Brad Hart, Ashley Vanorny announce endorsements in Cedar Rapids campaigns

CEDAR RAPIDS - Candidates in the upcoming Cedar Rapids mayoral and District 5 runoff elections have announced endorsements.

Former mayoral candidate and retired director of the 6th Judicial District of the Department of Corrections Gary Hinzman called Brad Hart a 'steady leader, smart and very capable” and 'clear choice for mayor” in an endorsement statement released by the Hart campaign.

Several former members of the Cedar Rapids City Council also are backing Hart's candidacy, according to his campaign. They are former Mayor Kay Halloran, and council members Tom Podzimek, Chuck Wieneke, Jerry McGrane and Don Karr.

Current City Council members Ralph Russell and Justin Shields had previously endorsed Hart, while Council member Ann Poe has previously endorsed Hart's opponent Monica Vernon.

In the District 5 race, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 204 and Local 125 Plumbers and Steamfitters are both endorsing Ashley Vanorny in her race against incumbent Justin Shields, according to the Vanorny campaign.

Matthew Fisher, assistant business manager for the electrical union, noted Vanorny's father, Dan, was an active member of Local 204 working at Duane Arnold Energy Center from 1986 until his passing in 2011, according to a statement from the Vanorny campaign

'Because of her upbringing, Ashley will bring a tremendous work ethic to the citizens of Cedar Rapids,” Fisher said, according to the statement.

The runoff elections are Tuesday, Dec. 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

l Comments: (319) 339-3177; brian.morelli@thegazette.com