A Waterloo city councilman is hoping voters support him for mayor when they cast ballots in the Nov. 3 municipal election.

Fourth ward representative and Mayor Pro-Tem Quentin Hart announced his candidacy for the city’s highest-elected job on Thursday (July 2, 2015). The Hart For Mayor Campaign plans to make a formal announcement on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the Riverloop Amphitheater near the Waterloo Center For The Arts.

“Downtown is the heart of this community and the Cedar River is the bloodline that ties the community together,” Hart said, when asked why he chose the Amphitheater to kick-off his election campaign. “Although our river has first class has first-class amenities with major upgrades, for some it still remains the dividing line between the south and north sides of Waterloo. I am blessed to have a track record of being a bridge builder and working with people throughout the entire community, state, and country."

Hart is the third candidate hoping to replace out-going Mayor Buck Clark, who announced in March that he will not seek re-election when his third term expires Dec. 31. He’s entering a race that also includes current Black Hawk County supervisor and former Waterloo Fire Chief Frank Magsament, and ex-three-term Mayor Tim Hurley.

Magsamen became the first candidate to enter the mayor’s race in Waterloo when he made the official announcement on April 29. Hurley formally announced his plans three weeks ago.

Hart 44, said he will campaign on a platform committed to safer streets, economic development, neighborhood empowerment, creating a positive image, and a collective vision for the city’s future. These elements translate to what Hart refers to as “New Opportunities Waterloo” or N.O.W.

"I'm going to continue listening to the people of this community and campaign on the ideas that matter most to our residents" he said.

Hart was first elected to the Waterloo city council in 2008. Following his initial two-year term, Hart was selected by Clark to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem, making him one of the youngest selected for the position in the city’s history. His appointment was unanimously supported by all council members.

“I know the job of Mayor requires experience and someone who is in tune with the needs of the citizens, Hart said. "I remain committed to citizen participation in this democracy".

A product of the Waterloo Community Schools system, Hart holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in post-secondary education-student affairs from the University of Northern Iowa. He is a doctoral candidate at Iowa State University in educational leadership and policy studies.

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