One Fresh Face Brings Unique Twist To Local Election

MUSCATINE, IA. With an intense election coming up soon, the Mayoral and Council races in Muscatine are heating up every day. Hundreds yard signs can be seen throughout the city, and there is definitely a feeling of excitement in the air.

The Mayoral race is one of the hottest topics. Ryan Kopf, 19, is running for Mayor of the town of 22,000 people. The incumbent, Richard O’brien, has been in office for well over ten years, and recently turned 80.

A stark contrast. Organizers on both sides have been quick to point out the differences in each party, one claiming more experience, while the other claims more new ideas.

“I have the energy we need in Muscatine,� said Kopf, “and the new ideas to get us ahead.�

O'brien says his "years of experience" will help Muscatine get through tough times.

Kopf, however, is ahead of the field in backing up his ideas. He has devoted an entire website www.ryankopf.com to his campaign. The website has detailed plans that would make Muscatine better, claims Kopf.

Kopf’s is the only campaign that gives supporters and those interested real time access to information whenever they need it. “We recently launched a new feature allowing people to call me directly from their computer,� organizer Nathan Foutch said. The new feature allows any computer user with headphones and a microphone to make a phone call directly to the campaign.

With all the choices in this race, the Ryan Kopf campaign is really making a different kind of statement with its easy to access and easy to understand message.

“My opponent takes the normal incumbent position in local politics,� Kopf said, “He is saying he'll focus on making communication easier. I've already got him beat on that point.�