Richard Riner stepped into public service yesterday afternoon, taking the oath of office during a special Storm Lake City Council session.
The Buena Vista University Associate Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and former Arkansas police officer begins his first four‑year term in January, after winning a seat on the council during the city and school elections last month.
Riner says his first priority is simple: listen.
His decision to run came at the last minute, after realizing no one had filed for the seat leading up to the deadline to submit nomination papers.
On election night, Riner admits he was surprised by the outcome.
Looking ahead, Riner hopes to bridge what he calls the “town and gown divide” between Storm Lake and BVU. He points to student volunteers who helped direct traffic at the city’s Miracle on Lake Avenue parade earlier this month as an example of how the university and community can work together.
He also wants residents to feel heard in council decisions.
Riner says his background in law enforcement and policy analysis will help him evaluate city decisions with care. And while he knows there will be challenges, he hopes his first term is remembered for building trust and strengthening connections across Storm Lake.
