The city of Austin now has a full council after completion of interviews with all 16 candidates for two council vacancies.

Current council members and Mayor Bonnie Rietz met with the eight remaining applicants Wednesday in 15-minute interviews. Those interviewing for the 1st Ward vacancy were Tom Neilon, Kay Johnson and Mary Keenan; those interviewing for the 3rd Ward vacancy included Tracey Chamberlain, Rich Bergstrom, Georgette Hinkle, Mark Hecimovich and Jason Richard.

"We want to say thank you very much to all those who applied," Rietz said. The council members said they were impressed with the knowledge on city government conveyed by all candidates.

To win, a candidate was nominated and then received at least three votes. Each council member individually announced his or her vote and reasoning for it.

In the 1st Ward position

Lynn Koch was elected with an initial nomination by 3rd Ward member Gloria Nordin.

"I feel that his knowledge of budget and ideas, priorities of working with the Mower County leaders and his emphasis in business and industries qualify him," Nordin said.

Mickey Jorgenson, 1st Ward member, agreed saying that he was a candidate that stood out.

"I felt that he was the most well rounded as far as the variety of skills and grasp on issues," Jorgenson said.

Koch's interests in the importance of the library was seen as sincere by Jorgenson. She said what gave him extra points was his positive outlook on the arrival of new residents to the city, stressing the importance the Welcome Center and similar programs.

The third nomination came from member At-Large Wayne Goodnature, who said it was one of the toughest decision he has had to make.

Goodnature said in his decision, he considered the situation the city might be facing ahead.

"I think the best candidate over all in regards to experience, education and finance background for this time in history would be Lynn Koch," he said.

Koch owner of Austin Mortgage, moved to Austin 16 years ago from Kansas.

"I'm excited about the opportunity that I been given. I am going to try to do by best by listening and learning," Koch said.

With his background including 23 years of banking experience managing two banks, Koch hopes to be a resource for the tough financial decisions the city will be facing.

Koch said his interest in politics was one of the reasons for applying, adding he felt the time was right to "throw his name in the hat" and to give something back to the community.

In the 3rd Ward, Tracey Chamberlain was elected to fill the vacancy left by Dick Lang.

"I think Tracey Chamberlain would hit the ground running. At this particular time, this is worth a lot," Jorgenson said.

She commented on the number of calls she had received from residents recommending him.

Chamberlain served on the council about 10 years ago for six and a half years, but because of medical reasons he had to resign. He was a member of the council while hiring the current city administrator, Pat McGarvey, and noted in his application this experience would be useful in hiring the new city administrator.

"I am pleased that the council showed confidence in me as someone to fill the position for the following two years," Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain, a special education teacher in Austin, said these are tough times to be on the city council.

"This gives me an opportunity to fulfill something that was left unfinished," Chamberlain said.

Dick Pacholl, 1st Ward member, said, "at the time we are in right now, he has the experience to seat on this council."

Three more nominations for Chamberlain came from

2nd Ward member Dick Pacholl, Nordin, and Pete Christopherson of 2rd Ward.

"I like what he had to say on his application on issues of the growing diverse population, housing development, hiring the new city administrator and working closely with Mower County," Nordin said.

Other nominations for the 1st Ward included Jeff Austin and Gary Quednow. For the 3rd Ward, Georgette Hinkle received a nomination from Goodnature.

Goodnature pointed out the importance of input from minority groups in the community and encouraged others to apply and compete for such positions. Hinkle was the only applicant of a minority group.

The two new-elected council members will be sworn in at the Jan. 21 council meeting.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com