Benitz, Wetrich, Hammer file for open city council seat

By MATTHEW REZAB
m.rezab@beeherald.com

As of press deadline Wednesday, three Jeffersonians filed paperwork with the county auditor to place their names on the ballot to fill departing city councilwoman Lisa Jaskey’s vacant seat.

Dan Benitz, a retired school teacher; Matt Wetrich, a Carroll County naturalist; and Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Kirk Hammer will vie for the position during a special election coinciding with the general election Nov. 8.

The city council voted to hold a special election instead of appointing a replacement for Jaskey’s seat at its Aug. 23 meeting. The winner of the special election will hold office until Jaskey’s term expires in 2019.

The candidates reside in Jefferson’s 2nd Ward, as currently required to fill the seat.

Benitz, who retired from his teaching position in Jefferson four years ago, said the circumstances are right for him to run now.

“I have time to dedicate to it now,” Benitz said. “I’ve lived here for 40-some-odd years. I know the community and I see things that need working on.”

Benitz said he and his wife Patsy are enjoying retirement and he keeps himself busy with odd jobs and helping with harvesting in the fall.

Wetrich, who lives with wife Toni and their six children, was bested by Jaskey last fall by a mere 15 votes.

Wetrich was unavailable for comment, but his campaign last fall focused on families, culture and conservation.

Using social media last fall, Wetrich told voters he feels that he brings a different perspective to the city council.

“I have a young family here in Jefferson; I graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in environmental sciences; and I am the county naturalist for Carroll County Conservation. I know Jefferson can be a place where young people want to move. I want to see it thrive and to move forward progressively.”

Hammer, a native of Alta, served with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office in southwest Missouri from 1993 to 2008.

He lost the Republican primary for county sheriff in June to Chief Deputy Jack Williams.