Steve Mullan puts an end to long tenure of public service to Newton

When a council member reaches the end of their term and finally makes their exit, they are given a small parting gift recognizing their service. In Newton, like many other communities, councilpersons get a fancy clock as a sort of symbolic way of showing how important their time meant to city government.

Steve Mullan has one of the few clocks with multiple service terms etched on the front.

From 2006 until 2021, Mullan served on the Newton City Council. He offered his wisdom and perspective as a longtime Cardinal and former teacher. He saw the end of Maytag, the beginning of TPI Composites and of the Iowa Speedway, a recession, a city rebrand and a pandemic during his long tenure on council.

In 2024, he was brought on to the city council once again to fulfill the term left by the outgoing Vicki Wade in Ward 4. He was appointed to the seat in large part because of his experience. He understood the processes of the council and the city, and he certainly understood the value of public service.

Fellow council member Mark Hallam — now the longest serving member on the Newton City Council — gave Mullan his newly updated clock at the end of the Monday night meeting. It now shows both sets of his time spent on the council, and Mullan accepted the gift proudly and embraced Hallam.

“Well this is a great night because I’m celebrating my 47th wedding anniversary tonight as well,” Mullan said. “It’s been great!”

Mullan encouraged young people in their 20s, 30s and 40s to start running for city council. Ideally, he suggested there should be two to three candidates per open seat on the council. Mullan said it is a privilege to work for the city, which he noted has made great progress in the past few years.

“I hope that the present council and the people coming on board will keep that ship floating right along,” Mullan said.

If Mullan had any regrets, it would be that he failed to convince everybody how to properly say the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance.

At the start of every council meeting it is recited by both city officials and city residents in attendance. Listen closely to any meeting in which Mullan is present and you’ll notice he leaves no pause between “one nation” and “under God” as so many people do. Without fail he says it as one complete phase.

“No commas in there!” he said with a laugh.