Bret Van De Pol resigns as Dallas Center mayor

The mayor of Dallas Center has resigned, citing “growing concerns surrounding safety.”The city released a letter Mayor Bret Van De Pol sent to other city officials. Van De Pol said the demands of the role have taken a toll on his career and his time spent with his family. He also said there are growing safety concerns tied to the position, and he no longer feels confident in his safety or his family or other people serving in similar.”I cannot ignore the growing concerns surrounding safety,” Van De Pol wrote. “The level of hostility, conflict, and escalation tied to this position has created a situation where I no longer feel confident in the safety and well-being of my family, myself, or others serving in this capacity.”Van De Pol said he will do everything he can to ensure a smooth transition during this process. Mayor Pro Tem Angie Beaudet will serve as interim mayor until the city council decides how to fill the position.You can read Van De Pol’s full letter below.April 16, 2026Dear Members of the City Council, City Staff and City Attorney,After significant thought and consideration, I am submitting my resignation as Mayor of the City of Dallas Center, effective immediately.Serving this community has been a true honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the City Council, staff, and residents in support of Dallas Center’s continued growth and success. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and truly believe Dallas Center is a great place to call home.However, the demands of this role have become substantial. The time required to effectively serve as Mayor — facilitating meetings, responding to calls and emails, and navigating ongoing community matters — has increasingly taken away time for my career and most importantly with my family. That alone requires serious consideration.More importantly, I cannot ignore the growing concerns surrounding safety. The level of hostility, conflict, and escalation tied to this position has created a situation where I no longer feel confident in the safety and well-being of my family, myself, or others serving in this capacity. The current legal framework and the impact of past litigation have left the Mayor, Council, and City staff with limited ability to adequately respond to or protect against these situations.This is not a sustainable or acceptable position for anyone in public service. When the role of Mayor begins to pose a risk to personal safety and the well-being of one’s family, it demands serious action. For that reason, this has become the primary factor in my decision to step down.This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary. I remain confident in the dedication of the Council and City staff and their commitment to the community.I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition and support the City during this process.Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It has been a privilege.Sincerely,Bret Van De Pol » Subscribe to KCCI’s YouTube page» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play

DALLAS CENTER, Iowa —

The mayor of Dallas Center has resigned, citing “growing concerns surrounding safety.”

The city released a letter Mayor Bret Van De Pol sent to other city officials. Van De Pol said the demands of the role have taken a toll on his career and his time spent with his family. He also said there are growing safety concerns tied to the position, and he no longer feels confident in his safety or his family or other people serving in similar.

“I cannot ignore the growing concerns surrounding safety,” Van De Pol wrote. “The level of hostility, conflict, and escalation tied to this position has created a situation where I no longer feel confident in the safety and well-being of my family, myself, or others serving in this capacity.”

Van De Pol said he will do everything he can to ensure a smooth transition during this process.

Mayor Pro Tem Angie Beaudet will serve as interim mayor until the city council decides how to fill the position.

You can read Van De Pol’s full letter below.

April 16, 2026

Dear Members of the City Council, City Staff and City Attorney,

After significant thought and consideration, I am submitting my resignation as Mayor of the City of Dallas Center, effective immediately.

Serving this community has been a true honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the City Council, staff, and residents in support of Dallas Center’s continued growth and success. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and truly believe Dallas Center is a great place to call home.

However, the demands of this role have become substantial. The time required to effectively serve as Mayor — facilitating meetings, responding to calls and emails, and navigating ongoing community matters — has increasingly taken away time for my career and most importantly with my family. That alone requires serious consideration.

More importantly, I cannot ignore the growing concerns surrounding safety. The level of hostility, conflict, and escalation tied to this position has created a situation where I no longer feel confident in the safety and well-being of my family, myself, or others serving in this capacity. The current legal framework and the impact of past litigation have left the Mayor, Council, and City staff with limited ability to adequately respond to or protect against these situations.

This is not a sustainable or acceptable position for anyone in public service. When the role of Mayor begins to pose a risk to personal safety and the well-being of one’s family, it demands serious action. For that reason, this has become the primary factor in my decision to step down.

This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary. I remain confident in the dedication of the Council and City staff and their commitment to the community.

I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition and support the City during this process.

Tags: