Storm Lake City Council member Meg McKeon has launched a write-in campaign for mayor.
With no official candidates on the ballot, McKeon says she felt called to step forward after weeks of encouragement from community members and careful reflection.
McKeon brings decades of leadership experience to the race. A clinical social worker by training, she’s held senior roles in higher education—including Vice President for Student Affairs at Buena Vista University and Assistant Vice President at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She also served as Dean of Students at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland and taught extensively throughout her career. She says that experience qualifies her to lead the Storm Lake City Council.
Since moving to Storm Lake over 13 years ago, McKeon has immersed herself in civic life—serving on the Planning and Zoning Committee, Board of Adjustment, and now City Council. She’s also active with local nonprofits including Salud, Food with Friends, Caring Paws Rescue, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Her platform centers on transparency, retail development, housing, and leadership cultivation. She hopes to launch a program to engage younger residents in civic roles and strengthen Storm Lake’s voice in Des Moines on issues like property rights and rural sustainability.
McKeon says she would be visible and vocal as the city’s leader, and she’s ready to be a strong presence in the community.
Storm Lake resident Charles Hernandez has also launched a write-in campaign for mayor.
In the City Council races, incumbent Maggie Martinez is seeking re-election. Challengers Dalton Walker, Richard Riner, and Don Piercy, Jr. have submitted petitions. Councilman Kevin McKinney vacated his seat due to health reasons—his position will be filled as a two-year term, with Piercy running for that spot. Councilman Matt Ricklefs declined to seek re-election after serving one term.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
