In Ellsworth, the race to watch this April is that of village trustee, with five candidates and only three seats—one less than the total number of overall village trustees, but two more than the current election cycle allows voters to choose.

In short, not everyone on the ballot can be picked to represent their community, and it’s up to Ellsworth voters to decide who they feel is best and want to represent them.

First up on the ballot for the voter’s consideration to a village trustee post is Becky Beissel, a born and raised Ellsworth native. After realizing that Ellsworth’s well-being depended on local citizen engagement, Mrs. Beissel started to attend village board meetings to get a feel for village politics and the finer details of things.

Who is Becky Beissel?

Hello, my name is Becky Beissel and I’m running for Village of Ellsworth Board Trustee. I was born and raised in Ellsworth. I have a twoyear degree in architectural technology. I coown a marketing agency here in Ellsworth. I have been married to my husband, Brad, for 18 years and we have two children; Kallie and Evan.

I’m active in the community with my involvement in the following organizations; Executive Director Team of Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce, Cheese Curd Festival, Ellsworth Trails, Pierce County Tourism Coalition, Connect Communities, Community for Ellsworth Area Kids, St. Francis School Gala. Past president of St. Francis Home & School Association. Member of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

What will people be getting if they choose to vote for you as a trustee in Ellsworth?

I’ve come to realize over the last few years that no one is going to come in and save Ellsworth – it’s up to us, it’s up to me. I started attending monthly Village Board Meetings, Village Committee Meetings, read through the Village’s comprehensive plan and ordinances to bring myself up to speed. At the same time, I was getting involved with positive community change anywhere I could find the opportunity-Cheese Curd Festival, Design Ellsworth, AARP Community Challenge Grant, Summer Fun Series, Pop-Up Ellsworth, Etown Collective, Ellsworth Trails. I’ve never been one to “just sit” on a committee; I’m an achiever, doer, and I work hard to make an impact wherever I spend my time.

I will work to change the conversation within the Village Board. No more talking about the lack of money, the lack of resources, and everything we can’t do. I’m about creating action around what we can do and finding creative solutions. We need to find ways to revitalize, become financially sustainable, and provide services and amenities to our residents. I believe we can find a way and I’m eager to work with a newly hired Village Administrator and begin a dialog that revolves around strategic planning, setting goals, and creating a more financially solvent community.

Anything else?

Being a small business owner gives me a unique perspective – an entrepreneurial mindset – that I believe will serve me well if I were to be elected to the Board. My work and time spent on my volunteer endeavors has allowed me to build relationships with the local business community and meet representatives in other towns facing similar challenges, as well as organizations working to address rural issues. There is so much overlap between the challenges currently being faced in the private sector and the issues faced by our Village and community: a lack of appropriate housing, a workforce shortage, suitable broadband, quality of life amenities, shrinking tax-base, etc. I believe I can leverage my experience and a dual point of view for the benefit of the community. *** Married with two children and the co-owner of a small marketing agency, she asks for your vote in the April 7 spring election.

Following Beissel, the next potential trustee option for Village of Ellsworth residents to choose is Dick Hines. An Ellsworth native and a graduate of Ellsworth Community Schools, Mr. Hines is currently up for re-election to the village board as a trustee, with a long record of service to the community. Citing 22 years’ experience as a reason to vote the Hines ticket, he respectfully asks for your vote in the April 7 spring election.

After Hines, the next name up for re-election to a trustee position is Michael J. Steele. A 57year-old longtime resident of the East Side and

Who is Dick Hines?

My name is Dick Hines. I’m a lifelong resident of the village of Ellsworth. I’ve graduated through the Ellsworth school system. My wife and I have two boys, Ben and Isaac. I’ve worked at Nestle Purina the last 41.5 years. I’m a member of St. Francis Catholic church. I have been on the village board the past 22 years and been on several committees.

What will people be getting if they choose to vote to re-elect you as a trustee in Ellsworth?

Voting for me, like I’ve said before, that you’re getting a common sense person and every board/committee needs one.

Anything else?

We have people using social media to condemn the village board. It’s not right to say the village board has blinders on and isn’t looking ahead and the board is hiding money. The village is on a tight budget and basically haven’t had an increase the last few years. All departments had to make cuts. My experience sets me apart from the challengers. I feel the taxpayers of the village are taxed to death the way it is and I will do whatever it takes on my part to keep them in check. It’s easy to say that the village needs to do this and do that, but it always takes money and that money comes from us, the taxpayer.

***

Who is Michael J Steele?

I am 57 years old and have lived at 296 Sunset Lane for 37 years. My Occupation is Purchasing & Receiving Coordinator for ECC. I am a member of the Ellsworth Fire Department and currently serving as Treasurer. I graduated from the Ellsworth school in 1980 and Red Wing Votech in 1982. Currently serving on Finance committee/ Street & Sidewalk/Parks/ETZ/Sewer & Water/TIF District/Housing/Board of Appeals/President Pro-tem.

What will people be getting if they choose to vote for you as one of the three trustees for Ellsworth?

The people of the Village of Ellsworth would be getting a person that has been living in the Village of Ellsworth for the past 37 years and that is willing to be involved in making decisions to move the Village forward. With the current Budget cap in place from Madison and serving on the Finance committee we had to make some hard decisions on cutting some projects and to borrow money to balance the budget. I have always remembered that the Village of Ellsworth taxpayers are paying the bills and will work with other board members and the Community to move the Village of Ellsworth forward. Again, I would like to thank the voters of the Village of Ellsworth for the honor to serve on the Village Board and I would ask for your vote again.

Anything Else ?

A challenge for the Village Board has been getting the Main Street/ Maple and sidewalks repaired because of the conditions of these. We have been working with the Department of Transportation and soon we may get some movement on these projects. The Village Board also an alumnus of the Ellsworth school system, Mr. Steele graduated with the Class of 1980, before going on to postsecondary training in Red Wing. Doing what he can to better serve his community, Mr. Steele asks for your consideration this April 7. After Steele is Richard Sweig.

The third trustee to seek re-election together with Hines and Steele is Richard Sweig. A resident of Ellsworth since 1979 and raising his children in the local community, the 61-year-old Mr. Sweig pledges to represent all Ellsworth citizens as a village trustee, be they young, old, or in between. Thanking voters for the opportunity to serve currently as a trustee on the village board, Mr. Sweig asks for your vote this upcoming April 7. Finally, candidate number five for and the community have been working on other projects like Design Ellsworth and Housing and walking paths and updating the library. Due to some retirements of employees of the Village of Ellsworth, we have had to hire some new employees. Currently, we are hiring a village Administrator/ Clerk to help the Village Board find funding dollars. Again, thank you for your time and please remember to vote.

Who is Richard Sweig?

My name is Rick Sweig and I am up for reelection for the Ellsworth Village Board. I am 61 years old and have lived in Ellsworth since 1979. I work for Pierce Pepin Cooperative Service as an Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Electric Operations. I have been married to my wife Roxi for 40 years. I have three grown children who were raised all of their childhood in Ellsworth. I have an associated degree from CVTC in Appliance Service and small business management. I have served as a village trustee for over twenty years and served on most of the committees. I currently serve on the following committees, Plan Commission, Salary & Labor, Health License & Welfare, Parks & Recreation, ETZ and Cemetery. As a village trustee, we are elected at large rather than my ward or district so we represent all citizens of the village.

What will people be getting if they choose to vote for you as a trustee in Ellsworth?

If I am re-elected to the Village of Ellsworth, people can expect that I am here to represent the entire community, both young and old. These are difficult times and we must consider all of the things the Village of Ellsworth provides for this community. There are so many things mandated by the State of Wisconsin that we must provide or do to be compliant. Some of these are police, fire and ambulance services. We must meet public utility requirements, recycling/ trash pickup and maintain our streets and highways as well. Next, we need to consider what we can do to work with our businesses, schools and library. However, there are ever increasing costs and working under state levy limit caps make this difficult. Together with other board members, I will work toward building our community while keeping in mind that citizens are tax payers and we do not want to tax them right out of their homes and businesses.

Anything else?

There are numerous ideas about improving our community that would great to have and we can work toward in the future such as additional parks, walking trails, a dog park and other outdoor recreational activities. We will just need to look for other sources of income, grants and partnerships to make this happen.

I would like to thank the voters of the Village of Ellsworth for allowing me to serve as a trustee and ask for your vote in the upcoming election.

*** Who is Scott Feuerhelm

Age: 55 Address: 202 N. Northview Street Occupation: Overhaul Superintendent/Project Manager – Xcel Energy Ellsworth village trustee options this election cycle is Scott A. Feuerhelm.

Married with two children and holding a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from UW-River Falls, the 55-year-old Mr. Feuerhelm is an Overhaul Superintendent and Project Manager for Xcel Energy. A resident of Ellsworth’s West Side, Feuerhelm touts his expertise in project planning as being important to working toward Ellsworth’s future. He asks for your vote on April 7.

Such are the basic introductions to each of the trustee candidates for the Village of Ellsworth. Below, they tell in their own words why they should receive a vote for trustee on April 7. Read and choose!

Education: MBA – University of Wisconsin – River Falls Family: Wife: Debbie, Daughter: Tiffany Rosen, Son: Brady Feuerhelm Civic engagement: Community Development Authority, YB Urban, E3 committees. A member of WEDA – Wisconsin Economic Development Association and recently attended the WEDA Governor’s Conference in Madison, English Lutheran Church Council – Councilman, Ellsworth Rod & Gun – 2 year President, Youth softball and basketball – Head Coach

What will people be getting if they choose to vote for you as a trustee in Ellsworth?

I have an Master’s Degree in Business Administration with 25+ years of experience in large project planning work while being employed with Xcel Energy. I have the knowledge it takes to get projects planned and completed from cradle to grave.

Having project planning experience, a business degree, and experience in civic leadership through the various social groups, I have been involved with (is something that) I believe this definitely gives me a large edge from any other candidate.

I have also served as a leader on a number of civic & social groups in the community. Every organization needs to be injected with new ideas and concepts in order for that organization to grow and prosper. I feel as a 35-year resident of Ellsworth, it is my civic duty to assist in bringing new ideas and new strategic approaches to help grow the Ellsworth community.

Anything else?

We need to review the infrastructure and processes currently used by the Village, update those in need, and create better processes to ensure change will be encouraged in Ellsworth.

Ellsworth has been a part of the Twin Cities corridor for decades and I believe as a new trustee, it will be my duty to ensure that the Ellsworth community is reaping the full benefits that encompass this classification. Marketing the community for its strengths is important to draw new industry and families to a thriving, historical community that is within a reasonable commute to and from the Twin Cities. Having the vision to assist in the creation of this plan and communicating a marketing plan that will draw new companies and families to Ellsworth, should be a renewed focus for the Board.

As most rural communities in the United States work, housing shortages are high on Governor Evers’ agenda. As a community, we must stay informed and educated on what funds may become available to assist in resolving this issue. Another major issue is the streets within the Village and how well they hold up to the increase in traffic. A transparent repair plan should be developed with the community’s impute. I think setting these issues as priorities for the Village and pursuing all funding sources possible is a way to address these concerns. My full intention is to become an extension for voices and issues from the people in the Village. This in turn will give the Village Board an opportunity to rally around those issues and concerns to create a strategic approach on the journey to a resolution and ultimately a better community.