Mayne defeats Voelliger in special election

First Ward voters sent a message to the mayor and city council Tuesday – we'll choose our own alderman, thank you.

Dean Mayne, a 50-year-old political newcomer, defeated Norm Voelliger 409 to 369 in a special election the Republican-dominated council didn't want to hold.

After alderman Keith Kauten resigned earlier this year, the council decided to appoint a replacement alderman rather than schedule a special election.

The city administration initially told the council a special election would cost $15,000, but later determined it would be $3,200.

Residents then circulated a petition to force the council to schedule a special election.

In the meantime, the council appointed Voelliger to the vacant council post, despite the fact he had been defeated by Kauten in last November's general election.

Then, in a last-minute campaign move, the mayor and all the Republican council members sent a letter to First Ward voters urging a vote for Voelliger.

Mayne will serve out the remainder of Kauten's term, which expires in the fall of 2011.

Despite the fast-tracked election schedule, voter turnout was high with more than 16 percent of registered voters going to the polls.