Three Newton city council seats and the mayoral position will be a part of the regular city elections in November. Openings in Ward 1, Ward 3 and an at-large position will be up for election.
Filing for the positions began Monday with candidates having to complete an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petition, including 25 signatures. Forms are now available at the Jasper County Auditor’s Office, which took over filing duties from the city this election cycle, and also online on the city’s website. The deadline for filing is 5 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Deputy Auditor Tina Mulgrew said it helps when candidates turn in their paperwork prior to the deadline in case any issues arise that may need to be changed.
“I don’t anticipate paperwork issues but you never know,” Mulgrew said.
Currently serving Ward 1 is council member Jeff Price. The at-large seat is held by Noreen Otto. Neither Price or Otto responded by deadline to inquiries about whether they would seek re-election.
Third Ward council member Craig Trotter said he does intend to run for re-election. He is seeking his second term on the city council.
Mayor Mike Hansen has already turned in his candidacy forms and nomination petition. He has served as Newton’s mayor since 2012.
Hansen is the only candidate who had filed paperwork as of Thursday.
“So far it’s been kind of quiet,” Mulgrew said.
The city election will be held Nov. 3.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com