Mayor Hansen clinches third term

Newton Mayor Mike Hansen will serve his third term after handily earning more than 70 percent of the votes Tuesday in the city election.

His opponent Ron Bookout had 426 votes to Hansen’s 1,067, according to uncertified election tallies released by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office.

Hansen has served as Newton’s mayor since 2012 when he was tapped to take over for then-mayor Chaz Allen, who stepped down to take a position at the Jasper County Economic Development Corporation. Hansen was then elected to the position in 2013 and 2015.

“It is humbling to have the support of 71 percent of the electorate that went out to the polls today,” Hansen said. “My philosophy is that I serve the people of the community, and I will continue to do my best to lead this community for us to succeed in all of the goals that have been set by the citizens of the great city.”

As a resident of Newton for 57 years, Hansen previously served on the city council prior to being appointed mayor. He said he’s ready to continue the efforts he has been a part of to move Newton forward in a positive and productive direction.

“It has certainly been a collaborative effort between our partners, between citizens of our community, all of our volunteers and city staff and city council to continue to move Newton forward in a positive manner and I don’t see that changing anytime in the future,” Hansen said.

Bookout said he decided to challenge Hansen to bring change to the community and see the City of Newton thrive like when he was growing up.

“Please allow me to express my gratitude to you, the citizens of Newton, for your support during my bid to become mayor of Newton,” Bookout said. “Your show of confidence and trust to me is very much appreciated.”

For the Newton City Council, Evelyn George will now represent the city in the at-large council position. George, who currently serves in Ward 2, received 813 votes to triumph over her fellow candidates Garfield Berndt III at 280 votes, Russell Terlouw at 179 votes, Matthew Holmes at 123 votes and Lance C. Hawley at 77 votes.

“I am very honored to continue to serve the citizens of Newton,” George said. “I am excited about the progress we have made, the new jobs we have and to continue that progress, increase our tax base and make Newton a place we are proud to call home.”

The at-large seat was vacated by Lin Chapé in July when she decided to step down from the council. It has been filled in the interim by former city council member Jeff Price, who was appointed to the seat in August.

Also elected to city council is incumbent Steve Mullan for Ward 4 and Dean Stonner will join the council for his first term serving Ward 2. Mullan received 390 votes while Stonner garnered 353 votes.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the people of Newton, and I look forward to the challenges that face the council in the next four years,” Stonner said.

A total of 2,967 votes were cast in Jasper County on Tuesday out of 17,190 registered voters. Of those who voted, 2,765 went to the polls on election day while 202 voted absentee.

Complete Jasper County Election results will be published in Thursday’s edition.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com