(SIOUX CITY, IA) Sioux City has elected three new city council members. Tom Padgett came in first, followed by John Fitch and Keith Radig. Incumbent Jim Rixner was not reelected. We caught up with the new and current members to find out how this election will change the city council dynamic.

After almost a dozen candidates and weeks of public debate, less than 20% of Sioux City voted - out with the old and in with the new.

"When we have over 43,000 voters in Sioux City and we can't even hit 7,000 that's kind of disappointing," says Tom Padgett, city council member elect.     

"I was surprised at the low turnout and I really wish that more people would get out and vote for city politics," says Aaron Rochester, city council member.

Tom Padgett, John Fitch and Keith Radig will join current members Aaron Rochester and mayor Mike Hobart.

"We've got a lot of challenges at city hall and I believe that each one of the individuals elected are going to be able to contribute," says Mike Hobart, Sioux City Mayor.    

"So there is a lot to do and there is a lot of time commitment but at the same, if you're doing it for the right reasons, you make adjustments and you make it work," says Rochester.

Former mayor Tom Padgett is no stranger to city council but both he and John Fitch believe Sioux City wanted - and voted for - change.

"I think it's pretty obvious from the outcome that people thought that they needed maybe a different direction or we needed a different direction in the city," says Padgett.
                  
"Three new people maybe bring in a fresher perspective. It's probably not any different but I think maybe we're a little more energized," says Fitch.

On the campaign trail, Keith Radig promised to be fiscally conservative. John Fitch wants to focus on wastewater and infrastructure issues. And Tom Padgett plans to reprise his role as consensus builder.

"For some it will be a fresh start, for others I think it'll be a little bit of a bumpy road at first," says Padgett.
        
"I don't think that there will be a huge difference between the three new people and the two that remain on the council," says Fitch.

Both Hobart and Rochester say they are looking forward to the next two years.

Both Hobart and Rochester say bids for reelection in two years will depend on a number of factors. Unofficial write-in results are in: Jake the dog got 62 votes and Jake's kidnapper got one vote.

Reported by Erika Thomas. You can contact her at ethomas@kmeg.com.