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Tri States Public Radio and NPR News will provide you with updated stories from all of our local and national elections between now and November. The NPR News element below will be updated constantly, and will sometimes provide live coverage and audio from important events leading up to the November elections. You can find all of our local coverage after the jump.Election 2012 News From NPR

Fort Madison Mayoral Candidates

The candidates vying to lead Fort Madison for the next two years each feel they have the vision, attitude and ability to move the city forward.

The city's mayor serves part-time due to the employment of a full-time city manager.

That status does not lessen the responsibilities facing whomever is elected on Tuesday, Nov. 5: incumbent Brad Randolph of challenger Donna Amandus.

Randolph joined the Fort Madison City Council in 2006.  He ascended to the position of Mayor in 2012, following the death of former Mayor Steve Ireland.

Randolph is now seeking a full term in office because he feels the city is on the right path and he wants to continue to be part of that process.

"I think the city of Fort Madison is certainly better today than it was in 2006 when I started," says Randolph.  "As a matter of fact, I think it is a lot better.  So some of our potential is being recognized and we are in the beginning stages of a whole lot of things happening."

Randolph says the "happenings" include the new sports complex, the street repair/reconstruction program, the sewer separation project and the newly acquired Highway 2.

He says as mayor, he will continue to focus on economic development, but not just luring in new businesses or industries.

"Business and industry we already have need to be paid attention to and respected," says Randolph.  "They have been with us through thick and thin and we need them to keep their current employment here and expand their employment here."

Randolph says he will also work to build trust and relationships with the public.

Donna Amandus sees things in Fort Madison a little differently.

She believes the city is not open or transparent when it comes to its residents and she says the city is not moving in the right direction based on the number of businesses closing and residents moving away.

Amandus says she entered the race to reverse that.

"Things just seem to be needing some attention," says Amandus, "and I just feel like I am a person who is motivated and energetic and can take our town into the future by giving it my time or energy."

Election_-_FM_Mayor_-_Donna_Amandus_10-25.mp3
Extended Interview w/ Donna Amandus

Amandus says she would also do more to reach out to small business owners, of which she is one, to find out what they need with the Highway 61 bypass reducing the customer base.

She will also push for the development of a youth center in Fort Madison.

"I have been knocking doors for the last few months and just about one in ever five people asks me what I will do for the kids," says Amandus.  "We have no bowling alley or skating rink or movie theater for the youth of this town.  That will be priority #1 for me."

There is plenty going on in Fort Madison at this point, without counting the potential acquisition of the Iowa State Penitentiary and the redevelopment of several downtown buildings.

So the winner will have to be ready to get to work as Fort Madison mayor from day 1.

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