The Indianola City Council, during its regular meeting Tuesday, Feb. 18, voted unanimously to appoint At-Large Council Member Steve Richardson to serve as mayor. The appointment follows former Indianola Mayor Stephanie Erickson’s decision to step down in January and serve solely in the role of Warren County Supervisor after being elected last November to represent District 4.

Richardson will complete the current mayoral term through Wednesday, Dec. 31. The position returns to the ballot this November.

“We have many great challenges ahead of us, but in those challenges present opportunities,” Richardson said. “With trust, collaboration, a knowledge of the past and with eyes of the future, I believe together we can achieve great things.”

Richardson was one of four residents to apply for the position when it became vacant. Along with Richardson, applicants included Todd Kielkopf, Eric Martens and Chad Matchie. Prior to the meeting on Feb. 18, Matchie withdrew his application.

Richardson is a lifelong resident of Indianola and is a graduate of Indianola High School and Simpson College. From 1990-96, he served on the Indianola City Council and again from 2006-10. Richardson also served three terms in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1997-2002. Richardson was a high school teacher and coach for 23 years in Iowa, moving from teaching to construction sales in 2000. He retired in May 2020.

Richardson’s passion for public service comes by his interest in serving Indianola naturally. His father, Elmer, was a combat wounded veteran and POW in WWII. His mother, Irene, was Indianola’s first woman president of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce and served three terms as Indianola’s first woman mayor from 1982-87.

In accordance with state law, the Indianola City Council was required to fill the vacancy either by appointment or special election. After the Indianola City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday, Jan. 21, providing for notice of intent to fill the mayoral vacancy by appointment, an application process was established for residents interested in filling the vacancy.

The application process remained open until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and concluded at the Indianola City Council’s regular meeting on Feb. 18.

Following Richardson’s appointment to mayor, the City Council will vote at its next regular meeting on Monday, March 3, to determine whether it will fill the now-vacant at-large council seat by appointment or special election.

For more information about the Indianola City Council, please visit indianolaiowa.gov/citycouncil.

Photos: Steve Richardson Appointed Indianola Mayor