During a recent West Des Moines City Council meeting, long-time resident Margo Glimental raised serious concerns about historical corruption within the city's development processes. Glimental, who has lived in the area for over 52 years, detailed her experiences with local governance, particularly regarding a controversial zoning change that she claims involved a conflict of interest with the mayor.

Glimental recounted how, shortly after the city adopted a new comprehensive plan, a developer proposed a higher-density housing project that contradicted the approved plan. Upon investigation, she discovered that the mayor was behind the development, leading her to voice her concerns at a council meeting. This action, she claims, resulted in years of harassment from city staff.

She also highlighted the financial struggles faced by property owners due to exorbitant street assessments imposed by the city, which she argued were used to facilitate development at the expense of residents. Glimental stated that many property owners were forced to sell their land to developers at undervalued prices due to these assessments.

In a dramatic conclusion, she revealed that her efforts to expose the alleged corruption led her to involve the FBI, resulting in the removal of several city officials, although she felt that not enough accountability was achieved.

Following Glimental's testimony, Theresa Benskin, a former civil engineer, expressed her concerns regarding a feasibility study for Raccoon River Bridges, emphasizing the potential environmental impacts on local parks and neighborhoods. Benskin commended Councilman Trevillian for his opposition to the project, indicating a growing concern among residents about the balance between development and environmental preservation in West Des Moines.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions between community members and city officials regarding development practices and transparency, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and scrutiny in local governance.