Amy Nielsen upsets incumbent to serve as N.L. mayor

NORTH LIBERTY – A newcomer to local politics will serve as mayor of one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

Amy Nielsen, 37, a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer, upset incumbent Gerry Kuhl in a tight race Tuesday.

Nielsen received 2,609 votes to Kuhl's 2,125.

"I would like to thank the residents of North Liberty for taking the initiative to engage in this election and I'm very honored they have chosen to entrust me with the responsibility of shaping this community into the hometown they desire. I'm ready to get to work," she said.

Nielsen, a West High graduate who has lived with her family in North Liberty the past seven years, volunteers with a number of community- and school-related causes. Nielsen applied for the council seat that opened this summer when Kuhl took the reins as mayor, but the council ultimately selected Planning and Zoning Commission chairman David Moore.

Nielsen has never held public office, but sits on the board of directors for the North Liberty Community Pantry, is a member of the Iowa City Community School District's Equity Advisory Committee and has been involved with the the parent-teacher organizations at Garner Elementary and North Central Junior High.

She said she is not intimidated by stepping into the role of mayor as her first experience with local politics.

"I think the primary role of the mayor is fielding relationships," she said. "I already have a lot of experience doing that and working with people to try to get things done. So I think I am ready to go."

Kuhl expressed disappointment and voiced concern about Nielsen's ability to lead the city.

"I wish her well if she ultimately is successful," he said. "But I have not seen the results. I wish the best for the City Council as it moves forward with the projects that North Liberty has going on."

Kuhl, 71, a city councilor for nine years, was appointed mayor in June after the unexpected death of former Mayor Tom Salm.

He said he is concerned about the future of his city.

"She really does not have any experience in leading any kind of organization with the size of nearly 17,000 people," he said of Nielsen. "She has not served on a board or commission. Her real achievement is the walking school bus.

"But I also know that having served in the mayor's job for the past six months that the council will drive the agenda. The mayor really does not have a lot of power at this point," he said.

Nielsen said one of the first things she wants to do is schedule town hall meetings to gather input from residents.

"I want to hear from residents and I want them to help set the agenda moving forward, she said.

Tuesday was the first contested mayoral race in North Liberty since 2005.

North Liberty mayor

• Gerry Kuhl: 45 percent

• Amy Nielsen: 55 percent