Oelwein Will Have A Special Election for Mayor

An Oelwein businessman has made good on his promise, and has submitted more than enough signatures to call for a special election to fill the mayor's post.

John Walker went to Oelwein City Hall Wednesday afternoon, and handed over more than 300 signatures to call for a special election. Walker needed only 157 signatures on a petition, or a percentage of the voters who cast ballots in the last city election.

The mayor's seat is open, after Jason Manus submitted his resignation last month. The 36 year old Manus faces 5 sexual abuse charges, involving two young girls, in incidents that allegedly happened at an Oelwein home, four years ago. After bonding out of jail, Manus resigned as Oelwein's mayor. He had been scheduled for an arraignment on Wednesday, but that was postponed to September 17th.

The city council appointed mayor pro-tem Peggy Sherrets to the top post last week, and chose Ted Malget to fill Sherret's 1st Ward seat.

Walker claims that the city needs to heal, and a special election, in which the general voting populace could pick their new leader, would help. And, according to walker, he feels the more people on the ballot, the better. He, himself, thought about running, however he says he is too busy.

June Griffith. Photo by Roger King

Accompanying the small crowd of people at the city hall, was local businesswoman June Griffith, who said she is interested in becoming Oelwein's new mayor. Griffith said she will nomination file papers after a date for the special election is set. Griffith said that all city taxpayers have the right to voice their opinions on city issues.

A special election could cost the city up to $6,000,

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