Change is in the future for councils
by Lindsay Hoeppner · November 04, 2009

Change is a comin’.

At least that’s the way it appears as of Tuesday night.

While the West Liberty City Council will remain partially unchanged, the cities of Atalissa and Nichols will see some definite transformations beginning in January.

Tuesday, Nov. 6, each city held mayoral and council elections. At the time of publication, the Muscatine County Auditor reported unofficial results for the cities of Atalissa, Nichols and West Liberty.

The West Liberty City Council had two council seats and a mayoral seat up for grabs. Incumbents Jose Elizondo and Bob Hartman filed papers for the seats, as did newcomer and former mayoral candidate Clint Esbenshade. Esbenshade and Hartman proved successful with their campaigns. Hartman won the race overall with 97 votes. Esbenshade was also elected with 69 votes. Elizondo will not reclaim his seat, as he came in a close third with 59 votes. Mayor Chad Thomas will keep the seat he received from the special election in June, as he was uncontested in the race and received 98 votes. Only 13 write-in votes were cast for the seat.

Similar to West Liberty, the Atalissa City Council also had two council seats and a mayoral seat available.

Incumbent Mike Haller was the only Atalissa resident to file papers to run for council. He reclaimed his seat with 19 votes. Write-in candidate Jarrod McMichael overtook Dennis Hepker’s seat with six write-in votes. Write-in candidate Carol O’Niel received four votes.

Although mayor Joe Blick did not file papers to run, he was re-elected with seven write-in votes. Write-in mayoral candidate Ron McMichael received two votes.

Nichols residents were voting to fill all of their council seats and the mayoral seat.

Incumbents Russell Grim, Rich Hillyer, Ron Oostendorp and Marvin Wilson were re-elected to the council. Hillyer won the race overall, garnering 45 votes, while Oostendorp received 42, Grim received 41 and Wilson received 37. Write-in candidate Cindy Massey was also elected, receiving 24 votes.

The mayoral race was a little more interesting, as no papers were filed for the seat, leaving the election open to a write-in candidate. Jim Fulcher and Joe Church tied for the position, each receiving three votes. Marvin Wilson and current mayor Sonya Wilson each received two votes.

Please watch for next week’s Index for official election results and additional election information.