West Des Moines Election: Challenger Hardman Upsets Messerschmidt

WEST DES MOINES, IA — A first-time challenger to the West Des Moines City Council upset an incumbent in a tight race decided Tuesday night by a margin of less than 1 percent. Renee Hardman won the at-large council seat over Rick Messerschmidt, according to unofficial results from the Polk County Election Office.

Hardman said she had walked most of the ward to knock on doors and meet as many voters as possible and hear their concerns and ideas. She said one of the challenges for the city is creating housing that is affordable to young families and meets the gap between apartment living and $250,000 homes to also meet the needs of people who work in the service sector and often have to live in Des Moines to find housing that fits with their income level.

She also has said she wants to see more collaboration with the West Des Moines schools and have talks that address planning for and developing solutions to workforce issues.

Hardman, who received 2,180 votes to Messerschidt's 2,110, was elected on a margin of 0.6 percent.

Ward 3

Incumbent councilman Russ Trimble was re-elected to his seat in Ward 3, where he was challenged by Nadir Mehta. According to unofficial results, Trimble received 1,325 votes to Mehta's 612.

Ward 1

Kevin Trevillyan was re-elected in a race without opposition. He received 1,221 votes, or 96,5.

Mayor

Steven Gaer was re-elected as mayor in a race without opposition. He received 3,596 votes, or 92.9 percent.

Parks Commission

Heather Schebel and Rick Swalwell were unopposed for their seats as West Des Moines Parks commissioners.

Election 2017: Patch graphic