Becker, Scherer, Hartwick win council seats

By Chris Spangler and Kim McDarison 

Two incumbents and one newcomer won two-year terms on the Fort Atkinson City Council in Tuesday’s general election.

Incumbents Mason Becker and Chris Scherer were returned to their council seats with vote tallies of 1,216 or 24.05 percent of the votes and 1,036 or 20.49 percent, respectively.

Newcomer Megan Hartwick landed a first term on the municipal body with 1,203 or 23.79 percent of the ballots. She will fill the seat of outgoing councilman Paul Kotz, who did not run for a new term.

The fourth candidate, newcomer Jordan Lamb, garnered 658 or 13.01 percent of the ballots.

After learning the election results, Becker said: “I am very honored to once again to returning to the city council and I’m looking forward to serving my fourth term. It’s an honor to be a top vote-getter. I appreciate the support. We had an election with four qualified candidates running and it’s an honor to know I’ll be able to serve for two more years. 

“We have a lot of work to do this coming year. We need to move forward with Banker Road, with improving our streets and economic development, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Commenting on election results, Scherer said: “I’m happy the residents have re-elected me, and I’m excited to be continuing the job I started two years ago, and building on the successes we’ve had as a city. I look forward to another two years.”

Responding with an emailed statement, Hartwick wrote: “First and foremost, I would like to thank every resident of Fort Atkinson who placed their trust and confidence in me through their vote. I am honored to have been elected to the city council and look very forward to serving this amazing community in a new capacity. 

“I would also like to offer my congratulations to both Mason Becker and Chris Scherer on being elected to serve. I am very eager to begin working with them both, as well as Councilman Housley and Councilman Johnson. There is a lot of important work to do on behalf of our community, and I think we have a strong council with great representation and experience that will be well-positioned to do just that. 

“I also want to acknowledge Jordan Lamb for his efforts during the campaign. It is not easy to open yourself up to public criticism and feedback, nor is it easy to step up with a willingness to want to lead. I am grateful for Jordan and all those who are willing to do that on behalf of Fort Atkinson.

“The support I received during my campaign was inspiring and humbling, and the conversations I was able to engage in with Fort Atkinson residents were so valuable. I love this community and love connecting with those who live here. I promise to serve Fort Atkinson as best I can and to uphold my campaign promises of focusing on action and not just ideas, prioritizing issues of value for the betterment of our community, increasing the transparency of communication to the public, and being deliberate in my work and votes.” 

Lamb, too, responded after learning election results by email, writing: “As our Election Day concludes, I want to personally thank each one of you who supported me during my quest in a council seat in the great city of Fort Atkinson. The people of Fort Atkinson’s votes have spoken and unfortunately, this year’s election did not play out in our favor. The results will not hinder my passion or plans to continue supporting this community as a resident or a business owner. Thank you again and I wish each of you well.”