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Residents vote to make Newton zoning officials elected
Tony Huffman
Effingham Daily News
NEWTON — Zoning and its place in Newton proved to be a continued hot topic last
night. Newton voters decided to change the way Newton zoning board members are
chosen, from appointment to election.
The close 420-387 vote is representative of the differing opinions on the subject among
city officials.
“I’m just disappointed. I hope whoever runs to be elected, runs for the right reason.
Those would be to help our community and not be in it for an axe to grind,” said Newton
Mayor Mark Bolander.
Supporters of the zoning board election change have opposing concerns about helping
the community.
“The zoning board members had the ability to affect what citizens could use their
property for, all without being elected to the board that did it. That seems wrong to me,”
said Alderman Larry Short.
“There were professionally done radio messages, ads in the Newton paper and many
campaign phone calls made for the appointment,” he added, referring to the opposition.
“I’m glad to see that people are confident enough to elect people that are going to do
the right thing for Newton.”
The change to the current board will not be available until April 2009.
In another referendum, the Wade Fire Protection District annexation passed with a 43-3
vote in the village of Ste. Marie and a 141-27 vote in the unincorporated area of the fire
district.
Tony Huffman can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 135 or tony.
huffman@effinghamdailynews.com.
Tony Huffman
Effingham Daily News
NEWTON — Zoning and its place in Newton proved to be a continued hot topic last
night. Newton voters decided to change the way Newton zoning board members are
chosen, from appointment to election.
The close 420-387 vote is representative of the differing opinions on the subject among
city officials.
“I’m just disappointed. I hope whoever runs to be elected, runs for the right reason.
Those would be to help our community and not be in it for an axe to grind,” said Newton
Mayor Mark Bolander.
Supporters of the zoning board election change have opposing concerns about helping
the community.
“The zoning board members had the ability to affect what citizens could use their
property for, all without being elected to the board that did it. That seems wrong to me,”
said Alderman Larry Short.
“There were professionally done radio messages, ads in the Newton paper and many
campaign phone calls made for the appointment,” he added, referring to the opposition.
“I’m glad to see that people are confident enough to elect people that are going to do
the right thing for Newton.”
The change to the current board will not be available until April 2009.
In another referendum, the Wade Fire Protection District annexation passed with a 43-3
vote in the village of Ste. Marie and a 141-27 vote in the unincorporated area of the fire
district.
Tony Huffman can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 135 or tony.
huffman@effinghamdailynews.com.