Fischer defeats Dinwiddie, earns full term on Batavia council

Carl Fischer has earned a seat as Batavia's 1st Ward alderman for the next four years.

Fischer defeated Carl Dinwiddie Tuesday by a margin of 337 to 246 votes, according to unofficial election results.

Fischer, a marketing executive and 10-year Batavia resident, was appointed to the council last October after Garran Sparks moved to North Aurora.

During the campaign, Fischer said he was especially interested in the economic development of Batavia, including ways the city could encourage businesses to move in to the downtown.

Fischer, who could not be reached Tuesday, maintained he had the time to devote to the council even though he had to attend many of the council's committee meetings by telephone because he was traveling.

Dinwiddie, a longtime government watchdog and retired investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, had emphasized his years in management and his available time.

He and his wife have monitored actions of the city council and the Batavia school and park boards for years. Both have spoken up on matters that pleased or displeased them, and studied issues in-depth.

Dinwiddie also applied for the council vacancy last October, but was passed over in favor of Fischer.

Dinwiddie said it was too early to say whether he will run for office again, but vowed to stay active, stimulate discussion and influence policy.

"I'm more of a populist person and he's more of a business, marketing person," said Dinwiddie, a 28-year resident. "We're going to be around and we're going to still keep our eye on government, look out for the people and keep taxes down."