MAQUOKETA, Iowa -- Facing a large slate of candidates and widespread discontent with lingering piles of fire debris, Maquoketa voters elected a new mayor and four new council members.
Four-term Mayor Tom Messerli was narrowly defeated by Councilman Jason Hute. Hute got 442 votes, or 36 percent, while Messerli earned 398 votes, or 33 percent.
"I think voters were ready for a change. With me and these new council people, we have nearly a complete turnover from the old guard of a few years ago. I think it will be a more progressive body," said Hute, 38, who works as a correctional counselor at the Anamosa State Penitentiary. "I want to thank Mayor Messerli for his service and invite him to use his knowledge of city government on a municipal committee."
Hute hopes that by cleaning up the fire rubble, new businesses will be attracted to Maquoketa's downtown.
In the city's 3rd Ward, newcomers Eric Pape and Bruce Droessler faced each other. Pape won 181 votes, 73 percent, to Droessler's 68 votes, 27 percent.
"I want to ensure
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Pape will take his seat at the next council meeting as that position is vacant.
Voters elected another young newcomer to the 4th Ward seat. Amy Moore earned 226 votes, or 78 percent, to Melodie Schueller's 65 votes, 22 percent.
"Voters were ready for fresh, new ideas. The community does not feel energized, but I hope to bring that," said Moore, 30, a bank loan clerk. "I plan to listen to people to get their ideas and take time to get my feet underneath everything."
Also elected to the council in uncontested races were Todd Mang and Don Schwenker.
In Sabula, voters elected Pam Heidenreich mayor with 145 votes to Darwin Paddock's 105 votes. For two council seats, voters chose Dawn Miller Heffelfinger with 148 votes and Erica Naeve Shoemaker with 139 votes. Other candidates and their vote totals were: Steve Woodhurst, 89 votes; Lindsey Rittmer, 70; Kathi Atkinson Lauricha, 21; former mayor Al Mangler, 16; and Dave Lauricha, 12.
