Hansen only applicant for mayoral vacancy
The Newton City Council set Oct. 29 as the deadline to apply for the currently vacant mayor’s seat with plans to interview all applicants and to appoint the city’s next mayor at tonight’s regular meeting.
It would appear their work has already been done for them. Headed into the meeting, the council will have just one candidate to consider: Second Ward councilor and mayor pro tempore Mike Hansen.
“Newton is my ‘hometown,’ where my wife and I were raised and went to school, and after completing my honorable service in the U.S. Army Special Forces, returned to raise our three daughters,” he said in his letter of application dated Oct. 29. “We now enjoy spending time with our five grandchildren.”
Hansen became a member of the city council Jan. 2, 2002, and began his third term Jan. 4, 2010. In addition to serving as mayor pro tempore, he also serves as chair of the Employee Relations and Finance committees.
“I completed the Iowa League of Cities Municipal Leadership Academy and the City of Newton Citizens’ Academy in 2002,” he said. “I also completed the City of Newton Citizens’ Police Academy in 2011.”
In his letter of application, Hansen said now is a critical time for the future of Newton. He added that he believes he has the skills, personality, experience and desire to lead an effort to create and maintain a thriving Newton.
“Leaders inspire others and this is no time for spectators,” he said. “Only when we tap into the talents and energy of this community will we unleash the true genius of Newton — its citizens. I am up for the challenge and so are the people of Newton. Together, we can look beyond the obstacles and reach for the possible.”
Consideration of Hansen’s appointment to mayor and probable appointment are scheduled toward the end of tonight’s meeting. The Council will close out the meeting with discussions of the city’s “vicious dog” ordinances and the possibility of contracting out for the city’s legal services.
In other business, the council will:
• Consider the second reading of changes to the city’s snow ordinance,
• Consider a resolution accepting completion of the railroad crossing repair on North 19th Avenue East,
• Consider a resolution accepting completion of the 2012 sidewalk ramp improvements project,
• Consider a resolution accepting completion of the U.S. Highway 6 asphalt resurfacing project,
• Consider a resolution approving an engineering services agreement for the 2013 Apron Expansion Project at the Newton Municipal Airport,
• Consider approving quotes for work to correct a prohibited sanitary sewer discharge problem,
• Consider a resolution accepting completion of the 2012 Structure Demolition Project, and
• Consider a resolution entering into an agreement for Thunder Nites in Newton to be held the second Friday of each month from May through September of 2013.
Bob Eschliman can be contacted at (641) 792-3121 ext. 423 or via email at beschliman@newtondailynews.com.
