Press Release:

From: City Clerk's Office

The City Clerk's office is in receipt of a petition calling for a Special Election to fill a vacancy in the office of The Marshalltown City Council, At Large. There are 211 valid signatures on the petition. This special election will be held in conjunction with the November 2, 2010, General Election. Individuals interested on being on the November 2, 2010, ballot are to submit candidate affidavit and nomination papers with 25 signatures at the City Clerk's office beginning today, August 16, and no later than 5 PM, Tuesday, August 24, 2010. Interested individuals may obtain these papers at the offices of the City Clerk, County Auditor, or may download them from the Secretary of State's website.

http://www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/electioninfo/cityelections.html

One of the most challenging and exciting responsibilities an individual can assume is to become a mayor or council member. The business of city government and local leadership presents a unique opportunity to resolve issues, accomplish goals, and affect the future of your community.

The City of Marshalltown conducts business on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, with Committee of the Whole Discussion on alternating Mondays. The meetings are generally held at 5:30 PM, with additional work sessions anticipated during budget season (December - March) and special meetings when necessary. Annual compensation for council members is $3,000 and the mayor receives $7,500.

In order to hold office in the city, a candidate must be an eligible elector, meeting the same qualifications required to vote and be a resident of the city he or she plans to serve. The at large council position will begin their term of office shortly following the election to fill the remainder of Leon Lamer's term, having been appointed on August 2 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of William Backoff.

The staff of the City of Marshalltown and the Iowa League of Cities offers training for city officials. One example of a training session available for city officials is the Municipal Leadership Academy (MLA), presented in partnership by the Iowa League of Cities, Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University Office of State and Local Government Programs. These training sessions are designed to cover the basics of city government in Iowa and is the best way for new officials to learn about the legalities and expectations of their new position and to meet both new and experienced city officials.

For more information about how to participate in the city's decision-making process, please contact Shari Coughenour, City Clerk, at 754-5701.

Shari L. Coughenour, CMC
City Clerk
City of Marshalltown
24 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
phone - 641-754-5701
fax - 641-754-5717
email - scoughenour@ci.marshalltown.ia.us