DES MOINES, Iowa — The Des Moines City Council met Friday at 11 a.m. to solidify the date for a special election.
The election is to fill now-Mayor Connie Boesen's at-large council seat. An at-large council member works for the entirety of Des Moines, unlike ward council members, who represent specific parts of the city.
When Boesen was elected as mayor, the question of how her seat would be filled was asked: Would it be an appointment or a special election?
On Monday, the city council voted unanimously to hold a special election to fill her seat.
At Friday’s special meeting, they confirmed Tuesday, March 19 as the date for that special election. The resolution for the special election states March 19 is the earliest practicable date for a special election.
Already, one candidate has thrown their hat into the ring for the job. Mike Simonson announced his candidacy and held a launch party on Monday.
“What makes it great, it's a very open community. You can get to know anybody. If you want to make a difference, you can do it. So that's why I’m here in Des Moines. Why am I running? I see opportunity,” Simonson told Local 5.
According to his LinkedIn account, Simonson is the owner of Simonson and Associates Architects.
As of Friday morning, no other candidates have announced their candidacy.
Whoever is elected will fill the remainder of Boesen's term and will assume office immediately following the certification of the election.