Nashua’s Mayor-Elect Shelly Weiss Declines City Council Seat

UPDATE: Nashua’s mayor-elect, Shelly Weiss, has confirmed she will assume the mayoral position after winning the election on November 4, 2023. Weiss decisively defeated her opponent, Teresa Tobin, by a vote of 136 to 107, while also securing a City Council seat. However, she will not take that position, leaving the seat open for Tobin.

In a statement, Weiss declared, “I’m definitely going to take the mayor position. That’s the office I ran for, and that’s the office I’m going to take.” This decision comes as part of her commitment to the role she campaigned for, focusing on leading the city rather than splitting her responsibilities.

The implications of Weiss’s decision are significant. Under Iowa law, she has until November 28 to formally resign from her City Council seat. If she does so, it will automatically go to the candidate with the next highest vote total, which is Tobin. This situation highlights the competitive nature of Nashua’s recent elections and the urgency for all candidates involved.

The recent canvass, which began on Wednesday, certified not only Weiss and Hall’s victories but also write-in successes for Jordan Masters and Missy Sinnwell on the Nashua-Plainfield School Board. Masters received 111 votes, while Sinnwell garnered 122 votes, demonstrating the active engagement of the Nashua community in these elections.

With Weiss stepping into the mayoral role, she will replace Hal Kelleher III, who did not seek re-election after being appointed mayor in 2023. This transition is expected to bring fresh perspectives and priorities to the office as Weiss prepares to lead Nashua.

The upcoming days will be critical as Weiss navigates the formalities of her transition into office while ensuring that the City Council seat is addressed promptly. Residents and local officials are keenly watching how this decision will unfold, especially with the deadline for resignation approaching.

As Weiss takes on her new responsibilities, the focus will shift to her plans for Nashua’s future and how she will engage with the community. This election marks a pivotal moment for the city, emphasizing the importance of local governance and community involvement.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and Weiss begins her tenure as Nashua’s mayor.