CLINTON, Iowa -- A former Clinton economic development leader and council member has announced his candidacy for the Iowa Senate in District 13, the seat held by Sen. Roger Stewart, D-Preston, who last week said he would not seek re-election.

Ed O'Neill, a Democrat, asserts he will be an "energetic, honest voice working to ensure that the working people in eastern Iowa get their fair share."

"For too long, big corporations and the special interests have been getting too much attention from our leaders in Des Moines and Washington, D.C.," O'Neill said in a press release. "I'm going to stand up and fight to ensure that working Iowans have access to better jobs, better schools, better health care and better opportunities."

Senate District 13 covers all of Jackson County, the northern half of Clinton County, including the city of Clinton, and part of southern Dubuque County.

O'Neill has worked in eastern Iowa and western Illinois for many years, including the Clinton Regional Development Corp., where he served as resource development specialist until his resignation on Nov. 6, according to an organization official.

He also was a small-business owner, police officer and a finance and lease manager, according to his press release.

"I know first-hand the difficulties small and large businesses face each day," O'Neill said.

O'Neill also previously served as a member of the Clinton City Council and Hancock County (Illinois) Board of Supervisors. He has been active in various community activities.

He has been married to Diane O'Neill for 40 years. The couple has two children and two grandchildren.

"I would love to hear from everyone with a concern or an idea about moving Iowa forward," O'Neill said.

He invites phone calls at 563-212-3905, or e-mail at eoneill4senate@yahoo.com.