(Atlantic) Retired Atlantic businessman Rob Clausen, running unopposed for Mayor, garnered 97.86 percent of the vote and will lead the City when his term begins on January 1, 2026.
In a previous interview, Clauson stated he felt it was his time to give back to the community.
Clausen says the first thing every community should strive for is safety and security. He adds that for a community to be pleasant and a place people want to live in, you need to feel safe while moving around in it. He said that, in that respect, the most important things are the police, Fire, and EMS.
Clausen says the next important thing is fiscal responsibility. He says the city council needs to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ checkbook and ensure that funds are spent appropriately and transparently.
Clausen says economic development is another key issue, and backs the Vision Atlantic transformative housing, YMCA, and Childcare Development project, ensuring it reaches the finish line.
When asked about his background and how it would translate into the role of Mayor, Clausen noted that he owned his own construction business, which provided him with experience in managing employees, understanding building processes, and working with specifications and blueprints. He added that he is familiar with handling change orders. Clausen has also served as president of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and as a board member for the Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center.
“I believe I bring a great deal of experience to the table,” Clausen said. “One thing I always tell people is that you can count on me to tell the truth. Whether you like it or not is up to you—but it will always be the truth.”
Incumbent City Councilman Jim Behrens regained his seat in an uncontested race with 154 votes. Incumbent City Council 5th Ward candidate Dana Halder received 302 votes, and newcomer Jeremy Butler, appointed to fill the seat following Gerald Brink’s resignation in September, received 1,363 votes.
