Estey, Gandy victorious in Fairfield City Council election

Fairfield’s City Council will add one new member in January, Elizabeth Estey, who defeated John Loin in the race to represent the city’s Fourth Ward (center of town). Estey won the race by a tally of 181-108 (62 percent to 37 percent), according to the unofficial results released Tuesday night by the Jefferson County Auditor’s Office.

Paul Gandy, an incumbent seeking re-election in the Second Ward (northern part of town), defeated challenger Brad Fregger. Gandy garnered 392 votes to Fregger’s 83 (82 percent to 17 percent).

Fairfield Mayor Connie Boyer and City Council member Doug Flournoy (at large) won their uncontested races, with Boyer receiving 1,286 votes (93 percent) and Flournoy receiving 1,114 votes (94 percent).

Estey issued a statement Tuesday night thanking her supporters and saying she looked forward to representing the Fourth Ward.

“I’m here to listen to you and advocate for your interests,” she said. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Loin said that he was pleased with the support he got.

“I think part of what happened is that not enough people know who I am,” he said. “I’m disappointed, because I really enjoy Fairfield and enjoy the people here. I was looking forward to carrying on my service, but it was not meant to be. I’m sure Elizabeth will do a great job, and the city will be in good hands.”

Gandy said he was thankful and humbled by the “vote of confidence” the residents of the Second Ward gave him Tuesday.

“In my experience, successful local government in our diverse community has been based on a tradition of civility, mutual respect, and teamwork for the greater good,” he said. “I will work to continue that tradition and move Fairfield forward in my second term on the council.”

Gandy said he appreciated the hard work that election officials and volunteers put in to ensuring the election went smoothly.

Fregger told The Union after learning of the results that this race was his first attempt at electoral politics.

“I was up against a well-liked incumbent, and I had a lot to learn, but someone told me politics can be addicting, so I will be giving it a second chance,” Fregger said. “I’m more and more convinced that a conservative voice is needed on the council.”

Estey, a law student, will be sworn in around the first of the year. She will join fellow council members Gandy, Flournoy, Martha Rasmussen, Katy Anderson, Tom Twohill and Judy Ham. Council terms last four years.

Estey will replace Michael Halley, who announced he would not seek re-election to the city’s Fourth Ward after winning elections in 2009, 2013 and 2017. Halley ran for mayor in 2019 and lost to Boyer by two votes. Halley said he plans to move to Iowa City next year to be closer to his children enrolled at the University of Iowa.