Storm Lake’s fall election season is officially underway, with nomination papers now being accepted for city council and school board positions.
Mayor Mike Porsch’s seat and as well as the seats currently held by councilmembers Maggie Martinez and Matt Ricklefs will be up for standard four-year terms. Councilmember Kevin McKinney’s early resignation opens another council seat that will carry a two-year term, to complete the remainder of his original tenure.
Nomination papers for city council are available at Storm Lake City Hall, the Buena Vista County Auditor’s Office, or online at sos.iowa.gov/city-elections. Candidates must reside within city limits and collect at least 50 signatures. Completed forms must be submitted to City Hall by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18.
At Monday night’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Maggie Martinez expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in the nomination filing process, considering the two-year and four-year terms.
She emphasized the need for transparency, especially with multiple seats on the ballot.
Councilmembers discussed ways to ensure candidates specify which term they’re seeking and that the election ballot would also clarify that distinction. City Clerk Mayra Martinez was identified as the point person for any candidate questions.
On the education side, Storm Lake Community School District Board of Education seats held by Dr. Steven Mills and Erika Dierking will also be on the ballot.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
