Tackling the problems of substance abuse and homelessness will be the top priority for Jeanette Moss if she is elected to the Fort Dodge City Council.

Moss is seeking the Ward 3 seat on the council.

That seat will be vacated by Councilman Dave Flattery because he is running for mayor. Todd McCubbin has also declared his candidacy in Ward 3, which is the northeastern part of the city.

Moss said she views substance abuse and homelessness as two problems that go “hand-in-hand.”

She said she would like to create a community center for helping people who are dealing with homelessness and addiction. She said it would be set up as a non-profit “so we aren’t touching tax money.”

The candidate is a substance abuse counselor who has lived in Fort Dodge since 2012.

She earned an associate degree in human services from Iowa Central Community College; a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and human services from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake and a master’s degree from Buena Vista University.

Moss lives on Dodger Drive.

Eight candidates for Fort Dodge city offices have either filed nominating petitions or declared their candidacies.

They are Councilman Dave Flattery (mayor), Michael Haubrich (at-large), former Councilman Terry Moehnke (at-large), Councilwoman Jen Crimmins (Ward 1), Councilman Cameron Nelson (Ward 2), Todd McCubbin (Ward 3), Jeanette Moss (Ward 3), and Councilman Kim Alstott (Ward 4).