BRIEFLY Waterloo to choose mayor, councilman in Tuesday election

BRIEFLY

Waterloo to choose mayor, councilman in Tuesday election

WATERLOO (AP) — Voters in Waterloo will pick a new mayor and city council member in a runoff election.

The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that Quentin Hart and Tim Hurley are both running for mayor. The candidates have waged a civil campaign and agree on many issues, but they say voters have a distinct choice when they head to the polls for Tuesday's runoff elections.

Voters citywide will choose a replacement for Mayor Buck Clark, who did not seek a fourth term, while voters in the 4th Ward also will determine their city council representative in a runoff pitting Jerome Amos Jr. against Chris Schwartz.

Hart and Hurley were the two highest vote-getters in the Nov. 3 municipal election. Neither received the majority of votes cast, which prompted the runoff this week.

Conservation projects underway in Polk County

DES MOINES (AP) — Conservation projects are moving forward throughout Polk County thanks to borrowing approved by voters three years ago.

The Des Moines Register reported Saturday that in the three years since voters approved the $50 million Water and Land Legacy Bond, the money has supported 30 projects in parks and natural spaces. More work is on the horizon.

Polk County Conservation Director Richard Leopold says the funding will grow because they can also get support from other conservation groups and agencies.

“We’re going to turn that ($50 million) into a quarter of a billion dollars . because you’re able to match it up with a lot of other programs and available dollars,” he said.

Projects already underway include improvements to make Easter Lake Park a more recreational area. Jester Park has new cabins, a restored pond and electricity at campsites. Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt has a new observation deck.

Funding has also helped to add 12 miles of trail connections around the county, including a new segment that links the High Trestle and Gay Lea Wilson trails.