Fort Madison, IA – Fort Madison residents have two choices for mayor: Incumbent Steve Ireland and challenger Brian Wright.
Ireland served on the city council for roughly a decade before he was elected mayor two years ago.
He touts a long list of projects he has been involved in during his time as mayor: the nearly-completed public library, the regional emergency response training center, and Siemens' wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Fort Madison.
Ireland says he wants two more years to continue his work on other economic development prospects and on projects such as the restoration of the old Santa Fe Depot.
Ireland says his experience with nearly a dozen city budgets is also critical as Fort Madison continues to face difficult financial situations.
Brian Wright says he got into the race for mayor because he feels there is a severe lack of communication between city leaders and the general public.
While he has no political experience, Wright says his experience as a pharmacuetical sales rep gives him the management and leadership skills to thrive as mayor.
He says his work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity has helped him get to know what the concerns and challenges are that are facing residents.
Wright says, if elected, he would regularly speak with members of the news media to make sure people are informed.
He also pledges to work on getting the meetings of the Fort Madison City Council televised.
You can hear Jason Parrott's full report on the mayoral race in Fort Madison by clicking the audio link above.