Hansen re-elected as Newton mayor

Newton Mayor Mike Hansen was successful in his bid for re-election to his second term. Hansen defeated his opponent Garfield Berndt III by capturing more than 65 percent of the vote. Hansen collected 779 votes to Berndt’s 401 votes, according to uncertified election results released Tuesday night by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office.

“I have to thank all of the supporters, those that went to the polls this evening or cast an absentee ballot. Also, those who were gracious enough to allow me to display a sign in their yard,” Hansen said. “Thanks to my family and friends for all of their support during this election cycle and those who wrote letters of support to the Newton Daily News.”

Hansen has served as Newton’s mayor since 2012 when he was appointed after former mayor Chaz Allen stepped down to take a position at the Jasper County Economic Development Corporation. Hansen was then elected to the position two years ago.

“I am very pleased to be able to work on behalf of the citizens of this community, our stakeholders and city staff for the betterment of our community over the next two years,” Hansen said.

Berndt said he decided to challenge Hansen because he wanted to become more active in local politics.

“I’m not disappointed for this being the first time ever running for anything. I am very proud of the city for the huge turn out for voting that occurred,” Berndt said. “I want to congratulate Mayor Hansen on the victory and hope that he stays true to what he said during the campaign and continue to move the city forward.”

Also elected Tuesday were Craig Trotter, Miranda Kulis and Jeremy Biondi to the Newton City Council.

Trotter was re-elected to his second term serving the third ward. He received 263 votes.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to work. I think we’ve set a lot of things in motion and we’re going to keep carrying them forward. I’m looking forward to the next four years,” Trotter said.

Kulis will fill the at-large seat vacated by Noreen Otto after earning 938 votes. New to Newton last year, Kulis is the coordinator for the Goodwill Career Connection Center.

“I’m very excited and looking forward to serving the community and the citizens of Newton for the next four years,” Kulis said.

Biondi will serve the first ward seat, previously held by Jeff Price. In his first term on the council, Biondi is also the owner of Moo’s BBQ in downtown Newton. He collected 220 votes.

“I’m proud to have support from the people in ward one. I look forward to being the voice of the people in Newton,” Biondi said.

Rachel Barton, a write-in candidate for the at-large seat who launched her campaign approximately two weeks ago, collected an undetermined portion of votes fore that seat. A total of 149 write-in votes were reported but Barton’s vote total was immediately available.

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