Ankeny City Council Candidates Back on Campaign Trail Following Tuesday's Primary Election

The winners of the Ankeny City Council primary election are gearing up for the next step in their political futures — the Aug. 14 special election.

But Bobbi Bentz and Mona Bond, , aren't moving forward without thanks and congratulations for the voters and their fellow candidates.

"I want to thank all the citizens of Ankeny who came out to support me today and those who have been supporting me these last several weeks," Bentz said. I've truly enjoyed reaching out to and listening to Ankeny's biggest asset — the people."

According to unofficial results from the Polk County Election Office, Bentz tallied the top number of votes Tuesday night with 454, or just over 39 percent of the vote. Bond trailed her with 338 votes, or 29 percent.

Gary Key and Tom Reiland, the final two candidates, received 191 and 172 votes, respectively.

Both Bentz and Bond congratulated one another, as well as Key and Reiland, following Tuesday night's results.

Bond said she planned to get out and talk to more residents as early as Wednesday, getting their take on issues including the role of government and how it applies to job creation in Ankeny.

"Government does not create jobs, businesses do and why are businesses locating in Ankeny?" Bond said. "What do we have that makes this a vibrant community, one that people want to move to, work and play in? How do we keep all of that and still be good stewards of the available resources?"

Moving forward, Bentz said she's heard the message from residents who love Ankeny and want to make it a place that's desirable and affordable to live.

"Lifelong residents, newer residents, and young families like mine live here because of Ankeny's community connectedness, strong schools, and easy access to recreation, shopping, and the amenities of the greater Des Moines area," Bentz said, "but we have collective concerns about the rising costs of living and working in Ankeny."