West Valley Magazine, May 2011, Shaker, David Iwanski
Posted on 14. May, 2011 by trish in West Valley 24
“After serving four years on active duty with the United States Army, David Iwanski went to work for Arizona Congressman Eldon Rudd. On Iwanski’s first day, Congressman Rudd told him that his primary responsibility was to learn everything he could about western water and energy issues. Iwanski has been working on water, energy, environmental and agri-business policy issues at the Federal, State and Local levels of government ever since.
“David Iwanski is always the “Go to Guy for the West Side,” said Judge Clancy Jayne of the Desert Ridge Justice Court. “Having worked with David for almost 20 years, his knowledge of issues is second to no one.”
“My wife, Sherri, and my family provide a rock solid foundation for everything I do,” said Iwanski who, while serving on the U.S. Army legal staff at the Pentagon, was part of the legal team that handled several of the Iranian hostages after their return from Tehran. “It was a once in a lifetime experience and having had the privilege to serve those individuals is something I will never forget.”
Having been born and raised in Milwaukee, Iwanski enjoyed his frequent trips back to Arizona while serving for his mentor, Congressman Eldon Rudd as Rudd’s Appropriations Committee staff liaison. “I traveled all over the Valley, and the Westside had a flavor and appeal that impressed me. The Arizona weather didn’t hurt either.”
Iwanski served diligently in civic and non-profit organizations over the course of his career in Arizona and the West Valley: WESTMARC, City of Glendale Board of Adjustments, City of Avondale Planning Commission, Governor’s Growth Management Committee, National Water Resources Association, Agri-Business Council of Arizona, Agri-Business and Equine Center Charter Schools and Saguaro Ranch Park Foundation. Iwanski’s accomplishments and service to Arizona could not have happened without his mentors who inspired him to give generously of his time and skills. “My parents, Mert and Bernadine Iwanski, who have been married for almost 64 years, taught my sister, Melody, and I about love, honor, respect, sacrifice and to always have a good sense of humor,” said Iwanski.
Formerly the City of Goodyear Water Resources Manager, Iwanksi has also been a leader in the cities of Goodyear, Avondale and Litchfield Park’s efforts to manage the clean-up of groundwater contamination from the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport Unidynamics Superfund Site. “I had a lead role in coordinating efforts between the cities, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, technical consultants, the Citizens Advisory Group and citizens” said Iwanski whose efforts assisted the cities to contain plume migration and to develop a much more aggressive approach to clean-up.
Years in West Valley: 25
Family: My wife, Sherri, is a second generation Arizonan.
Favorite quote: John F. Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather, ask what you can do for your country.”
Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? Martin Luther King.
What’s your favorite book? Almost anything written by Lee Child.
What’s your favorite musical group? The Beatles
Who do you miss the most? My cousin Gary Scott Lloyd, a marine who was killed while on active duty. He was with the Unit that guarded the Presidential helicopters at Quantico. He was much more like a brother to me, than my cousin. His mother is my god-mother.
What is your favorite place in the West Valley? The Wigwam Resort
Most coveted: The City of Avondale Veteran’s Day ceremony.
What is your favorite cause? Being able to assist people who are less fortunate.
What would your super power be? Mind reading so that I could predict the stock market and price of gold.
What’s your nickname? “Duffy”
Describe yourself as a child: Skinny, out-going, hyperactive and fun to be around
What keeps you up at night? Lately, the federal budget deficit and the dramatic impact it will have on our Nation and its citizens.
One phrase you wish people wouldn’t say, or would say more: Use the word “entitlement” less and the words “thank you” more often
What’s your favorite food? Osso Buco
What is your biggest pet peeve? People who promise to call you back and then don’t.
What would you choose to do, career wise, if you weren’t in your current career? Teach at the High School or College level.
What drives you? Pride in my work and the satisfaction of doing something well.
What are your career goals? I want to continue in policy development on key issues of importance to the West Valley. Water, energy, transportation, availability of venture capital, education, health care, job creation and generating wealth are all tied together.
What is the secret to your success? I try really hard to take criticism well and to use that as motivation. Being well read and well informed is also an asset. I am extremely fortunate to have a significant network of colleagues and friends that provide expertise, support, inspiration and the trust to be open and honest. These people are incredible.
How do you feel the West Valley has affected you, and how do you feel you’ve affected the West Valley? There always seemed to be an “image problem” with this side of town. The “East Valley” versus “West Valley” mentality existed, with Phoenix, the “600 pound gorilla” in the middle. This whole dynamic has made me work hard to attain equal partnership status with any other part of the Valley or State.
What would you recommend to people looking to make a difference in the West Valley? Get engaged in your community and the political process. Make your voice heard in appropriate forums if you have ideas, criticisms or just want to vent an issue.
Who was an influence in your career, and how did they affect what you do? D. Michael Rappoport, Associate General
Manager for Salt River Project, was a mentor. He came to Washington, D.C. to lobby for a $650 million Safety of Dams appropriation, when I had just started working for Congressman Rudd. Mike’s exact words to me were “kid, here’s how we are going to make your boss look good”. The best lobbyist and politically savvy individual I have ever known and I have been around elected officials my entire life.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the West Valley, and how does what you do help ease those challenges?
Job creation is at the top of my list. Offering all of the elements for successful business development is critical. The question everyone should ask is “what do people need to live, work, recreate and invest in the West Valley? The cumulative answers to that question will dictate a strategy for moving forward. My role is not to ease those
challenges but to meet those challenges in ways that are constructive, cost-effective and meaningful.
