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)