May 7, 2008

Fiechter wins fourth term on SW board; Morton wins first

While most voters casting ballots at the polls Tuesday were electing candidates for the fall election, in the Southern Wells district, voters were making a final decision on who will represent their interest on the Southern Wells School Board for the next four years.

Lynn Fiechter used a big win in his home township of Nottingham to carry him to the final victory for a fourth term representing Nottingham on the school board. Fiechter’s wins in Nottingham and Liberty sandwiched wins by Klefeker in Jackson and Chester Twps. Fiechter won the overall race 572-491.

In the Jackson Twp. race, newcomer Benjamin Morton handily defeated challenger Michael Piqune 699-339. Morton was never seriously challenged in any of the four townships.

“I thought Doug was a real gentleman,” said Fiechter reached by phone on his tractor planting soybeans Tuesday night. “I thought we were really complimentary toward each other. I felt that was a huge blessing. I believe he would have done a good job. Southern Wells would have been in good hands either way.”

In what turned out to be a fairly fast tally, Nottingham was the first township to be counted at 6:39 p.m. Fiechter won that race handily 191 to 119. However, Klefeker made a slight inroad on Fiechter’s lead when Jackson was counted at 6:42 p.m. with a 100 to 95 win. Next to report was Chester where Klefeker made real inroads on Fiechter’s lead with a 143-115 victory. However, a minute later, the Liberty Twp. votes were tallied and Fiechter had the 81-vote margin.

Now looking toward the future, Fiechter said that he does not plan to become complacent in his position and will continue to strive to make Southern Wells an even better school corporation than it already is. “We want to be as responsible as we can and we’re looking forward to new leadership there,” he said, referring to the hiring of a new superintendent to replace Neil Potter, who will be retiring at the end of June.

“I was really peaceful in letting the voters decide the race. I was really comfortable in letting other people decide that,” said Fiechter, adding, “I feel more a sense of responsibility than I do excitement.”

Klefeker was also out in the field Tuesday night. Reached by cell phone while planting corn, he observed that Fiechter’s experience probably weighted the race in his favor.

“I knew it would be a close race. He has 12 years of experience. With a new superintendent and losing all of the experience that Joe Hartley had, I think the public was looking at how much experience would be lost on the board if (Fiechter) lost the race,” said Klefeker.

Hartley, the current Jackson Twp. representative, chose not to seek re-election after three terms on the board—most of those served as the board’s president.

Klefeker also felt that the board is doing a good job and that affected the outcome. He added that he would like to see the board members listen a little better to the public. “They need to listen to the public a little better, but really, overall I think they’re doing a good job.”

“It was a good race. I wish Lynn well and I think he and the board will continue to do a good job,” Klefeker concluded.

In the Jackson Twp. race, Morton started out with a huge win in Nottingham Twp., 196-80, then followed that with a comfortable margin in Jackson Twp. of 137-82. That was followed by big wins in Chester—174-79—and Liberty, 184-94.

“I’m honored to be elected,” said Morton, adding that he plans to spend the next few months learning the ropes of being a school board member.

“I think either one of us would have done a very good job. I’ve known Mike for a very long time and he would have been just as good on the board as I hope I will be,” said Morton.

Piqune was not really disappointed by the loss. Chuckling, Piqune responded, “I guess it was really not a big deal to me. Ben and I are friends and I’m glad for him. I wish him well.”

Fiechter and Morton will be starting their terms in July. Typically, in an election year, the board schedules a meeting prior to July 15 to swear in the board members elected during the primary.

glenw@news-banner.com

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