(Beaver Dam) The Beaver Dam Common Council this week voted down an order to call a special election for mayor this fall. The election would have been to determine who would fill the remainder of Becky Glewen’s vacated term, which expires in April of 2026. Former council president Mike Wissell, who was appointed mayor in February, at first indicated he would not be able to serve out the rest of Glewen’s term.
At this week’s meeting, Wissell said after reviewing his personal situation, he is willing to be mayor until the term ends. Alderman Ken Anderson told the council that he feels (quote) “really strongly” about going to a special election.
“This needs to be an elected official by everyone in the city not just a seven-member vote here…it really needs to be an elected official,” said Anderson.
Alderwoman Bobbi Marck said she is in favor of continuity.
“If Mayor Wissell serves until November and then we have another candidate serving after November and then that person would be in office for 17 months and then there would be another election and so we could have a third person acting as mayor,” said Marck. “So, that would give us four different mayors in two-and-a-half years…so, I do think there is the issue of continuity and stability.”
Four alderpeople voted in favor of a special election with eight voting against it. Wissell will be re-appointed as mayor at the council’s first meeting in May.
