The Perry City Council appointed one of its own members Monday night, filling the second-ward seat vacated in February by Curt Hite, who was elected in November.
The council appointed Perry businessman Jeremy Mahler, who lived in Jamaica prior to moving into a downtown Perry apartment above the sandwich shop he opened in 2019 and the tavern he opened in 2020. Mahler has also operated a tavern in Minburn since 2016 and previously owned bars in Des Moines and Clive.
Mahler attended Monday’s meeting via Zoom and made a brief statement prior to fielding questions from the council and taking the oath of office.
“I am a resident of Perry,” he said. “I have multiple businesses in Perry. I have a sophomore in Perry schools. I’ve been fairly active in Perry in council and meetings and things like that. I think I have a fairly good head on my shoulders and like to look toward the future, and I think that I could be helpful in any of the things that we need to discuss to drive this city forward.”
Following his brief address, Mahler was asked when he intends to reopen his sandwich shop. He said remodeling work will continue on the property this spring.
First ward Perry City Council member Dean Berkland then moved the approval of Mahler’s appointment, and at-large Perry City Council member Vicki Klein seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, and Perry City Clerk Liz Hix administered the oath of office to Mahler.
The council warmly welcomed their newest member, who then proceeded to participate in the balance of the meeting’s deliberations, which included old business, new business and the amendment of two city ordinances.
Perry residents have until April 18 to challenge Mahler’s appointment to the nonpartisan council seat, according to Hix.
“So Jeremy will be on council,” she said, “unless there is a petition filed with myself within the next 14 days requesting a special election. Otherwise, he will hold his seat until the next municipal election, which is to be held on Nov. 7, 2023.”
The next regular meeting of the Perry City Council will be April 18 at 6 p.m. in the second-floor meeting room of the Towncraft Building at 1122 Willis Ave.
