Kyle Peters Re-Elected Watertown Deputy Mayor After Anonymous Ballot Vote

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The City Council voted Monday night to re‑elect Councilman Kyle Peters as Deputy Mayor, concluding a two‑candidate contest that featured formal nominations, short candidate statements, and a rare secret‑ballot vote inside City Hall.

The deputy mayor position is selected annually and serves as the council’s designated backup to Mayor Ried Holien, presiding over meetings when the mayor is absent or unable to serve. Holien opened the agenda item by noting the role carries “a few other small powers,” but is nonetheless an important part of city governance.

The council opened the floor for nominations.

·         Councilman Lynn Jurrens (Ward E) nominated Councilman Kyle Peters (Ward B), the incumbent deputy mayor.

·         Councilman Doug Allen (Ward D) nominated Councilman Michael Heuer (At‑Large), emphasizing that his intent was not opposition to Peters but a desire to “train another person into this role going forward.” Also, that Heuer has longer term left.

Allen said Heuer’s prior council experience and remaining years in his current term made him a strong candidate.

No additional nominations were offered.

Mayor Holien allowed each nominee up to five minutes to speak.

Councilman Kyle Peters

Peters kept his remarks brief, joking that he might need ten minutes before quickly pivoting.

He described the deputy mayor role as “very much behind the scenes,” saying it suits him because he doesn’t “meddle in anyone’s business.” Peters said when issues arise, the mayor contacts him directly and they work together to resolve them.

“I look forward to another year of support for that,” Peters said.

Councilman Michael Heuer

Heuer thanked Councilman Allen for the nomination and acknowledged he had not been actively seeking the role. He praised Peters’ work over the past year before outlining what he believed he could bring to the position.

Heuer highlighted:

·         Tested leadership, referencing his service during the tumultuous year of 2020

·         Strategic continuity, noting he has three years left in his term compared to Peters’ one

·         Total transparency, promising to “over‑communicate” and keep all council members fully briefed

·         Consistent availability, citing perfect attendance and minimal business travel

·         Public engagement, pointing to his forward‑facing job and daily interactions with residents

·         Future‑focused perspective, shaped by raising three young children in Watertown

Heuer said he would be honored to serve if chosen, but would continue working hard regardless of the outcome.

Secret Ballot Vote

In lieu of roll‑call votes, the council used secret paper ballots.

Mayor Holien explained the process:

·         Each council member wrote the name of their chosen candidate

·         Ballots were folded and collected by Finance Officer Kristen Bobzien

·         Bobzien, City Attorney Justin Carrico, and City Manager Alan Stager counted the votes

·         Only the final result — not the vote totals — would be announced

Holien said the method was appropriate given Bobzien’s role in calling votes during meetings.

After the count, Bobzien announced:

“The elected deputy mayor is Kyle Peters.”

Mayor Holien congratulated Peters and thanked Heuer for running, calling it “a great situation to have two excellent candidates.”

Peters remarked with humor, noting, “That was the cheapest campaign we both ran right there.”

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