Mayor Dorothy McCabe Removes Campaign Video

The removal follows a formal complaint regarding the use of a Waterloo fire station for campaign filming.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a municipal fire station facade, evoking the boundaries of local political policy. — Mayor Dorothy McCabe removed a campaign video from social media following a complaint about filming inside a Waterloo city fire station. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should incumbent politicians be prohibited from using city facilities for their re-election campaigns?

Mayor Dorothy McCabe has removed a campaign video from her social media pages after it was filmed at a Waterloo fire station. The removal occurred following a formal complaint filed by challenger Shannon Weber.

Why it matters

The incident centers on a city policy that explicitly prohibits council members from using municipal facilities for partisan campaign activities. By removing the post, the campaign addressed the concerns raised regarding the use of public resources.

A formal complaint was filed with the city clerk regarding the use of a city facility for campaign purposes. While city policy restricts such actions, the clerk stated she lacks the authority to investigate violations or set penalties.

The players

Dorothy McCabe

Dorothy McCabe is the mayor of Waterloo and is currently seeking re-election.

Shannon Weber

Shannon Weber is a challenger in the municipal election who filed a formal complaint regarding the use of city facilities.

The details

Shannon Weber filed the complaint after the mayor posted a video on Instagram that featured footage filmed inside a Waterloo fire station. The campaign removed the content shortly after the complaint cited the municipal policy barring the use of city facilities for electioneering.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Shannon Weber filed a complaint with the city clerk.

Political Context

The mayor's actions mark a departure from the city's established municipal policy prohibiting the use of fire stations or other public buildings for partisan electioneering. This highlights ongoing friction between candidates regarding the enforcement of local ethics rules.

The incident clarifies the limitations on using public assets for political campaigning in the city. Taxpayers can note that municipal policy remains focused on keeping local government facilities neutral during the election season.

The takeaway

Candidates for municipal office should review local ordinances regarding facility use to avoid complaints and ensure compliance with city ethics standards. Transparent campaign practices help maintain the integrity of the election process for local voters.