Is this year’s Ottumwa City Council election a call for change and the need for some new ideas? Or should we stay the course with experienced leaders?

The answer to both questions, surprisingly, is yes.

We concluded that any of the six men vying for the three seats on the council would certainly do well in helping to lead our community during the next four years.

The Courier’s editorial board agreed all the candidates have the ability to work as team members in crafting a progressive future for our community. Each has a number of strengths that support their viability as candidates.

We concede that the board was split over which three men to endorse. We did agree, however, each candidate is worthy of serious consideration by all Ottumwans and that the three endorsements reflect a simple majority amongst board members.

Bob Meyers has served on the council the past four years, and in that time, he has acquired a deep understanding of how city government operates.

We believe Meyers works well with others, even those he disagrees with. He listens to all sides of an issue before he votes and his leadership will be needed in what will undoubtedly be one of Ottumwa’s toughest budget years to come.

There have certainly been issues where we have disagreed with Meyers. But to his credit, he stands by those decisions. And in tough economic times his ability to stand firm in the face of adversity will be needed.

Meyers is also a staunch supporter of Ottumwa. He has been and will continue to support Bridge View and is not adverse to finding ways to more effectively market the facility. He knows its true value and looks beyond the spreadsheet.

While Meyers may not always make the popular decision in the short term, he understands the council must have a broader focus if the city is to grow and prosper.

If Meyers is the choice for retaining experienced leadership on the council, then Brian Morgan certainly answers the call for change and new ideas.

But Morgan also understands that simply calling for change does not guarantee success. He is willing to put in the hours to understand the process of city governance and wants to spark new discussions on making the city a better place for younger generations.

Morgan conceded there’s a real possibility his current job may relocate to Mount Pleasant within the next 18 months to two years. But he made it clear to the editorial board and to the public that he’s not leaving Ottumwa. A third-generation Ottumwan, he wants his children to reap the benefits of living in a great community.