NEW BERLIN – With a higher voter turn out than normal, New Berlin residents cast ballots Tuesday deciding who would take over the village mayoral position.
Current six term Mayor Carol Riley faced opposition for the two year $3,500 a year position from current village trustee Robert T. Starr also of New Berlin. In a matter of 12 years this election was the first in which Riley faced opposition.
“The voter turn out was wonderful, we usually don’t see over a hundred voters, Riley said.
Just shortly after 9 p.m., Tuesday it was announced by village officials that New Berlin residents had made their voices heard and Riley would remain in the position for another two years. A final tally of votes totaling 169 showed Riley beat her opponent Robert Starr by 44 votes; Riley with 106 and Starr with 62.
Riley said she is grateful so many of the residents in the village got out and voted and said she is thankful for all her supporters.
“I plan to keep going like we have been because I feel we are going in the right direction,” said Riley.
Riley says she is proud to serve the community and is confidant she as well as village residents and workers are ready and able to face challenges that may arise in the future.
Riley also said after the votes were counted and the numbers were in she called her opponent and said she hopes to continue to work with him on other village matters.
Providing what I can for the good of the village Riley says is her highest goal as mayor and after 12 years she says she is continuously passionate about her job.
Also Michael Conroe of New Berlin earned 123 votes and Terry Potter earned 139, both ran without opposition for two year terms as trustees, a position which pays $2,500 a year.
Under her direction and help from others Riley explains the village is running smoothly and will be debt free as promised in August. She says she has seen a lot of change throughout the years as has learned a lot so far as well as learn more in the years to come.