GUTTENBERG, Iowa -- Gerald "Red" Block was once the police chief and mayor of the city of Guttenberg.

With perspectives on both positions, Block wants one of his old jobs back.

Block is challenging incumbent Jim Solomon for the Guttenberg mayoral seat in Tuesday's municipal election, vowing accountability to the citizens if he is elected.

"I want to make the town livable and the city government more responsible to the citizens that elect us," Block said.

Block served as Guttenberg's mayor from 1993 to 2005, along with a prior stint as the city's chief of police during a 23-year career working for the city.

The former mayor said his No. 1 issue centers on the firing of Police Chief George Morteo.

Morteo, the city's police chief since 2001, was dismissed by a 4-1 vote during a special City Council meeting on March 24. Solomon motioned for his dismissal, citing Morteo's "unacceptable performance" without elaborating further.

"I think there was no call for that," Block said. "I don't think

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it was a just thing (Solomon) did."

The TH left several messages with Solomon for this story. Solomon returned a message Friday, but did not address the Morteo firing during his candidate statement.

"I'm passionate about the community we live in," Solomon said. "We have had some pretty outstanding accomplishments over the last few years. I want to see us keep things going and continue the same path."

Voters also will choose between five candidates, all non-incumbents, for three spots on the City Council. Seeking council positions are Steve Friedlein, Adam Paul Herzog, John Hess, Ralph Livingston and Chad Werger.

Two of the candidates -- Friedlein and Herzog -- both work at Kann Manufacturing in Guttenberg.

"(Friedlein) is my boss, and this is strictly off of work," Herzog said. "I have no hard feelings against him or anything."

Friedlein laments the City Council's vote in April to increase the water base rate from $16 per month to $18.

"It seems like (the increase) has been almost to the extreme," Friedlein said.

Hess also questioned the move. "We have to find another avenue to increase revenues besides taxing the people the way they are now," he said.

Livingston said the city's increase in utility rates is hard on retired people.

Werger said he wants to make Guttenberg a "more financially stable" place to reside.

Guttenberg voters also will decide whether to increase the hotel/motel sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent.