The Pierce County Journal composed and sent out election questionnaires to all candidates running in local races, including Pierce County Board, village boards, school boards, city councils, one municipal judge race and three town board races. We tried to craft the questions in order to allow for citizens to get to know candidates and how they feel about local issues, which affect residents in their everyday lives.

The questionnaires were sent by email to candidates almost three weeks ago. For those who did not respond, they were sent two reminder emails. If they did not respond, that is noted below.

Incumbents are marked with an asterisk *. These are the people you will see on your April 7, 2026 ballot.

To find your local polling place, which will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Whats-On-My-Ballot or contact the municipality directly.

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Three candidates are on the ballot for three open trustee seats on the Elmwood Village Board: Incumbents Pam Marson* and Jason Severson* and new candidate Jim Schwebach.

Pam Marson*

Occupation/profession: Retired

Prior elected offices: Village trustee and President of church/cemetery community

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? I’ve just served on the board in the past.
What specific experience or perspective do you bring that makes you well-suited to serve on the Village Board? I have experience serving on all the committees for the village and it’s always good to have both male and female opinions on issues.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions to you propose? Bringing the condition of outdated and worn out stuff up to date which could potentially be safety hazards.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? Hear all sides and decide what would be the best solution as a whole.

While this is a nonpartisan office, there can still be divides in any governing body. How do you work with others who have opposing viewpoints? Take all viewpoints into consideration

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? Budget for each and do the most pressing first.

If you are elected, what is one measurable outcome you would hope to see in the village over the next two years? Updating all variance and zoning codes

In one sentence, what makes the village worth investing in? It’s a small, safe community with a very good school.

How can people contact you? By phone anytime.

Jim Schwebach

Schwebach did not respond to the Journal’s emailed questionnaire.

Jason Severson*

Occupation/profession: Laborer

Prior elected offices: Village Trustee 2022-present

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? I am heavily involved with the town baseball team.

What specific experience or perspective do you bring that makes you well-suited to serve on the Village Board? I have served for four years in this position, and lived almost my entire life in the Village of Elmwood.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions to you propose? Updating the equipment and software that needs to be kept up with times.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? You have to listen to both sides and make your decision on what’s best for the village as a whole.

While this is a nonpartisan office, there can still be divides in any governing body. How do you work with others who have opposing viewpoints? You just have to listen.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? You can’t do it all at once and have to start with the most needed and work from there.

If you are elected, what is one measurable outcome you would hope to see in the village over the next two years? To keep the good employees we have, and also get the updates we need.

In one sentence, what makes the village worth investing in? I have lived here most of my life, so I have a lot of pride in this little village.

How can people contact you? My number is listed on the sheet at the village office.