Abu Ibrahim wins Ward 4 race
Apr. 3—OSKALOOSA — Abu Ibrahim will be the next member of the Oskaloosa City Council, following a win in the Ward 4 special election on Tuesday.
Ibrahim beat his opponent Jimmy Carter with 165 votes to 27.
"[I'm] just overwhelmed, humbled. I mean it was great to see everyone turn out in the rain and the snow, even," Ibrahim said over the phone. "I'm just excited everyone was able to get out in such a short timeframe — a special election — and... make their voices heard."
Ibrahim is originally from Boston, and got his first master's degree in 2013 for business and leadership from William Penn University. He is currently employed with WPU as director of sports medicine. Speaking after his victory, Ibrahim said that his ability to listen is the strongest asset he'll bring to city hall.
"What I have been doing is listening to people as I go around campaigning. I think that' the most important thing," Ibrahim explained. "One of my biggest strengths and weaknesses is I've never done this before, but I think one of my biggest strengths just generally is again, I am a pretty good listener."
Tuesday's election was held to fill in the City Council seat filled by the retirement of Steve Burnett in February.
Donald Promnitz is the associate editor of the Ottumwa Courier and the Oskaloosa Herald. He can be reached at dpromnitz@ottumwacourier.com. Follow him on Twitter @DonPromnitz.
