Published: November 05, 2009 09:30 am      

Residents react to Tuesday’s vote

CLINTON — The majority of Clinton residents sent the message at the polls Tuesday that they are looking for a change on the Clinton City Council.

With at least three new faces and a potential fourth to be sworn in in January, the make up of the seven-member council is set to change drastically.

Clinton historian and former Citizens for Excellence in Government Board Member Gary Herrity said Tuesday’s results indicate how residents feel about the job some council members are doing.

“I think it spells out people are not satisfied with the administration,” Herrity said.

The Clinton Herald set out Wednesday to pinpoint voters’ thoughts about the election results. Through telephone and man-on-the street interviews, the Herald learned that while the main achievements cited by current council members have been putting together a 107-block plan to repair Clinton streets, finding a restaurant owner for the Clinton Marina and continuing progress at Liberty Square and 19th Avenue North, that wasn’t enough for some voters.

Doug Behrendt said he would watch some meetings on television and get disappointed when he felt the council delayed projects he felt would benefit the community.

Shelia Grant did not say who she voted against but said she disagreed with one councilman’s statement about it being safe to walk downtown at night.

“I think the people felt like they were let down and needed some change,” said Jim Borota, a former First Ward Councilman.

First Ward resident Ed Broderick made that point loud and clear. Broderick said he was glad to see Margaret Klaes’ large margin of victory over incumbent Bob Soesbe.

Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm said he didn’t expect the focus of the council to switch once new members are sworn in.

“Having listened to the forum I understand the projects the city is already working on are most of the projects the candidates had interest in,” Holm said. “There may be different approaches but the end results we still have to attain.”

Not only will there be new members but there will also be more women than before. At-Large Councilwoman Bette Oakley was the lone female representative on the current council. The new council will feature Jennifer Graf, At-large; Beverly Hermann, Third Ward; and Margaret Klaes, First Ward as the new female voices serving Clinton.

“We just have some women who are knowledgeable,” said former Clinton Mayor LaMetta Wynn. “They are good people who want the best for Clinton and they're good decision makers. I think that's what we need right now.”