One Candidate Drops Out of Bid for Ankeny Mayor
One resident who had submitted his name for consideration to fill the Ankeny mayor's position has withdrawn his candidacy, according to city officials.
One candidate has withdrawn their name from consideration for the mayoral appointment, citing the commitment of time required to serve effectively, according to a news release from the city of Ankeny.
Chuck Scott notified the city council and staff earlier today of his decision.
The vacancy is the result of Mayor Steve Van Oort’s election to the Polk County Board of Supervisors in last month’s election. His resignation from the mayor's post is effective at noon on Dec. 7.
“I think it is fantastic that eight citizens have expressed a desire to serve our community,” said City Council member Bobbi Bentz. “I look forward to hearing from citizens about the prospective candidates as this process moves forward.”
The city council will consider the mayoral appointment at a special City Council meeting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 10.
The seven candidates are:
- Andrew Boscaljon
- Dennis Richard Ellars
- Peter Hong
- Gary Lorenz
- Michael D. Sibert
- James Stordahl
- Jeff Wright
Visit our earlier Patch article to read the resumés and letters of interest from the people who applied to fill the mayor position.
Contact information for the city council is available here.
Who do you feel is best suited for the position? Tell us in the comments.
Joe Morr
11:32 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Gary Lorenz is the best candidate for the job. I've worked for him and have known him for a long time. As a previous council member he is more than qualified to be our mayor. He has demonstrated his listening ability in the past and I would expect no differences in him now. This is the man Ankeny needs to lead us in the proper path of growth and development.
April O'Connor
2:27 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Lorenz is part of the problem. I remember when he was on the council and he voted for all of the tax increases and bad policies as everyone else did on the council at the time and that have since been voted out. I don't understand how a new council that ran specifically against those issues can do an about face and now support them. I like that the school board and council has new people and we need to continue to get new people involved and not just bring back the old ones that had their chance. He is a nice guy but my family won't be able to afford to live in Ankeny if the tax increases he supported continues.