Fourth Candidate Announces Bid for Ankeny City Council

A fourth candidate has announced his bid for a spot on the Ankeny City Council.

Tom Reiland, an Ankeny resident and former lieutenant with the Ankeny Fire Department, officially made the announcement earlier this week. The deadline to file papers was June 22.

"I have reached a point in my life where I feel I have the time and life experience to make a positive influence on our City Council," Reiland said in his announcement to Ankeny Patch.

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

Reiland joins other candidates , and . A primary election will be held July 17 to eliminate two candidates. A special election will then be held Aug. 14.

Reiland grew up in Clarion, where he graduated high school in 1989. A year later, he moved to Ankeny to attend DMACC. His wife, Julie, his a lifelong Ankeny resident and the couple have two daughters.

Reiland currently works as a sales service respresentative for Kraft Foods in the Des Moines area. He spent 19 years with the Ankeny Fire Department, eight of which as a lieutenant.

I am confident that my time spent with the department gives me not only a proven track record of leadership and critical decision making, but also an insider's view of the city as an organization," Reiland said. "I am familiar with the operation of our city government and I can hit the ground running if elected."

If elected, Reiland said his priorities will be fully staffing Fire Station 2, as well as eliminating the utility franchise fee.

"I am opposed to the creation of any new fees to generate revenue, unless it is a user fee to offset the cost of a specific service," Reiland said. "Simply put, I feel it is time we live within our means."

Reiland said he will be a voice for Ankeny residents, especially those living on a fixed income.

"People forget that what seems like a small increase to some is a serious burden to others," Reiland said. "I want to keep Ankeny as affordable as possible and a great place to call home."

Reiland can be contacted at reilandforcouncil@gmail.com.