3 file for North Liberty mayor, 7 for council

NORTH LIBERTY - Three candidates for mayor and seven candidates for city council have filed to run in North Liberty's special election April 25.

Candidates had to collect 25 signatures on nominating petitions to appear on the ballot. The deadline to file was 5 p.m. Friday.

The three candidates are Terry Donahue, a former council member who was appointed mayor by the current council; city council member Chris Hoffman; and resident Matthew Pollock.

The seven candidates for the open council seat vacated by Donahue are Jessica Beck, Jennifer Goings, Nicholas S. Gulick, Gerry Kuhl, Sarah Madsen, Mike Mbanza and Faraz Shah.

Winners are expected to take office after votes are canvassed, probably by May 2, according to the Johnson County Auditor's website.

The mayoral term lasts through December of this year, with the race again being on the ballot in November's municipal election.

The council seat runs through 2019.

The mayor's job became vacant after former Mayor Amy Nielsen was elected to the Iowa House and resigned Dec. 31. In February, the North Liberty council voted to appoint Donahue as the next mayor, meaning Donahue had to forfeit his council seat.

But residents filed a petition to force a special election for mayor. The council then voted to place the open council seat on the same ballot.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 25 at the one polling place, the North Liberty Recreation Center, 520 W. Cherry St.

The special election is expected to cost the city between $3,000 and $5,000.

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