WAVERLY - Mayor Ike Ackerman, a probable lock for re-election, waited - and waited and waited - for a worthy challenger. No one surfaced.

"I think if someone really wanted to be mayor and would do a good job he would step aside," Councilman Gary Boorom said.

With no contenders an hour before Thursday's 5 p.m. deadline to file nomination papers, Ackerman filed his paperwork for a fifth term. He is unopposed in the Nov. 8 election.

"If no one else runs, I'll throw it in there," Ackerman said before filing.

The 66-year-old Ackerman has been fighting bladder cancer and was undecided about running until mid-August when tests showed he was healthy. In three years, he has had five or six surgeries; bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate.

"It's not life-threatening, but it's something you have to stay on top of," Ackerman said.

Every three months, Ackerman travels to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for tests. He soon recuperates and returns to his routine. During business hours, he's at his law firm. And another 20 hours a week are spent on council matters. In eight years as mayor, Ackerman has missed only one meeting.

"I think he enjoys being mayor, but it takes a lot of a person's time," Boorom said.

Waiting for a contender, Ackerman, a Waverly resident for 40 years, continued to gather signatures until the last day.

"I had plenty," he said.

City Hall was expecting Ackerman to file.

"I'm sure he'll have it in," Councilman Gary Grace said Thursday afternoon. "I don't think he's done it on purpose."

The buzz around City Administrator Richard Crayne's office was Ackerman would "wait until five of 5" before submitting his packet. The mayor showed up earlier and ready for another term.

"I'm happy to do it," Ackerman said.

Boorom, a councilman for 10 years, credits Ackerman for Waverly's growth and civic projects over the last decade.

"I really admire Ike, as a mayor and as a person," Boorom said.

In 2003, Ackerman was re-elected by 90 percent of the vote. Write-ins won 10 percent.

In a related issue, two council members did not file papers for re-election. At-large member Mel Kramer is stepping aside for retirement. Nicholas Williams, Rod Drenkow, Duane Liddle and John Baber are contending for his seat.

Tammy McKenzie of the first ward is not seeking re-election. Jene Leib is running unopposed for McKenzie's seat.

Cyndi Ecker of the third ward is running unopposed.

Contact Brian Spannagel at (319) 291-1570 or brian.spannagel@wcfcourier.com