NORTH LIBERTY — Former Creston Mayor Terry Donahue retained his position as North Liberty’s mayor and Sarah Madsen topped the race for an open City Council seat Tuesday in a special election that drew more than 1,000 voters, according to the Johnson County Auditor’s Office.
Donahue and Madsen are expected to take over their positions either May 1 or 2, after the official canvass of votes. Donahue’s position is going to be on the ballot during this November’s regular city election.
The new city officials are tasked with leading more than 18,000 residents through a period of expansion, including the opening of a new high school, discussion of a second Interstate 380 interchange and the potential construction of a new police station.
“What I believe that we will need to be looking at more and more is the highway and road construction that we’re facing, making sure that the transition for Liberty High School is OK in that we’re doing everything that we can to make that transition to the school easier for the students and the parents of the community ...,” said Donahue 70, adding he wants to meet residents and learn about their vision and needs for the community.
Donahue served as mayor of Creston for 14 years, ending in 1995.