Bobbi Bentz Announces Candidacy for Ankeny City Council

A long-time Ankeny resident has filed to possibly become the next Ankeny City Council member.

Bobbi Bentz, a 1997 Ankeny High School graduate, announced her candidacy Wednesday to run for the . Bentz is employed by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield in network engagement and has lived in Ankeny since 1980.

In the announcement sent to Ankeny Patch, Bentz said the community needs another responsive leader who will represent taxpayers and focus on cost containment, tax reduction, maintaining infrastructure and supporting sustainable economic development.

"As Ankeny continues to grow, it is important the decisions of the city leadership reflect the interests of residents and commercial business owners - maintaining a strong city while planning responsibly for the future," Bentz said.

The special city council election is a result of Craig Block's resignation from the council, which was effective May 21. Ankeny residents in order for a special election to be held.

Bentz is the second person to announce candidacy for the open spot. Gary Key of Ankeny also has filed.

Bentz received her undergraduate degree from Cornell College in economics and business. She's received two Master's degrees from the University of Iowa and is close to completing her doctorate degree in community and behavioral health, also from the University of Iowa.

Bentz has been a member of the since her confirmation in 1993. She is also involved with the Greater Des Moines Young Professionals, a member of Ankeny Young Professionals, volunteers with the Easter Seals and assists the American Heart Association.

Bentz said she was encouraged to run for city council by several Ankeny residents due to her "experience and commitment to the community."

“My husband and I wanted to raise our family in Ankeny because the community has an identity separate from other communities in the Des Moines metro,“ Bentz said.

She and her husband, Adam, have two daughters, ages 4 and 2. Adam owns and operates BAB Sports, a fundraising and promotion firm, and is the defensive coordinator for the Des Moines Blaze football team.

Candidates have until June 22 to file. Should three or more candidate file by then, a primary election will be held July 17.

The special election for this race will be held Aug. 14.