Latest news with #BrendaCase
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Case: 'You start with dignity and respect'
OTTUMWA — The second Ottumwa mayoral candidate has formally announced a run, and maybe a historic one at that. Brenda Case, who spent almost 30 years working for the Iowa Judicial Branch, kicked off her candidacy Thursday on the steps of Ottumwa City Hall, looking to become what may be the first woman mayor in the city's history. But that is not why she's running. A long career in project management allowed her to help people from all walks of life, and now she wants to continue that effort in a new capacity. "I thought for several years that I could contribute something to the city, and I think I'm good at removing obstacles so people can get their jobs done," Case said. "I love my town. I could have lived anywhere in the state, but I picked Ottumwa because it's great. It's low-key and there's history here." Case joins Ben Foote as the only candidates so far to succeed Rick Johnson, who will not run for a second term as mayor. The mayor's seat and a majority of the city council seats will all be on the ballot in November. While Case said she could have picked anywhere to live, she has long admired Ottumwa's "do-it-yourself" strength, a community that pulls together to get things done. "What it really comes down to is we help each other, like the sandbagging during the flood, or people take chainsaws to downed trees. We make things happen, and we celebrate that," she said. "We have all these events like Juneteenth, Pride Day, Live After Five. We come together, even if we don't agree on everything, and that's what makes a happy life. "Two big things to me are dignity and respect. Everybody deserve it. You have to start there," she said. "I worked with the janitors, people who drove trucks, installed cables and carried lunch boxes. They were assigned to me at the judicial branch and then up to the Iowa Supreme Court. Everyone along that continuum has different needs, wants and ways to communicate, but you start with dignity and respect." While Case admires the spirit, she wants her candidacy to be grounded in facts. "I want to focus on what's really happening because there is development in Ottumwa and there are progress and changes, but it doesn't happen fast," she said. "There are things that just make life a little nicer, like the gardens, the renovation of this beautiful historic building (city hall). We need to stop and do those things, not just run from point A to point B to accomplish this or that." Ottumwa's form of government is a "weak mayor" system, in which the city council votes but the mayor does not. Case does not view the mayor's position as one of power, but rather one of influence. "Like you drop a pebble in water and it sends ripples out everywhere that makes a change in the world," she said. "The first thing I will do is get to know people. I'm not going to give any advice until I know what's happening, because there is always more than what you see on the surface. "There's a lot of work happening, but you just can't see. Long-range projects, but you just don't see it until the end. Until people get to know you and they trust you, you can't do any of it. That's my next step." Case also came up with a way for residents to meet her called "Mayoral Minute." It isn't developed yet, but she said it will be a way to get to know her personally, inform citizens how government works and simply educate on a variety of issues. "I think I'm going to share some things starting now, just because I want to," she said. "And I might amuse people now and then, because that's fun."
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Case 'ready to give back'
OTTUMWA — The second Ottumwa mayoral candidate has formally announced a run, and maybe a historic one at that. Brenda Case, who spent almost 30 years working for the Iowa Judicial Branch, kicked off her candidacy Thursday on the steps of Ottumwa City Hall, looking to become what may be the first woman mayor in the city's history. But that is not why she's running. A long career allowed her to help people from all walks of life, and now she wants to continue that effort in a new capacity. "I thought for several years that I could contribute something to the city, and I think I'm good at removing obstacles so people can get their jobs done," Case said. "I love my town. I could have lived anywhere in the state, but I picked Ottumwa because it's great. It's low-key and there's history here." Case joins Ben Foote as the only candidates so far to succeed Rick Johnson, who will not run for a second term as mayor. The mayor's seat and a majority of the city council seats will all be on the ballot in November. (This is a developing story and will be updated)
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Case 'ready to give back'
OTTUMWA — The second Ottumwa mayoral candidate has formally announced a run, and maybe a historic one at that. Brenda Case, who spent almost 30 years working for the Iowa Judicial Branch, kicked off her candidacy Thursday on the steps of Ottumwa City Hall, looking to become what may be the first woman mayor in the city's history. But that is not why she's running. A long career allowed her to help people from all walks of life, and now she wants to continue that effort in a new capacity. "I thought for several years that I could contribute something to the city, and I think I'm good at removing obstacles so people can get their jobs done," Case said. "I love my town. I could have lived anywhere in the state, but I picked Ottumwa because it's great. It's low-key and there's history here." Case joins Ben Foote as the only candidates so far to succeed Rick Johnson, who will not run for a second term as mayor. The mayor's seat and a majority of the city council seats will all be on the ballot in November. (This is a developing story and will be updated)
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Case joins Ottumwa mayoral field
OTTUMWA — The Ottumwa mayoral race to succeed outgoing mayor Rick Johnson has another candidate. Brenda Case announced her candidacy to run for the seat as Johnson's term expires this year and he will not seek re-election. Case has been highly visible in the community over the years, particularly for her volunteer work. Case will formally announce her candidacy Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Fourth Street entrance to City Hall. "We have thrived in the aftermath of floods, business and factory closures and economic downturns," Case said in a press release. "And we will continue to move forward together." Case has worked for the Iowa Judicial Branch for 28 years, crossing paths with residents of diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds. She is a graduate of Buena Vista University with bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology, and holds a certificate of project management from the University of Iowa. Through her work as a court-appointed special advocate, Case was twice honored with the Governor's Award for Volunteer Service. As a long-time resident of Ottumwa, Case is running because "of her strong belief in the strength, resilience, compassion and unity to be found in this scrappy river town," according to the release, but also recognizes deep division. "We are strong enough to offer compassion to those among us who are living in fear and want," she said. "We have the integrity to insist on due process for all people. We are, and always have been, Ottumwa tough." Case serves as the chair of the Ottumwa Historic Preservation Commission and is as a long-term member and past president of Hy-Noon Kiwanis. She's also been involved with the Ottumwa League of Women Voters, Ottumwa Community Players and other civic organizations. Case is the second person to announce a run for mayor, joining local architect Ben Foote, who announced his candidacy in April. This will be the first election to not feature a primary, so the candidate with the most votes will win. There also are three city council seats up for election in November.
