.
Next, the City of Pella website is bulky and can be improved. A redo of this should not be costly, and would provide citizens’ with reliable, and informative information.
As an example each city department could have their own easy to access link to show what is happening within each and every department. This could also have links to nonprofits, clubs and organizations within Pella. We are all in this together and all outside groups as well as Cip of Pella need to collaborate together.
Ward 1
Lynn Branderhorst
Lynn Branderhorst
WARD 1
(Incumbent)
To maintain and improve our existing infrastructure.
It’s important that as Pella expands and grows, that we make sure that the infrastructure and road system is able to support that growth.
Some of our water and sewer pipes are 100+ years old. These need to be maintained and or replaced. Our streets are crumbling in some areas and definitely need to be improved and or replaced. There are many of our City structures and parks that also need a keen eye turned to them for repair and improvements. It is important to grow as a community and build and develop new things; but equally important is the ability to maintain out existing amenities.
Transparency in Government.
As public servants, it is important to let our constituents know what is going on in their community with their tax dollars. There needs to be the assurance that their money is being spent wisely and honestly. Open lines of communication will help alleviate any fears or trepidations about how their money is being spent and alleviate divisiveness. Unifying a community is difficult but is extremely necessary as we move forward.
Financial Responsibility
Running, maintaining & growing a community can be financially difficult. It is important that we serve our tax payers by always remembering and understanding the fact that we are public servants who serve the people. Our fiduciary responsibility should always be understood and respected.
Ward 3
Spencer Carlstone
Spencer Carlstone
WARD 3
(Incumbent)
I will answer the second part first. Pella is a thriving, innovative, capable city with a rich legacy and a bright future. As a physician, I have spent my adult life studying human systems: both individual and communal. Biological systems are in a delicate dance of growth and decline. At all levels: cellular, organ, system, whole individual or community of individuals, there is an economy at work, between new growth and repair. And at all levels, resources are definite. This is the real tension we all exist in and with which we must become comfortable. If a biological system fails to understand the tension or manage it, that system will fail, decline and eventually end. The city, a community of individuals, a biological system, must continuously grow and repair or decline and fail.
Therefore, my priorities are and will continue to be, striking the right balance of growth and repair.
1. The city must continue to move forward with development of housing, amenities and forward-thinking planning to best prepare us for the next 20, 30 even 50 years.
2. The city and its citizens must continue to represent the welcoming, loving, familial nature of our identity as the “City of Refuge” to all who come; whether for a festival, a long weekend, the whole summer, their college years or the rest of their lives. The city leaders directly reflect the heart of a city. I will reflect a forward vision and thoughtful intentionality. I will be quick to listen and slow to speak. I will be thankful for our past, savor our present, and remain optimistic about our future.
3. It is council’s responsibility to set the vision and course for our community. I will support and empower our skilled, experienced and capable city staff, directors, managers, boards and committees to enact that vision.
Anita VerMeer Fischer
Anita VerMeer Fischer WARD 3
#1 Fiscal Responsibility–Promoting responsible budget practices and careful stewardship of tax dollars and public funds.
Understanding the roles of the city council is important. A central responsibility is approving the annual budget–establishing tax levies, managing debt, and making sure spending aligns with the priorities of our community. While I am not running to alter past spending, I am accountable for how spending decisions affect future finances.
At the state level, legislators continue to look at property tax reform. While nothing passed during the 2025 legislative session, these discussions will carry into 2026. It’s not a question of if something will be done, but when. That’s why, at the local level, it’s even more important that we avoid spending beyond our community’s means especially since we don’t know what the new property tax system will look like.
#2 Advocating for Pella’s Needs–Preserving our Dutch heritage, addressing infrastructure concerns, encouraging balanced growth, and focusing on Pella’s well-being by supporting essential services.
Our community and our Dutch heritage are treasures that we and visitors from around the world cherish and enjoy. We are, in many ways, the Hallmark of America. A large part of maintaining that reputation lies in caring for our infrastructure. From streets and alleys to the unseen systems beneath the surface, these are the fundamental responsibilities that come with building and sustaining a thriving community–much like the basic responsibilities of owning a home. We must also pursue balanced growth. A strong community is one where people can both work and call home. Finally, essential services are the core of Pella’s safety and stability and must remain one of the key areas of attention.
#3 Responsive and Transparent Leadership–Being present, listening to, and addressing questions and concerns–every voice deserves to be heard.
A city council member should be accessible, transparent, and responsive. Time must be given to constituents by listening, returning phone calls, and responding to emails in a timely manner. Our role goes beyond serving as a liaison; we are advocates and the voice of the community. Pella is the people; a connected and resilient community is when its residents are well-informed and engaged in its future.
The citizens of Pella work hard to live here, raise their families, and retire here. The city council must ensure that our community remains at its best, keeping the citizens’ concerns at the forefront of every decision. Transparency gains trust and the way we spend taxpayers’ money must reflect that trust. The people of Pella rely on us to do the right thing and represent them with integrity; this is a responsibility I take very seriously.
Bruce Schiebout
Bruce Schiebout
WARD 3
Fiscal responsibility. This has always been at the top of the list for me and can be a most difficult task, especially during the times of excessive indebtedness.
Public safety. Keeping our Police, Fire and EMS services funded is a vital part of keeping our citizens safe but there is much more than just providing funding to these community services. Implementing a visionary approach to the design and growth of our community is paramount to the safety of it’s citizens in the future. The timely design and installation of our streets, sidewalks, bike path, storm water system, sewer, domestic water, etc. etc…the list goes on, all of which if done properly
will yield rewards in efficiency and safety.
Infrastructure. Every year that passes is time spent by a finite infrastructure system. We must keep up with the repair and upgrade of our streets, facilities and utilities.
2. What is your fiscal philosophy? Specifically, how do you view the balance between the overall tax burden of Pella residents and the need to make strategic investments in Pella’s future which requires public revenues?
At-Large
Calvin Bandstra
Calvin Bandstra
AT-LARGE
My fiscal philosophy is essentially an offshoot of the Economic Development priority mentioned in the first question. The cost of city government always increases due to the same reasons that it increases for all businesses and individuals—surging health-care costs, inflation of goods being purchased, property insurance sky-rocketing, raises in employee compensation—the list goes on and on. There are two main avenues to cover these inherent costs—increase the tax burden on existing property, or provide opportunities for growth so that operating overhead costs can be spread over a larger footprint. To create those opportunities, the city needs to devote part of its budget now to promote future revenue streams that will come later. These investments are not without risk so must be very calculated, with the emphasis on the return on investment. And that return can take many different forms—increased revenue from a wider property tax base, companies able to find employees willing to move to Pella because of its amenities, and increased employment opportunities so that kids that grow up in Pella can stay in Pella.
Ann Summitt
Ann Summitt
AT-LARGE
First, One item that has recently taken place that has alarmed many citizens is the LOSST of property tax relief with the passage of the September 13, 2022 LOSST election. In the past citizens got 50% of property tax relief from the LOSST, then later 20% and now none. We must take this into account with wanting the citizens to constantly foot the bill for future facility investments. There is a fine line between needs and wants and each of our future investments will need to be looked at very carefully. This burden is placed on the citizens and property owners of Pella, not those outside of the city limits.
With Fiscal Responsibility, the city must be good stewards of tax payers money. We have recently started construction on the new Pella Rec Center. We will need to see how this all shakes out during the next several years. We have many projects and essential services that need updating. We have areas of Pella with 100 plus year old sewer systems, many areas of Pella are having water in their basements due to heavy rains so storm water issues need to be looked at. We will soon have new requirements at our waste water treatment plants, we must keep a careful eye on our sources of water to see if they maintain the needs of our community, and many of our roads and infrastructure need updating, maintaining our airport is important as a vital service to our area manufacturing companies, businesses and pilots. All areas of the city must be adequately funded to insure that we maintain the integrity of all our community. A great place to start would be having dialogue with the public and ultimately finding solutions to concerns and problems.
Deferred maintenance projects should be prioritized on a continuous basis with City of Pella properties. As home owners we know that when we defer needed maintenance to our homes, it ends up costing much more later on than if it had been done right away. The city must take this approach to what it owns as well. Budget may need to reflect these issues.
Certain groups within our city deserve representation. One of these groups is the Downtown Retail Group. They receive no money from the city, but bring in a Large portion of our LOSST. This was a quote from Ed Lamson, the first Pella Chamber of Commerce director, “As your downtown district goes, so goes your community”. Our downtown isa HUGE reason for Pella’s success as a destination community and this downtown retail group needs representation for their engagement in our community.
Another issue of importance is our debt amount. It has been mentioned that we are not close to our debt limit, which is good, however we MUST keep a significant amount of our debt limit available for any emerge#3ncy or mandates that might come our way. We must be proactive instead of reactive.
As with fiscal responsibility we also must make sure we have adequate essential police, fire, ambulance and park services to supply the needs of future growth.
Not all residents of Pella have extra income to pay for certain things. All tax paying citizens and businesses are the life blood of our community. Many residents have lived here for decades and now live in the older areas of Pella. Their homes and services must not be overlooked.
Ward 1
Lynn Branderhorst
Lynn Branderhorst
WARD 1
(Incumbent)
I view myself as conservative when spending taxpayers’ money. The city has learned that when excessive spending happens, it takes years to get our financial ship sailing successfully again. I take my fiduciary responsibility very seriously and feel strongly that we must always maintain our ability to keep our community safe and operational.
Ward 3
Spencer Carlstone
Spencer Carlstone
WARD 3
(Incumbent)
I acknowledge the current economic context is difficult for everyone. Moreover, so little of it is within our control. The city’s budget feels the same pinch that we all individually feel. Prices for everything rise and the needs continue. As I alluded to above, growth and repair functions of a biological system, like a city, occur in a context of seemingly finite resources. A city only has a few opportunities to attain income. Income can increase if real estate tax income increases, and most communities are highly dependent on this source of income. What we pay in real estate taxes depends on tax rate (which the city council has control over) x assessment (which is out of city council’s control}. The current city council and previous councils have not increased our tax rate in 20+ years. Unfortunately, assessments have continued to climb, resulting in higher real estate tax bills. Alternatively, the forward thinking way to raise real estate tax income is to increase the base of that tax. Meaning, increase the number of properties taxed. Grow.
Thankfully, through thoughtful planning and forward thinking, the city has income sources beyond real estate taxes. For example, Pella Fiber and our electric utility afford the city many opportunities that would not otherwise be available to a city our size. Because of our income diversity, thriving industry, growth and thoughtful planning the city of Pella continues to be in sound financial position.
In order for the city of Pella to continue to thrive, it must invest our income for current and future returns. It must create new income sources. It must control what tax burdens it can for the citizenry. The city must grow.
Anita VerMeer Fischer
Anita VerMeer Fischer WARD 3
I believe its important to understand the city council members role–approving the budget, setting tax levies, and managing debt while making sure our spending reflects the priorities of our community. Another key focus should be on public safety, infrastructure, and planning city services while always looking at what’s necessary and affordable since we are entrusted with citizens’ tax dollars.
At the same time, we need to invest in Pella’s quality of life–housing, safety, culture, amenities, etc., which will ensure the long-term success of our community. By planning carefully, staying efficient, and being transparent, we can make the investments our community needs without placing an extra burden on taxpayers. I support a balanced approach–using today’s revenues wisely while spreading the cost of larger projects over time.
Bruce Schiebout
Bruce Schiebout
WARD 3
As you stated in your question, it is a balance between the tax burden and implemented investments in the community. I am not opposed to strategic investments; but, we need to keep in mind that the infrastructure and utility installation costs lay squarely on the backs of the community, and although the property tax base will increase, so will the maintenance exposure to the city.
3. Workforce is an important element of any municipality’s economic development plans. What current and future challenges do you see regarding Pella’s workforce and what role does the City Council play in addressing those workforce challenges?
At-Large
Calvin Bandstra
Calvin Bandstra
AT-LARGE
The issue of available, affordable housing, especially for those just starting out in the workforce, is probably the biggest challenge in attracting new workers. This was a focus during my first term on City Council, and there were many successes noted with the Prairie Ridge development, the Vintage Estates addition, the Kading development on View Pointe Circle, and the conversion of the former Dutch Mill Motel and Hilltop Manor South into residential living units. Despite this new available housing, demand is still outstripping supply. Over the years some of our neighboring communities such as Newton and Oskaloosa have included housing programs as part their city government structure in terms of grants or personnel. If we as a City do come to the conclusion that housing is limiting the availability of the workforce, then we may have to be prepared to invest in programs similar to those. But, those programs come with a cost, and that is part of the balancing act of making the right choices with the city revenues that are available. One exciting new housing opportunity was created by the Prairie Ridge development, which segregated a portion of the TIF revenues for LMI (Low-to-Moderate Income) housing initiatives. The TIF revenues are now just starting to be produced, so that will create an opportunity for the City to be very intentional in promoting LMI housing initiatives.
Ann Summitt
Ann Summitt
AT-LARGE
The city needs to work together with other groups and businesses to assess exactly what is needed. The City of Pella will have LMI (low, moderate, income) money in the future to hopefully address some of the issues of affordable housing. This is still an enormous issue in our city. When we fill homes with fami1ies, this supports all aspects of our city and is vita1 to successful growth.
The future of the workforce is evolving constantly and is somewhat hard to predict. With the unknown of what AI and robotics coming into area businesses and companies could mean to our workforce is still unknown. We will continue to need robust housing opportunities to address all issues.
Ward 1
Lynn Branderhorst
Lynn Branderhorst
WARD 1
(Incumbent)
All economic indicators are telling us that workforce issues are occurring nationwide, and they are here to stay. As a City Council member, I feel we need to walk alongside our businesses, large and small, providing a support system that includes the following within our community:
Affordable housing
– Affordable cost of living, achieved by not increasing taxes
– Having a presence on local economic development organizations
– Involvement in the promotion of Pella as a wonderful community in which to live
Ward 3
Spencer Carlstone
Spencer Carlstone
WARD 3
(Incumbent)
The city council has heard for the last several decades that we must do what we can to “attract and retain” the talent our industries, businesses, services and retailers need to not just survive but thrive. What’s more, they are, and therefore Pella is, competing in a national marketplace for this talent. I’m proud to be a part of a current council that has been bold enough to invest in Pella over the last 4 years. Indeed, the last 2 councils have answered that call. A change in council membership now could slow, or even stall, the progress made over the last 6 years. The strategic use of urban renewal designation and tax financing has played an important role in our progress. I look forward to exploring other ways for the city to be proactive in moving Pella’s development forward. The city is currently reviewing our comprehensive plan, our building code and zoning ordinances and our wayfinding plan. I’m honored to sit with civic leaders on those committees and I look forward to continuing that work if re-elected. All of this can make Pella a great place for investors, developers, and innovators to come and expand our housing and workplace options, thereby expanding our workforce.
Anita VerMeer Fischer
Anita VerMeer Fischer WARD 3
Pella has a strong tradition of hard-working people, yet many businesses continue to face challenges. While the city council can’t create jobs directly, we can support an environment where residents and businesses can thrive. I spoke with local businesses and citizens to hear what they see as challenges–top concerns include workforce housing, childcare, transportation, and parking. Although a trail and sidewalk plan was included in the 2014 comprehensive plan, it needs to be updated and implemented. Doing so would better serve those who commute to work by walking or biking, especially those living in the new developments on the west side of Pella.
Bruce Schiebout
Bruce Schiebout
WARD 3
Many employees come from surrounding areas and communities. In discussions with current and potential employees, the cost of living in Pella is the number one deterrent to residing within our community. The City must do it’s part by holding the cost down on taxes and fees.
4. Quality of life amenities are viewed as important economic development tools, especially when it comes to the recruitment and retention of employers and employees. What is your assessment of quality-of-life amenities in Pella? What role, if any, does the City Council play in the development or redevelopment of quality-of-life amenities?
At-Large
Calvin Bandstra
Calvin Bandstra
AT-LARGE
First, the assessment—Pella’s quality-of-life amenities are the envy of many other communities our size, with the new indoor recreation center just adding to the list. The Community Center with its theater performances and art programs, the city’s park system that includes the unique Big Rock Park within city limits and the award-winning WonderSpelen park, the outdoor sports park, and the festivals, city square events, and Molengracht events all add to the list of amenities. And these could not be done without the support of Pella’s nonprofit organizations such as Spirit of Pella, the PACE Alliance, Pella Historical, Visit Pella, and many others.
Secondly, the role—the City Council plays a pivotal role in developing quality-of-life amenities because these features are often just a break-even measure or more often, a cost to the city budget—for example, we don’t charge admission to walk in the park. It is the indirect benefit that these amenities create—people want to move to this community so property values are not only stabilized, but increase; downtown businesses gain revenue from people coming from out of town to attend swimming meets, festivals, and theater events; the hospital and other medical enterprises, businesses of all sizes, and the public, private, and college educational centers can entice high-quality employees to move to Pella–these examples and many others relate to the amenities that the City provides and maintains. This important spillover or multiplier effect is difficult to quantify, but it is constantly anecdotal—how often haven’t we heard from long-term residents and newcomers alike that Pella is a great community?!
Ann Summitt
Ann Summitt
AT-LARGE
At this point in time, with the new Indoor Rec Center being built and the restoration of the Pella Community Center, we need to see how all of this will work out fiscally. The City of Pella provides many amenities at this time. We do have some areas of amenities that need to be addressed. This includes Kiwanis tennis courts and Rotary Park. It is wonderful to see Pella Rotary and Pella Kiwanis helping to rejuvenate their parks with help from other nonprofits and organizations within the community. This is what collaboration looks like and helps to lighten the load on the city as well as giving citizens involvement and engagement in our community. When all people have the opportunity to be engaged it brings about ownership, which in turn unifies groups to work together for the good of our community.
The area of quality of life amenities is definitely going to continue to evolve. The City of Pella also MUST take care of the essential needs. What our budget is going to look like in the coming years is a huge question. Much of the available money will depend on items that are going in front of the state legislature, such as property tax caps, TIF money, LOSST, and others. This will dictate a lot in years to come. The primary goal of the Pella City Council must be fiscal responsibility to address the safety of all our citizens.
The citizens of Pella must be kept well informed and encouraged to provide input on all of these issues. This is a difficult question to answer due to the uncertainty at the state level which in turn will affect our local revenues.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on what is important with respect to all areas of our community. The top goal of any city council should be that of being good stewards of tax payers money with a clear and concise explanation of where and why monies need to be spent in the city.
Ward 1
Lynn Branderhorst
Lynn Branderhorst
WARD 1
(Incumbent)
Research shows that Pella is a more affordable place than the National average of like size communities. In fact, home ownership is between 60-65% compared to rent in like communities across the US.
The studies that PACE supports, shows that young adults are looking for communities that are extremely safe, provide above average education for kids and a strong economic climate. There is no doubt that Pella scores above average on those 3 categories among many others like close proximity to larger metro areas like Des Moines.
Our community is rich with amenities for that same demographic when you consider our rich Dutch Heritage, town architecture, festivals, community events in Central Park, and gatherings like the Farmers Market.
Ward 3
Spencer Carlstone
Spencer Carlstone
WARD 3
(Incumbent)
The answer to this question overlaps the previous one. Quality of life amenities are usually at the top of the list for anyone considering a move for a new start, a new job or retirement. The city of Pella has a lot to offer. Knowing we are competing on a national level, we need to actively improve and aspire. I don’t believe that means we strive to become Des Moines, Kansas City or Chicago. I do believe that means we become the best version of Pella we can become. We need a culture of welcome. We need housing options for all-comers. We need benefits like a rec center, a community center, an independent library and a place for the arts to thrive. We need NOT fear change. We need NOT fear ideas different from our own. We need leadership that sets a vision forward. We need leadership that can consider “the other side.” We need leadership that collaborates. We need leadership that empowers. We need leadership that doesn’t micromanage. We need leadership.
Anita VerMeer Fischer
Anita VerMeer Fischer WARD 3
Pella is blessed with many quality-of-life amenities that make our community stand out–our parks and trails, the aquatic center, excellent K-12 schools and higher education, the library, our historic downtown, and of course traditions like Tulip Time. We also have close access to Lake Red Rock, which adds another level of recreation. These are the kinds of amenities that make families want to live here and businesses want to invest here.
As our community continues to grow, it’s important that we maintain our current facilities while also planning ahead for reasonable growth. The city council plays a role by listening to residents and businesses, setting a vision for the future of Pella, including priorities, and making responsible budget decisions. This means supporting amenities that serve everyone–young families, students, and seniors, along with making sure these amenities are sustainable for the future.
Bruce Schiebout
Bruce Schiebout
WARD 3
I am blessed to have the opportunity to communicate with many prospective or new residence to Pella. What is most often mentioned for their desire to call Pella home is the school systems, the safety of the community and the traditional historical values. Quality of life amenities are great and can be found in most any community, but let us not forget the basic fundamentals of our prosperity and success.