• Jody GiffordPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Waukee, IA

I was born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, graduated high school there and got my degree in journalism from Drake University. Right after college, I went to work for The Des Moines Register. Working my way through the ranks there, I eventually landed a spot writing features with an eye on pop culture and Gen X-related content. From there, I moved to Indianapolis, Ind. where I helped the Indianapolis Star start-up a Gen X publication called INtake Weekly. My husband and I missed Iowa and decided to move back home to be closer to family. We have three kids, a 5 year-old daughter and 3 year-old twins ( a daughter and son) and we've called West Des Moines home since 2004. 

Personally, when and if I have spare time, I love to read, travel, write and spend time with friends. I've had my own personal blog for six years that tends to say a little too much about the crazy things my kids do. I haven't had a lot of time for myself since I became a stay-at-home mom in 2006 but my husband and I talk often about what the coming years might bring us in terms of free time once the kids start school. I'm so looking forward to it.

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<b>Politics</b>

I won&#39;t lie - I&#39;m not at all political. As a reporter for the mainstream media, we were discouraged from voicing our true opinions and were told never to divulge our affiliations so as to not bias our coverage. I got kind of used to that so I&#39;ve never really been a squeaky wheel.

That said, I am a registered Democrat but I never vote a straight democratic ticket. I prefer to listen to the issues and tend to side with those who are more liberal.

<b>Religion</b>

I grew up Presbyterian and come from a long line of Presbyterians and yes, I am still a Presbyterian. What I like about my church and religion is that they welcome people of all backgrounds and never turn anyone away based on their personal beliefs. It&#39;s refreshing to be a part of a congregation that embraces everyone&#39;s differences.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>

Waukee is a growing at a rapid rate. In 2010, the city was clicking along at almost 14,000 residents up 169 percent from 10 years previous. Growth like that is bound to cause growing pains. Along those lines, some of the hot topics include how the schools handle an ever-increasing student body, how to accomodate new business, and how the city will follow through on projects meant to bring in more business, more residents and consequently, more growth.

Posting Activity

Waukee|News|

A New Hy-Vee for Waukee: 2012 in Review

The much-anticipated grocery store at the corner of Hickman and Alice's Road now has a tentative completion date.

A New Hy-Vee for Waukee: 2012 in Review