Special elections usually have low turn outs, but the one in Sioux City may be different this time. The election to be held on February 5, 2013 has two purposes, one of which has brought more attention than usual.
Mr. John Meyers was appointed to the Sioux City Community School Board in 2011 after Ms. Nancy Mounts resigned. State law requires that this seat be voted on at the next available election.
Western Iowa Tech Community College called for a special election this February to renew a property tax levy that had a ten year life span. The tax levy costs property owners about $1.40 per $1,000 worth of property. The revenue supports equipment needs within classrooms at the community college.
Thus, with the levy vote, came the opportunity for the School Board position vote. But then . . .
The Sioux City Community School District challenged whether this election really effected them because of political districting. Points of contention appear to revolve around the fact that elections are costly to execute both for the taxpayers and for the candidates. According to the Sioux City Journal (Jan 11, 2013), the election will cost the District about $20,000.
The seat is up for regular election in September, 2013. By having this special election candidates will have to run twice: once in February and again in September, regardless of who wins.
After special meetings and receiving counsel from the District’s attorneys, the Board has decided not to fight the call to participate in the February contest. Had they not agreed, there was increased potential for lawsuits against them.
The filing deadline was January 11, 2013, just a week after the District voted to cooperate with the election. There are now four official candidates for the seat: Paul Spiedel, Jacqueline Ritter, Paul Gorski, and John Meyers.
Absentee ballots and early voting will be available for the election.
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