UPDATE: Two-Way Race Shaping Up in West Des Moines Ward 2 Special Council Election

Lucas Casey, 29, has announced his candidacy for the West Des Moines City Council Ward 2 seat to be decided in a special Feb. 12 election.

In a press release, Casey said the election represents a unique opportunity for a newcomer to become involved in city government. He and his wife, Lindsay, moved to West Des Moines last year.

"We moved here because of the incredible quality of life this community promises its residents," Case said. "I want to be a part of ensuring that quality of life continues for the countless families who choose West Des Moines in the future."

Casey is the director of institutional accountability and compliance at AIB College of Business in Des Moines. He previously worked in the president's office at Grand View university, where he also taught in the areas of public administration and leadership.

He has a bachelor's degree in public administration and economics from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in public administration from Drake Univesity. He's a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Before moving to West Des Moines, Casey lived in Windsor Heights, where he served on the board of adjustment. He graduated from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and has been involved in the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Government Policy Council.

Casey and his wife have two children and are members of the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

Previously, Patch reported:

With 10 days remaining before the filing deadline for a special election to fill a Ward 2 vacancy on the West Des Moines City Council, only one candidate has emerged.

Banker John Mickelson declared his candidacy for the council seat on Dec. 12, the day after Charles Schneider was declared the winner in a special Senate District 22 election. Schneider was a year into his second four-year term on the West Des Moines City Council when he won the Senate race.

Because three years remained in Schneider’s term and because anyone the council appointed would have “incumbent” status in the November 2013 city elections, the council decided to put the selection of a replacement in the hands of Ward 2 voters.

The special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12. The deadline to return nomination papers to the West Des Moines City Clerk’s office is Jan. 18.

A West Des Moines native and graduate of Valley High School, Mickelson works as a banker in West Des Moines and teaches college night classes. He returned to West Des Moines in 2010 after a 12-year absence for educational and career opportunities. He received undergraduate, MBA and law degrees from the University of Iowa, where he was also a letter winner for the Hawkeye football team.

There may be at least one other interested candidate. City Clerk Jody Smith said the person, who he did not identify, had requested nomination papers.

West Des Moines’ Ward 2 includes addresses in both Dallas and Polk counties. Ward maps are found on the city’s web site.