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.

Incumbent Jerry McConnell* is running for re-election unopposed for the Bay City Village Board Trustee IV seat, while incumbent Norm Baker* is facing challenger Lisa Zarza for the Trustee III seat.

Supervisor III

Name: Norm Baker*

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

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Name: Liza Monet Zarza

Occupation/profession: Owner/operator

Prior elected offices: None

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Rotarian, executive board of chamber of commerce, Elks member, SCVR member and sponsor.

What specific experience or perspective do you bring that makes you well-suited to serve on the Village Board? I came to Bay City four years ago and fell in love with it. As a business owner, and now a resident, I want to make Bay City the best it can be.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions to you propose? Full transparency on all village matters.

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? Listen to both sides and weigh the pros and cons and offer solutions that benefit the majority of village citizens.

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? Listen and respond to both sides with respect.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? Weigh the pros and cons and how it will affect village taxpayers and hopefully find a solution that both solves the problem and keeps tax increases to a minimum.

If you are elected, what is one measurable outcome you would hope to see in  the village over the next two years? Make the town visually appealing to people driving through.

In one sentence, what makes the village worth investing in? Bay City is an amazing community with amazing citizens and everything invested makes it worth it.

How can people contact you? Email: zarzalisa@yahoo.com 763-321-5424

Supervisor IV

Name: Jerry McConnell*

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