One yes, one seriously considering and one no.

That is the tally from Times-Republican interviews Monday with three Marshalltown city councilors whose terms expire Dec. 31, 2019 and would be up for re-election this November.

Fourth ward councilor Al Hoop said yes in a quick and strong answer. The retired Emerson Process Management employee and veteran is in the final year of his third four-year term.

Beginning with his first election, Hoop has been a strong advocate for street repair while also closely monitoring expenses of the joint Marshalltown Police Department/Fire Department facility under construction and expected to be ready for occupancy March 3.

Second ward councilor Gabe Isom said he “is seriously considering” running for re-election. He was elected in February, 2018 by a razor-thin two-vote margin in a special election to fill the vacancy created when Joel Greer was elected mayor. Isom defeated Iowa Valley Community College District Orpheum Theater Center Director Bob Untiedt.

The latter asked for a recount, as allowed by law due to the margin of Isom’s victory.

A re-count conducted by Marshall County Auditor/Recorder Nan Benson and staff, with representatives of both candidates participating, upheld the two-vote margin.

Isom is employed by Emerson Process Management.

At-Large Councilor Leon Lamer said he will not run for re-election for health reasons.

Now in his second four-year term, Lamer said he had been battling cancer in recent years and felt he should not run for a third term.

Before being elected, Lamer had been retired albeit a short time from his long-time job as Marshalltown Water Works Chief Executive Officer.

Lamer has applied experience gained from that position to be a vigilant taxpayer watchdog especially in reviewing a myriad of construction project expenses and interest expense when the city borrows money.

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Contact Mike Donahey at

641-753-6611 or

mdonahey@timesrepublican.com