Urbandale Council Appoints John Forst to Fill Vacant Council Seat

The Urbandale City Council decided knowledge about the city's budget was a key to appointing someone to fill a vacant seat.

During a special meeting Tuesday, the council appointed John Forst to finish the term vacated by John Forbes, who was recently elected to represent House District 40.

Forst, who served on the council from 1999 to 2008, plans to only fill the gap of one year before the seat is up for election.

"I don't intend to run after one year," Forst said. "My interest is really on an interim basis, to keep the balance, then move on."

Council members agreed having someone appointed to only fill the one-year term was a benefit.

"There are four of you who expressed interest in running next year," Councilman Ron Pogge said during deliberation of the appointment. "I hate to give them a leg-up on that race."

Six Urbandale residents - Rob Elgin, Tony Montgomery, Michael Riesberg, Michael Sadler and David Russell - submitted applications for the vacancy and took part in interviews by the council.

Forst, who has lived in the community for 33 years, said his 10 years of experience on the council will allow for a quick start come January.

"The biggest task for the city is, of course, straight away, the budget," he said. "There are tough challenges, but I'm familiar with it."

Pogge agreed that experience with the budget was highly beneficial.

"The first two years, the budget process can be confusing," he said. "The benefit to appoint John is in January you have someone with experience." 

During deliberations on the appointment, councilmen Tom Gayman and Creighton Cox first voted to appoint David Russell, however, Carver and Pogge were in dissent.

The next motion, to appoint Forst, passed unanimously.

Forst has been in executive level sales with ITAGroup for 25 years. He is a 1981 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa.

Forst's community involvement also includes:

• Co-chair of Leadership Urbandale Charter Class
• Des Moines Regional Transit Authority Commissioner
• Metropolitan PLanning Organization
• Board Member for Children & Families of Iowa
• Graduate of Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute