The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- With primary elections around the corner, Ottumwans got a chance to meet the candidates running for mayor Thursday evening.

A public debate was held at Indian Hills Community College between candidates Frank Flanders and Robert Lapointe. Incumbent Mayor Dale Uehling told KTVO he could not attend the forum because he was scheduled to attend a board meeting for the Video Game Hall of Fame.

Candidates got a chance to introduce themselves to the public and give their vision for Ottumwa's future.

Questions that were asked ranged from the Ottumwa Transit Authority controversy from earlier this year and how it was handled, to property tax increases, and the need for more development on the north side of town near the Ottumwa Regional Airport.

Undecided voters like 24 year old Andrew Musgrove said they learned a lot.

"There were some good questions that I wanted answered. Being undecided, I still am undecided. But in the long run it kind of answered some of my questions. If you've got the power to vote, you should vote. Otherwise don't complain about whose in office."

The primary election will be held Tuesday, October 11. Candidates will be cut down to two for the general election in November.