By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
In a race between current and former mayors, New Washington voters decided to keep what they have and re-elected Ben Lash on Tuesday.
Lash defeated Thomas Niedermier, 207 to 80.
“I am very grateful to the voters for their confidence in reelecting me to the office mayor of the Village of New Washington. We will continue to stress the spirit of cooperation that puts aside individual agendas to do what is best for the village,” Lash said. “I wish to thank the council, clerk, village solicitor, police chief, village administrator, fire chief, ambulance administrator, street superintendent, income tax administrator, village employees, and village volunteers for their dedication to the village.
“Often their work is viewed as a thankless task, but their dedication never waivers,” Lash continued. “They care about the village and the village is a better place because of their presence. Their dedication to the village has been amazing to me. We will continue to work as a team striving to do what is best for the village. Thank you for granting me privilege of being part of the team as mayor of the Village of New Washington.”
Former Mayor Thomas Niedermeier was Lash’s opponent in the election. Niedermeier served as mayor for five terms over two separate stints.
“There’s still a few things I’d like to do,” Niedermeier said on his decision to run again.
“That’s one of the great things about a democracy,” Niedermeier continued about the result, “The people have spoken and I will support the mayor to the best of my ability.”