Meints tells Ventura Council she is ready to serve as mayor

Former Council representative puts name in hat as city leaders plan to appoint mayor May 14

The Ventura City Council decided Monday it will appoint a new mayor at its May 14 meeting, pending residents filing a petition in favor of a special election.

At its Monday meeting, the Council approved placing a notice in the May 2 edition of the Mirror-Reporter to notify residents of their intent to appoint a replacement for the remaining term of the Mayor position that was vacated by the death of Lynn Benson.  The notice also informs community members of their right to request a special election.  Under Iowa law, residents have 14 days (in this case until May 29) to file a petition with the city clerk to fill the vacated seat by special election.

Former Ventura City Council Representative Crystal (Kristie) Meints attended Monday’s meeting and informed the Council she is interested in serving as mayor.

During the public forum portion of the meeting Meints addressed the Council and said she has the time and knowledge of city issues to serve the remainder of Benson’s term if appointed.  Meints served one four-year term on the Ventura Council.  She ran for re-election in November 2017, but finished third in a three-person race for two seats on the Council.  She and her husband, Jeff, operate a family farming operation.  They have also owned and operated Titan Pro in the North Iowa area for over 25 years.  She currently serves on the E911 board for the area, as well as the Clear Lake Watershed Advisory Board.

If the Council appoints a new mayor, that person would serve through 2019.  The position would be on the ballot in the November 2019 General Election.