NEW PALESTINE — A referendum calling for the expansion of the New Palestine Town Council easily passed on Tuesday with over 75 percent of voters saying “yes” to the ballot question.
The proposal was aimed at expanding the size of the governing body to five members from three to reflect the growing community. A larger council will help it avoid meeting cancellations due to lack of a quorum.
Those members will be appointed to the council by the three elected members and will serve one-year terms before the next election, when they will have the opportunity to run for re-election to a regular four-year term.
Town manager David Book said the council would likely wait until after the first of the year, when newly elected members are seated, to vote on the two additional members. Incumbents Brandee Bastin and Jan Jarson and newcomer Bill Niemier — all of whom are Republicans — were elected Tuesday.
Town council candidates were supportive of the idea of expanding the council, which was introduced by current member Clint Bledsoe. Bledsoe did not appear on Tuesday’s ballot after receiving a lower number of votes than three other Republican candidates at an August convention.
Niemier encouraged voters to support the council expansion at an Oct. 29 candidate forum. Jarson and Brandee also said they were in favor of the proposal. Bastin said most towns the size of New Palestine have a five-member council.
“It’s a good opportunity to give more people an opportunity at leadership and having their voices heard,” Bastin said.
Independent candidate Angela Fahrnow said she could see both sides of the issue, saying an expanded council could help ensure meetings would have a quorum but would also mean increased costs for a relatively small town.
Jarson said the council would consult with legal counsel about proper procedures before voting on adding new members.
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On the question of expanding the New Palestine Town Council from three to five members:
Yes;215
No;65
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