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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 - Burlington City Council - Scott Diehl

Jason Parrott
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TSPR
Scott Diehl finished 6th in the Oct. 10 Burlington City Council primary.

The October 10 primary narrowed the field of candidates seeking three open seats on the Burlington City Council from 15 to six. Tri States Public Radio spoke prior to the primary with the top six finishers including Scott Diehl, who finished sixth.

 
**NOTE - Diehl announced on social media that, effective Oct. 14, he was suspending his campaign. His profile is included because his name still appears on the November 7 ballot.**

Diehl is an academic tutor who previously worked as a high school teacher and he owned a couple small businesses. He said he entered the race because of his opposition to a recent property tax hike by the city council and his desire to provide more resources to the Burlington Police and Fire Departments.

Diehl said he has prepared for the election by studying the city’s budget, attending city council meetings, and by knocking on doors to hear the ideas of residents.

Diehl believes crime in the city is the #1 challenge facing Burlington. He said hiring at least six more police officers would be a good start to addressing it.

Diehl said he opposes any future property tax hike and he believes the city is putting too much money into the auditorium.

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

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