Des Moines Sun

Iowa-native and Ward 3 Des Moines City Council candidate Cory McAnelly said he's "qualified" for the job because he knows first-hand about the struggles people face.

McAnelly, a lawyer by trade, was born to teenage parents. His father joined the Marine Corps to support his young family, which meant McAnelly spent a lot of his childhood traveling the country before moving back to Iowa to live with his grandmother. McAnelly, a University of Iowa graduate, was the first in his family to attend college. He later graduated from Drake Law School. McAnelly believes the challenges he has dealt with only make him better understand the people of Des Moines. 

"I have proven that I am passionate about the causes in this world that were once there to give me a hand up in my life, and I know the services and leadership that our city provides are critical to sustaining an ecosystem of healthy and thriving communities, businesses and philanthropy," McAnelly told the Des Moines Sun. 

McAnelly has worked as a clerk for a federal judge and is currently employed as an in-house intellectual property attorney for Principal. He's also volunteered and supported a number of community organizations by serving on the board of directors of the Public Library Foundation and the board of managers for the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus. 

"It was through that experience that I learned our City Council needs a change in leadership in order for our community to reach its full potential," he said. 

If elected in November, McAnelly said he wants the people of Des Moines to have voices in the city's decision making and focus on residents who have the greatest needs.

"I will work to tackle the complex challenges of housing, food and technology insecurity, including finding ways to resolve our internet and technology deserts, driven by my passion and experience of having once been the one in need."

McAnelly said he also wants to work with the business community to help ensure their success while also employment opportunities for people who live in the city. 

McAnelly has lived in Des Moines for seven total years, broken up by job stint in Texas. He currently lives in the Drake neighborhood.

To learn more about McAnelly and his campaign, visit his website.