BELLEVUE, Iowa -- Belle-vue voters faced a crowded race of six candidates for three open council seats and returned two city councilmen while electing one young newcomer.
Dan Blitgen, 26, was the top vote-getter with 445 votes, or 26 percent.
"I applaud the voters for wanting a change in the course of their city government," said Blitgen, a customer service representative for a Dubuque claims management operation. "I don't want to act hastily on anything, but it's an exciting time for Bellevue and I'm glad to be part of it and bring some spunk and ambition."
He hopes to attract a variety of new businesses to town by focusing on the city's fiber-optic network and skilled work force.
Incumbent Gary Feuerbach, 64, got 372 votes, or 22 percent. Feuerbach is in his third year on the council.
"We haven't had six people running for a long time. I think the voters showed they want us to continue on with what we've been doing," said Feuerbach, a retired educator. "Our main challenges will be our budget, the cable TV system and our streets. Some TIFs (tax incremental financing)
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Feuerbach plans to focus on "controlled growth" for Bellevue and upgrading the city's infrastructure.
Longtime incumbent Roger Michels, 61, received 302 votes, or 18 percent. Michels has been on the council for 16 years.
"It's good to see so many people running this year and someone young like Dan get elected. I think we'll work well with him," said Michels, a retired John Deere employee. "I guess voters are still happy with what I'm trying to do. Our biggest challenge will be our budget, which will be tight next year."
Michels wants the city to step back from taking on new projects in order to "slow down and raise our reserves."
