Election Results - April 7, 2009

Hutchinson, Roessler, Niemietz, Ebersohl, Agne -

         Colyer and Naumann Win In Columbia

           In Waterloo - Thomas Tops In Ward 1

          No To Waterloo Park Land Purchase

         Yes To Maeystown Fire Department

Russ Thomas points to his winning vote total for Waterloo’s Ward 1 at the election tote board in front of JV’s Downtown Bar and Grill in Waterloo.

The initial reporting of Tuesday’s consolidated election have been released. All 37 precincts have turned in their ballots, but they have not yet been certified official yet by County Clerk Dennis Knobloch. A completed election overview will be released tomorrow in an Independent E-Newsletter.

Kevin Hutchinson will return as mayor of Columbia. With 2,878 ballots cast, he received 1,232 (43%). Rounding out the ballot were Harold McCarty, 1,066 (35%) and Dennis Patton, 640 (22%). Ward 2 Alderman Jay Unnerstall has been defeated by political newcomer Mark Roessler by a margin of 473 votes (58%) to 339 (42%). The other incumbent Columbia aldermen were all successful in their bids for re-election. Ward 1 Alderman James Age (355) over Jim Ash (260); Ward 3 Alderman Gene Ebersohl (434) over Robert Schaefer (307); and Ward 4 Alderman Mary Ellen Niemietz (356) over Randy Mathews (302). Ron Colyer defeated incumbent Wes Hoeffken for Columbia City Clerk 1,462 to 1,306, while incumbent City Treasurer Robert Naumann beat John Coats 1,653 to 1,023.

In Waterloo’s Ward 1, Russ Thomas won his first bid for political office. His 318 votes defeated Emmett Rusteberg (92) and Debra Augustine (199). The other Waterloo aldermen ran uncontested, Rita Trantham (Ward 2), Jim Nagel (Ward 3) and Vicki Koerber (Ward 4).

The top three vote getters for Waterloo Park District were Kenny Niemann (1,101), Joann Harlin (790) and Kim Holtgrieve (721). Lorraine Novack finished in fourth place with 651. Don Dietz won uncontested for a two-year term on the Park District. In the contested ballots for Road District Commissioner, in District 5 Edward Breeding Sr. (172 votes) defeated James Eames (50) and in District 7, Don Voelker upset Roger Taake 138 to 123.

The top vote getters for Valmeyer School Board were Scott Roever (293), John Garleb (255) and Dan McCarthy (250). In Columbia’s School Board, the voting was Ron Langhans (1,995), Karen Anderson (1,729), Marshal Stout (1,517), Jerry Paul (1,421), Brad Goacher (1,177), John Souris (819) and David Verret (654). Lance West pulled in the most votes for Waterloo School Board with 1,307. Other vote getters were Linda Pickett (1,268), Chuck Pittman (1,097), Cheryl Rayott-Tannous (833), Steve Stoker (851) and Ron Mueller (790).

Waterloo voters again turned down the Waterloo Park District’s proposal to purchase land on Rogers Street. The vote was defeated 1,119 (no) to 537 (yes). Maeystown voters did approve a tax increase for the fire department. It was successful by a vote of 164 yes to 140 no.

Columbia Alderman Jay Unnerstall, right, reviews an early vote return with one of his sons. They were among several people watching the election results at the Monroe County Courthouse.

Election Update - April 7, 2009

Just Over 16 Percent Voter Turn-Out In Contested Local Races

Howard Schmidt, left, and Bill Schmidt cast their ballots Tuesday morning at the Waterloo VFW.

As of 11:30 a.m., polls with contested elections on their ballots are reporting just over 16 percent of registered voter turn-out.

“This includes Ward 1 in Waterloo, Maeystown and all of the city of Columbia,” said County Clerk Dennis Knobloch.

In Waterloo’s Ward 1, Russell Thomas, Debbie Augustine and Emmett Rusteberg are vying for an open aldermanic seat soon to be vacated by Larry Goessling. All of Columbia’s incumbent aldermen have opposition. In addition, there are three persons running for mayor in Columbia, Incumbent Kevin Hutchinson, Harold McCarty and Dennis Patton. Maeystown voters are deciding upon a tax increase to fund upgrades to their fire department.

In the uncontested areas of Waterloo and rural areas outside of Maeystown, voter turn-out is low so far, about six percent. Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. this evening. Early results should start being reported by 9 p.m., with official results later tonight.

Election results will be reported tonight through an Independent E-newsletter and at the www.platinumelection.com. JV’s Downtown Bar and Grill in Waterloo will once again have their election tote board in front of their establishment. They will only be listing the running precinct totals as they come in for Waterloo’s Ward 1, which is the only contested aldermanic race in the town.

“We will post the rest of the county’s election results, including Columbia’s, the school boards and Maeystown, when they are finalized this evening,” said JV’s owner Denise Vogt.

Moore Street Opening Soon: As long as the weather cooperates, Moore Street in Waterloo will be re-open to traffic by May 1, according to Director of Public Works Tim Birk.

Stimulus Funds To Be Used For Local Road Improvements: Monroe County Commissioners are finishing up the paperwork to distribute the $440,000 in federal stimulus funds granted through the East-West Gateway Council of Governments. The money will be divided evenly between Columbia and Waterloo.

Columbia will use the money to make structural improvements to the Palmer Creek Road / Route 3 interchange on the north end of town. Waterloo’s will be used for turn-lanes and pavement overlay at the Route 156 / Lakeview Drive intersection.