Beranek hands Thompson defeat

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

Dan Beranek will be presiding over the New Ulm City Council for another four years as he defeated challenger Ben Thompson in the race for Councilor-at-Large Tuesday.

Beranek received over 63 percent of the vote from the city's eight precincts. Thompson's vote total was just over 25 percent.

Beranek, 54, is completing his 26th year on the council.

"It seems to have gone well. With an opponent like Mr. Thompson with his personal record, I guess I'm surprised that someone like that would get 2,000 votes."

However, Beranek admitted his stand on the issue of Wal-Mart building a supercenter had something to do with Thompson's stronger-than-expected showing.

"Oh, I think certainly the Wal-Mart issue was in his favor. He got votes from that, but it probably says something about voters and how deep they look into the issues," Beranek said

He said he would have a specific focus on what needs to be done now.

"My priorities for the next four years would be to work on issues like housing availability and industrial issues to try to get more jobs and more housing available in the community. They would be my two priorities."

Ward 1 Councilor Ruth Ann Webster and Ward 3 Councilor Sharon Weinkauf both rain unopposed and were automatically re-elected to four-year terms.