Ankeny City Council to Talk Mayoral Candidates Next Week

The Ankeny City Council decided Monday they would talk about who will take over as Ankeny's next mayor in open session before making a selection on Dec. 10.

According to the Des Moines Register, council member Mark Holm asked during Monday night's special planning session that the applicants be discussed during the council's next meeting on Dec. 3. The hope would be the council could reach a consensus and that person could get acquainted with the position before officially taking over for outgoing Ankeny Mayor Steven Van Oort, the article said.

At a meeting last week, the council voted to appoint someone to fill Van Oort's seat. Van Oort recently was elected to the Polk County Board of Supervisors. His last day as mayor is Dec. 7.

Council members said last week they consider an appointment to be the most practical way to fill the vacancy. Residents were then encouraged to apply for the position.

In a media release issued by the city Tuesday, council members talked about how best to evaluate the letters of interest submitted by citizens.

"I think it is important that we have a shared understanding of the general characteristics we as a Council are looking for so we can make the best decision on behalf of our community," Holm said in the release.

There was a consensus that identifying general qualities and characteristics would help in the appointment process, the release said. The council is looking for a candidate with some of the following:

• General knowledge of local government and regional affairs
• Availability to serve as the City's representative locally and regionally
• Some leadership experience
• General knowledge of budget and finance
• Some understanding of strategic planning and goal setting
• General understanding of the respective roles of the mayor, city council, management and staff
• Awareness of and involvement in Ankeny's community culture

Ankeny residents interested in the position can submit a letter of interest to Ankeny City Clerk Pam DeMouth. All letters should be submitted by Nov. 30 and should include the following:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email
• Experience

The appointee will serve the remainder of the term which ends Dec. 31, 2013.

When the city council formally decides to appoint a replacement, Ankeny residents can still petition the council for a special election.

To hold a special election, petitions must be filed with the city clerk within 14 days after the appointment is made.