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Voters throughout southeast Iowa will go to the polls on November 7 to fill city council seats and elect mayors. There are contested races in some of the largest cities: Keokuk, Fort Madison, and Burlington.Tri States Public Radio talked to the candidates in these cities about their campaigns and put together an online audio election guide. Hear what the candidates have to say and become informed before you vote.

Election 2017 - Burlington City Council - Bob Fleming

Jason Parrott
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TSPR
Incumbent Bob Fleming finished 3rd in the Oct. 10 Burlington City Council primary.

The October 10 primary narrowed the field of candidates seeking three open seats on the Burlington City Council from 15 to 6. Tri States Public Radio spoke prior to the primary with the top six finishers including Bob Fleming, who finished third.

Fleming is the lone incumbent in the race. He's seeking a third four-year term after previously serving on the city council for a couple years when the city shifted to its current form of government: City Council/City Manager.

Fleming, who is retired from a career in marketing, said he still enjoys serving as an alderman and feels he brings a background in business, sales, and management to the city council.

Fleming said his priorities are public safety and public works. He believes some of the challenges facing the city council in the next few years will concern the future of Memorial Auditorium and the riverfront, and the declining tax base.

He said if re-elected, one thing he would avoid doing is micromanaging city staff and City Manager Jim Ferneau.

Early voting is underway in Burlington ahead of the November 7 general election.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.