Dale Monroe ahead by 1 vote, Randy Strnad requesting recount

Incumbent Marion City Council member Randy Strnad said he will request a recount after challenger Dale Monroe came out ahead by just one vote.

According to Tuesday night's results Monroe, 70, won the at-large seat currently held by council member Randy Strnad. Monroe received 3,237 votes while Strnad had 3,236.

“All it takes is one vote and if that’s what it takes to win, I’m satisfied with that result and ready to serve the community if that’s what they want me to do,” Monroe told The Gazette Tuesday night.

Strnad said he would send an email to Linn County as soon as he can.

“I will be requesting a recount. Obviously this is a very close one and I want to make sure everything is accounted for. Absolutely,” Strnad said.

Strnad, a 52-year-old insurance agent, has served on the council since he was appointed in 2016 and reelected to a four-year term in 2018.

Linn County Auditor Joel Miller said the canvass for the official results will happen Tuesday, Nov. 9, and, after that, a candidate has three days to request a recount.

If officially elected pending a potential recount, Monroe would join YMCA Development Director Sara Mentzer, who ran in an uncontested race, as the newest members of the seven-person council.

“I am honored to serve on the city council for the next four years,” Mentzer said. “I am looking forward to working in a collaborative way to help everyone feel connected whether growing a business or raising a family.”

Monroe, a retired educator, serves on the city’s planning and zoning commission and was on the Marion Library Foundation and Marion Economic Development boards among other roles.

Incumbent council members Steve Jensen and Grant Harper were unopposed in their respective races for Ward 2 and at-large.

Marion City Council members are paid $4,800 per year. The mayor is paid $9,600 per year. All new terms begin Jan. 1.

Comments: (319) 398-8255; gage.miskimen@thegazette.com