Aijala elected new Hurley mayor

By TOM LAVENTURE

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Hurley — Former alderman Jay Aijala is Hurley’s new mayor, according to unofficial results of the April 7 election that were posted Monday evening by Iron County.

With all precincts reporting, Aijala received 294 votes, which was enough to defeat the challenge for the two-year term from Thomas Conhartoski, who received 242 votes. Conhartoski, however, did win a seat on the city council.

The votes were not counted until Monday as one of Wisconsin’s COVID-19 emergency order directives. The unofficial results will be canvassed later this week.

Aijala takes over from Mayor Paul Mullard, who did not seek reelection. Aijala has served on the city council as an alderman for the past six years but has not yet served as mayor.

“I just want to thank the residents of Hurley for believing in me, and trusting in me to take care of our great city,” Aijala said on Monday evening. “I also want to thank the clerks and residents who worked during the election during this pandemic.”

Aijala, a special education associate and elementary athletic coordinator, coach and Booster Club president for the Hurley School District, sent congratulations to the six candidates who were elected to the Hurley City Council.

“I look forward to working closely with each and every one of you,” Aijala said.

The six candidates who won two-year terms for alderperson at large on the Hurley City Council include incumbents Steven Lombardo, with 397 votes; Joanne Bruneau, 390; Stephanie Innes-Smith, 353, Jamey Francis, 335, and Robert Lancto, 329.

Conhartoski became a new alderman with 342 votes. Collen Sachs was the remaining candidate, also a newcomer, who did not win a seat with 205 votes.