Brian Quirk
A state representative from northeast Iowa who was just reelected to a sixth two-year term is explaining his decision to resign from the legislature.
Democrat Brian Quirk of New Hampton is taking a new job. “I’ve accepted a position with the New Hampton Municipal Light Plant as their new general manager,” Quirk revealed this evening. “I’ll be starting that endeavor on Monday morning.”
Quirk submitted a letter of resignation to the governor and house leaders on Wednesday, but at that time, did not reveal why he was stepping down. Quirk revealed today that the Board of Directors for the New Hampton Municipal Light Plant asked that he resign from the legislature.
The New Hampton Municipal Light Plant was the subject of a recent State Auditor’s investigation which found, among other things, nearly $60,000 in proceeds from the sale of scrap metal were not deposited with the city clerk. The plant’s former general manager resigned.
Quirk spent a decade representing a district that includes all of Howard and Chickasaw counties and the western part of Winneshiek county. “The thing I’m going to miss the most is the people I represented and being able to help folks with a wide range of issues,” Quirk said.
Governor Branstad is expected to set a date soon for a special election to fill the vacant seat in the Iowa House. A retired teacher and coach in the area has announced he’ll run for the seat. Tom Sauser of New Hampton is a Democrat.
by Darin Svenson, KDEC