SL Council votes to appoint person to fill vacancy Feb. 15

The Storm Lake City Council voted Monday to fill a seat Feb. 15, vacated by former council member Steve O'Bannon, by appointing someone to serve until the General Election in November.

As the Council seeks out a candidate a couple of residents have expressed interest including Jason Smith, Administrator for the Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders in Cherokee. Smith says he would like to become more involved in the community and contribute to the City's continued development. "I would like to see the City continue in its progressive economic development and its commitment to creating a place that all Iowans would like to visit and some would like to call home," he says.

Smith serves and has served on various boards including St. Mary's School Board and Finance Council, serves as a Boy Scout Den Leader, Knights of Columbus, Chief's Advisory Committee, Legislative Sex Offender Task force as well as other boards. He has a doctorate in clinical psychology, is a certified as a health service provider, has years of experience in consulting in Chicago public schools and various suburbs for children in foster care exhibiting behavioral behavior, has several years of college teaching experience including at Buena Vista University and is a former trainer for the Child Protective Training Academy in Des Moines where he trained DHS caseworkers on child protective issues.

Smith says he also has experience in organizational management, program development, budget development, policy development and working with labor unions.

Smith says he has a willingness to give 'time, talent and energy,' to the Council. Jason and his wife Michelle reside in Storm Lake with their four children.

The City chose to appoint a citizen because it's a quicker way to fill the seat and less costly way to fill the seat. Citizens can petition within 14 days of an appointment or March 1. If a resident petitions the City would have to hold a special election, which could cost up to $6,000. If there is no petition, City Clerk Justin Yarosevich says the position will be listed on the general election ballot and there would be no costs for the City.