Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) –The newest member of the Spencer City Council is … Duane Bates.
After hearing from four applicants Thursday night, the city council met at noon Friday to discuss which should be appointed to fill the vacant 4th ward position.
At-large council members Loren Reit (REET) immediately motioned to appoint Bates and was seconded by At-large council member Becky Peterson.

The appointment passed five to one, with 2nd Ward councilman David Lyons voting “no” – not because he was opposed to Bates , he said – but because he felt all four options should have been discussed first.
Bates is a former police officer and national guard member who works at the Merril Company.

Bates will be sworn in at Monday’s city council meeting. Residents of the 4th ward have 14 days petition for special election – which would cost in the neighborhood of 5 thousand dollars. The petition must have 57 verified names, which is 10 percent of the total votes cast in the last 4th ward council election in 2023.