Joel Mills secures at-large seat on Newton City Council, unofficial results show

In what was probably one of the most contested races across Jasper County, the unofficial results of the Newton City Council at-large race show Joel Mills winning out against four other candidates. Provided the results are verified, Mills will be taking over the seat currently occupied by councilman Randy Ervin.

Out of a total of 2,520 valid votes, Mills received 709 votes (28.13 percent). Jerry Chandler received 517 votes (20.52 percent), Cassandra Pence received 468 votes (18.57 percent), Bob Williams received 437 votes (17.34 percent) and Ron Bookout received 376 votes (14.92 percent).

Mills said in a statement: “Thank you for all the Newtonians who choose to vote and who choose to learn about the candidates. By learning together we can and will grow Newton how and when we desire. To those who don’t know me yet, I welcome new conversations as your at-large council member.”