Nichols, Atalissa elections to be won by write-ins
by Sara Sedlacek · September 23, 2009

The period for candidates to file nomination papers for the Nov. 3 city council elections has come and gone and two local communities will be relying on write-in candidates to fill vacancies.

Atalissa and Nichols both have more open seats than they have candidates.

The Muscatine County Auditor received nomination papers from four candidates in Nichols. Current council members Russ Grimm, Rich Hillyer and Ron Oostendorp and newcomer Marvin Wilson each submitted nomination papers. Though she did not submit papers, Cindy Massey agreed to run for the remaining council seat as a write-in candidate. Even though the council seats are spoken for, there will still be a vacant mayor’s seat in Nichols. Current Nichols Mayor Toni Wilson has declined to run again and said she will reject the seat if she is the only write-in candidate. If Wilson wins by write-in and rejects the position, Nichols council members will have to appoint a mayor.

Atalissa is facing an even more dire problem. The council will have two vacant council seats and a vacant mayor’s seat and only one person filed nomination papers. Current council member Mike Haller will be running to keep his seat. Dennis Hepker will not be running for his seat again and Mayor Joe Blick, who won his seat in a write-in campaign in the 2007 election, did not file nomination papers either.

“We’ve had this happen before,” said Atalissa City Clerk Connie Black. “We may have to appoint someone.”

If there are no write-in candidates or the write-in winner rejects the position, the second highest vote getter will be offered the position. If that person rejects the seat, council will have to appoint someone or a special election will be held. According to the Muscatine County Auditor’s office, no write-in candidate has turned down the position in recent years.

West Liberty will have the only contested council race, with three candidates vying for two seats. Current council members Bob Hartman and Jose Elizondo will be facing off against former mayoral candidate Clint Esbenshade to keep their seats. Mayor Chad Thomas will be running unopposed for mayor.