April 9, 2009

Spring 'proud of positive campaign' as he defeats Republican challenger Bellis to win second term as mayor

Quincy Mayor John Spring said his priority in a second term will be to keep the city financially sound despite the difficult economic situation facing the nation.

Spring won a second four-year term by defeating Republican challenger Dave Bellis 5,266 to 4,483 in Tuesday’s municipal election.

Spring captured 54 percent of the vote in a race that was much closer than expected, given his advantage in early fund raising, advertising and name recognition. However, the number of voters who cast ballots for mayor dropped by 17 percent from four years ago.

Overall, only 34.7 percent of Adams County voters went to the polls, well below predictions.

“We can accomplish some really good things in the next four years,” he said. “We’ve got so much going for us right now.

“I’m very, very pleased and humbled to be re-elected to a second term. I thank the voters of Quincy for supporting me. I’m very proud of the positive campaign that we ran. I think it shows that you can run a very positive campaign and come out ahead.”

Spring, 60, was elected to his first term in 2005 by knocking off C. David Nuessen, the last Republican to serve as mayor from 1977-85, in a hotly contested race, 6,254 votes to 5,476. Spring took over the seat vacated by Democrat Chuck Scholz, who decided not to seek re-election after 12 years in office.

Bellis, 49, campaigned on a theme that change is needed at City Hall, where Democrats have been in power for 24 years.

“We gave it a heck of a shot,” Bellis said. “It was relatively close, and I’m proud of the fact that we did it. I think the results show that people are ready for something new and more of a change.”

Bellis is a former six-year member of the Adams County Board who resigned last summer after moving out of his district. This was his first try at seeking a municipal office.

However, Bellis realized he would have difficulty running against an incumbent who was armed with four years of experience and stronger public speaking skills.

“I’m not real experienced at running this kind of a race,” Bellis said. “I know I was totally at a disadvantage the way I conducted myself at the debates. I’ve got to work on that, but it’s something we can work on.”

Spring said he was pleased to see Quincy voters express their confidence in his ability to lead the city for another term, although he received nearly 1,000 fewer votes than in 2005.
“I look forward to the next four years,” he said. “I look forward to keeping our community safe and moving in the right direction. I think the people of Quincy deserve that.”

Spring said he also wants to continue to improve city services wherever possible, “and we’re going to continue to work hard for infrastructure improvements in our neighborhoods,” he said.

Bellis said he will “most likely” continue to run his Dave Bellis Construction business, which he has owned and operated for 29 years. He also plans to remain active in politics.

“You may not have heard the end of Dave Bellis in politics yet. I do enjoy it. And I like to make a difference,” he said.

Bellis wouldn’t say if he’d be interested in trying to return to the County Board or seek some other elected position.

“I don’t know,” he said. “That door is wide open.”

4/16/09
By EDWARD HUSAR
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
ehusar@whig.com/221-3378