MASON CITY – The final two candidates for City office made it official Thursday.
Quinn Symonds, 31, turned in paperwork in his bid for the Mayor’s seat. He joins Max Weaver and Eric Bookmeyer on the ballot.
Sheryl Jean Gerk, 64, also became an official candidate, joining the race for the Second Ward City Council seat. She joins Jodi Draper and Travis Hickey on the ballot.
Quinn Symonds told NIT Friday morning: “I am pleased to announce that my candidacy has been filed and the people of Mason City have chosen me as one of the three running for mayor. Many of you have already heard some of the items on my agenda to help our town become what it should have been a long time ago; a safe and prosperable place to raise our children, start a business and live. I was surprised as most were to hear Mr. Weaver throw his name in the hat and I wish both him and Mr. Bookmeyer the best of luck this election season, and I will relish my position as the “wildcard”. There will be many issues and ideas that I will be bringing up during this election cycle and I encourage you to listen and stay informed as we have a lot of ground to cover in the next few months. I wish you all a safe and fun weekend.”
Sheryl Gerk told NIT on Tuesday evening that she had designs on running for office this fall. She said that she is a native of Mason City and attended parochial school at Holy Family while graduating from Mason City High School in 1966. She also said that she is a 1968 graduate of Mason City Junior College as a salutatorian of the class. In addition, Ms. Gerk said that she obtained a teaching degree for Minnesota and Iowa licensure (and has substitute taught at areas schools) and she says she obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1976 (Summa Cum Laude) from Mankato State College. Ms. Gerk lists previous employers as the United States Federal Government at the National Institute of Education in the Office of Planning, Budget and Program Analysis and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for International Affairs in Washington, D.C. She further says that she has had training as a laims representative with the Social Security Administration in Iowa.
“My education and employment abilities have prepared me,” for serving on the City Council, Ms. Gerk said.
The election is November 5th. Absentee voting begins October 7th at the courthouse in Mason City and continues there through November 5th.
