OTTUMWA — Both Dale Uehling and Frank Flanders served the city in the past. Now they battle each other for power in the present and only one will lead the city into the future.

The two participated in the Courier’s Candidate Faceoff Tuesday evening at Bridge View Center.

When asked how he sees the roles of mayor and city administrator, Flanders said the city administrator oversees the city’s daily life and the mayor deals with the public.

Flanders also said he has worked with federal, state and county leaders.

Except for one term, Uehling has been mayor since 1994. The panel asked if this election is his “last run.”

Uehling said after he became mayor, positive changes happened in the city until the 1998 fire at Excel. The meatpacking leaders wanted to leave town and take 1,250 jobs with them.

Leaders at the city, Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation and Indian Hills Community College all worked to keep the company here, according to Uehling.

“Excel, now Cargill Meat Solutions, wanted to leave. But, we worked hard to get an ammonia diffuser for the river, and they stayed,” Uehling said. “They now have 2,500 employees and there are new businesses in their area, such as Millard Refrigeration, where Mr. Flanders works.”

When asked why Flanders thinks the city needs to make more use of Indian Hills College, he pointed to a link between the college and the Wapello County Supervisors. He said the bioprocessing center is the result of a project shared by the college and the supervisors.

“There’s no city equivalent. When the economy is better, we need to be in a position to get jobs,” Flanders said. “The city needs better partnerships. The chamber? Look at the evidence.”

Then he indicated “Indian Hills versus the Chamber of Commerce” was no contest — the college wins.

Flanders questioned Uehling’s ability to accomplish projects “with teamwork” with three new members joining the council.

“My past experience of 14 years shows I can do that,” Uehling said. “The mayor represents the city, the council sets the goals and passes resolutions — they are the lawmakers.”

He also said he “will work closely with the council and won’t micro-manage the city administrator.”

Flanders named two recent issues that caused dissent on the council. He also said Uehling “lost.”