by Gwen Davis

Long-time Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler is in the fight of his political life as last week’s returns from the Nov. 8 election showing him dead even with his opponent, Rebecca King. Both candidates were polling 50 percent of the votes.

Sentiment against Sheckler appeared to weigh on voters’ consciousness as critic Jeanette Burrage won the race with 62 percent of the vote over challenger Carri Litowitz who carried 37 percent.

In Council Position No. 4, Dan Caldwell claimed victory with 56 percent of the vote, over Dave Markwell’s 44 percent.

King formerly wrote policy for the airline industry, and was a former PTA president, Highline Council PTSA president, Des Moines Park and Recreation Coach and volunteer for a number of organizations, including March of Dimes.

King said in previous statements that she had concerns with how the city managed the budget. Issues surrounding business closure and reduction in police forces needed particular scrutiny, according to her.

King opposed Proposition 1, a measure that would have increased a utility tax in order to provide revenue to city parks and road projects.

The measure was soundly defeated in the election.

Sheckler stated that his four terms on the city council and eight years as mayor would have provided the leadership necessary to be an effective leader again. Sheckler had expressed emphasis on the development of the Pacific Highway South, of the 89-acre business park and of the downtown Marina District.

The former mayor did not provide his opinions on Prop. 1.

Burrage formerly worked as a state legislator, Des Moines city council member and superior court judge. She also had experience as an accountant and budget analyst.

Burrage said in previous statements to the Times/News that she cared about the community, as was evident in her Hurricane Katrina volunteering efforts, Boy Scout participation and food bank work.

Burrage also expressed her vision of adding more police officers to the city, which are currently at pre-2006 numbers, according to her.

The city council member elect was opposed to Prop. 1.

Litowitz was a former building industry officer and board member, who previously reported that her understanding of business and taxes would serve the council well.

Litowitz also opposed Prop. 1.

Caldwell, a retired senior citizen, said that he had new plans for reviving the city’s slumped economy, as he previously indicated to the Times/News.

The city council member-elect reported a desire to create a positive business climate in Des Moines to restore and create new jobs. He expressed frustration with the city’s water supplies, sidewalks, police capacities, snowplows, construction efforts and airport noise, which he reported to be priority issues, if elected.

Caldwell opposed Prop. 1.

Markwell previously said he that his understanding of the city’s needs, coupled with his creativity would be advantageous in successfully tackling the city’s economics.
Markwell supported Prop. 1.