Strawberry Point Holds Special Election to Fill Vacant Council Seat

The Strawberry Point City Council held a special election on Tuesday to fill a vacant council seat.

The seat was originally held by Chuck Rodas, who resigned in March to remain on the police department’s roster.  

Riley Haynes, who had been appointed in April to fill the vacant seat until the election, and Michelle Becker were the two candidates. Becker won with 184 votes – roughly 59-percent. Haynes received 124 votes – roughly 40-percent. There was only one write-in vote. Voter turnout in Strawberry Point was nearly 40-percent.

The special election came two weeks after the Strawberry Point Fire Department announced they were out of service immediately due to the continued lack of support from the mayor and city council. Members of the department had voluntarily made the unanimous decision to turn in their pagers. Last week, the majority of the Strawberry Point City Council, including Haynes, voted to not re-appoint Fire Chief Nic Stelken, which means the fire department remains out of service, with surrounding area agencies helping to cover the area during this time. 

City Administrator Deno Andrews told KMCH on Wednesday that the City is currently in active and productive discussions with Fire Department leadership. He is optimistic that a resolution is possible in the very near future.