Field of candidates for open council seat swells to six

Two more candidates have submitted their names for the open Newton City Council at large seat. Harold Martin and Lonnie White applied for the post, joining Sheri Benson, James Klier, Richard Atwood and Raymond Sutton in a suddenly crowded field of candidates.

Prospective appointees have until 4:30 p.m. today to submit their names for the seat vacated by the death of longtime council member Ron Foreman.

Newton City Council plans to appoint a replacement for Foreman at the Aug. 3 meeting. The seat will face election in the fall for the remaining two years on the term.

The public will have the opportunity to meet and question the candidates next week. The League of Women Voters of Jasper County will host a candidate forum on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in council chambers at city hall. The forum will include statements from each candidate as well as a question and answer period.

After council appoints the new council member, the public will have the opportunity to request a special election by submitting a petition to the Jasper County Auditor with 368 signatures.