jfisher@timesrepublican.com
The special election to select a first ward city council representative is near and the candidates are making their final push for votes.
The choices for the position are Raymond Starks and Mike Ladehoff. Both interviewed, along with Shari Cougenhour, to take the spot vacated by Sue Cahill after she was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives.
Starks was appointed by the city council in December and has been serving since Cahill’s seat opened at the beginning of the year.
The election will be held on Tuesday. Ballots can be cast at the Marshalltown Public Library, 105 W. Boone St., from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Only residents of the first ward are eligible to vote in this election.
jfisher@timesrepubican.com
The candidate filing period for the first ward special election is closed and two candidates have thrown their names in for the city council seat.
Raymond Starks and Mike Ladehoff will vie for the first ward city council position, a spot previously held by Sue Cahill.
To file for candidacy, candidates needed to submit an application with the county auditor’s office with at least 25 signatures from residents of the first ward.
Starks has been serving in the position for less than a month after being appointed by the city council in December. After his appointment, a petition was filed carrying 54 signatures to trigger a special election. Only 30 signatures were required to put the wheels in motion.
T-R FILE PHOTO
The Entrance of Marshalltown City Hall.
More than 50 signatures were validated on a petition to hold a special election for the first ward council seat.
The Marshalltown City Council appointed Raymond Starks as Sue Cahill’s successor as the first ward council member on Dec. 31. Cahill vacated her position with the council at the end of the year as she was elected to represent State House District 71.
City Administrator Jessica Kinser said the city received the petition on Jan. 6. Only 30 signatures were needed to trigger a special election and 54 were received.
The Marshall County Commission of Elections announced Monday the special election will be held Feb. 16. Only first ward residents are eligible to vote in the election. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day for voting absentee in person is Feb. 12.
jfisher@timesrepublican.com
The Marshalltown City Council tabled its discussion on appointing a new council member until its regular meeting next week.
City Clerk Alicia Hunter led the interview of three candidates vying for Sue Cahill’s soon-to-be vacant first ward council seat Raymond Starks, Shari Cougenhour and Mike Ladehoff. The special council meeting was held virtually on Monday.
Cahill’s resignation from the council is effective Dec. 31 as she takes on her new role with the Iowa House of Representatives.
After the interview item of the agenda was finished the council members present discussed whether or not to appoint a candidate or table the discussion. Council members Bethany Wirin and Bill Martin were not present during the interview process, though Wirin arrived afterward.
TIMES-REPUBLICAN
Shari Cougenhour is one of four candidates interviewing for the soon-to-be vacated first ward city council seat currently held by Sue Cahill.
Cougenhour served as Marshalltown’s city clerk for 20 years and is retired. She also served as a board member and secretary/treasurer with Morning Optimists.
Is there a particular issue or set of issues that caused you to submit a letter of interest in the vacant
council position?
My interest in the vacant council position stems from my love for our community and my desire that Marshalltown continues to be that place where families grow and raise their children. It is important to me that the city’s mission statement comes to life for residents and business owners of our community. Real or perceived quality of life issues impairing our residents or consumer satisfaction must be addressed in a positive manner so the Mission Statement is a reality of life for residents and business owners. My life experiences have provi