Politics & Government

Ankeny Council Wants Local Business Owner to Fill Vacant Seat

In a unanimous decision, the Ankeny City Council voted Monday night to recommend the appointment of former Planning and Zoning Commissioner Denny Rafdal to fill the council seat that will be vacated by Craig Block at the end of this month.

The Ankeny City Council is considering a local business owner and former Planning and Zoning Commissioner to join the council at the beginning of next month.

The Ankeny City Council voted unanimously during its regular meeting Monday night to appoint a replacement to fill . The council is recommending the spot be filled by Denny Rafdal, who served 13 years on the city's Plan and Zoning Commission.

According to a press release issued by the , the council made the decision to avoid the costs associated with holding a special election.

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Do you agree with the council's decision? Do you think Rafdal is a good choice to fill Block's seat? Tell us in the comments.

"We are fortunate that a well-known, experienced and respected individual has come forward to serve our community only until the next regular city council election," council member Dave Kissinger said in the release.

Find out what's happening in Ankenywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Holding a special election would have cost the city $12,000. That amount would double should there be a primary election.

"This decision is the right decision for our community," Kissinger said. "It saves taxpayers money and come 2013, it will be up to voters to decide who they want to elect to the city council."

Block, who doesn't have a say on his replacement, that the public would have more confidence if members selected an appointee who had previous experience with a public council.

“I’d support that thought,” council member Wade Steenhoek said at the April 30 meeting.

If appointed, Rafdal will serve until the next regular council election in 2013.

Rafdal has a history of public service in Ankeny, previously serving four years on the Ankeny Park Board as well as on the Plan and Zoning Commission. As commissioner, he was involved in the development of the Ankeny Comprehensive Plan during a period of significant community growth.

The council will consider his appointment at its regular meeting on May 21.


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