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Voters throughout southeast Iowa will go to the polls on November 7 to fill city council seats and elect mayors. There are contested races in some of the largest cities: Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Burlington.Tri States Public Radio talked to the candidates in these cities about their campaigns and put together an online audio election guide. Hear what the candidates have to say and become informed before you vote.

Election 2017 - Keokuk City Council - 5th Ward - Michael Greenwald

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Michael Greenwald is running for the ward 5 seat on the Keokuk City Council.

Three people are running for the 5th ward seat on the Keokuk City Council: Michael Greenwald, Barb Haas, and Steve Rairden. Greenwald said he is running to give back to the community that he and his family have called home for the past seven years.

**NOTE - Greenwald spoke with Tri States Public Radio prior to the most recent vote by the Keokuk City Council to tear down the former Unitarian Church.**

Greenwald said he brings experience to the race, having volunteered with local arts organizations and holding leadership positions within the Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce and the Keokuk Lions Club. He said joining the Keokuk City Council is a natural progression for him.

Greenwald said he possesses strong leadership qualities and a background in business with extensive experience in budgeting and public interaction. He believes that prepares him to make the sometimes difficult decisions on issues that come before the city council.

Greenwald believes Keokuk is moving in the right direction. He said the biggest challenge facing the city is improving the quality of life. 

Greenwald said one of his top priorities is to allow the city to continue setting aside money for addressing blight and vacant properties in the hopes of attracting new residents, new industries, and new jobs. He said he questions the council's decision to reduce funding last year to KEDC and he would like to see a plan for the entertainment barge along the riverfront as soon as possible, based in part on input from the residents of the city.

Early voting is underway ahead of the November 7 election in Keokuk.

Current 5th Ward Alderwoman Sandy Pollitt did not seek re-election. 

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.