April 2024 election: Trenton Town Board has 2 seats, 3 candidates

Posted 3/27/24

While the Supervisor 3 seat is running unopposed in Trenton, challenger Roger E. Schommer is vying with incumbent Chris Truttman for the Supervisor 4 seat.

Supervisor 3

Randall John …

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April 2024 election: Trenton Town Board has 2 seats, 3 candidates

Posted

While the Supervisor 3 seat is running unopposed in Trenton, challenger Roger E. Schommer is vying with incumbent Chris Truttman for the Supervisor 4 seat.

Supervisor 3

Randall John Christiansen*

Occupation/profession: Truck driver owner

Previous elected positions: I've been on the board for the past four years

Community/civic activities: FFA for the last 10 years

Why are you running for town supervisor? To fix roads, build a new shop, try to keep the taxpayers’ taxes down.

What are the biggest challenges faced by the township?  Having enough money to fix the roads without creating a lot of extra taxes.

What are the strengths of the township? Got a lot of potential for growth; building, which creates more revenue; a farming township, save the family farm.

Why should people vote for you?  Honest, reliable, listens to everybody's opinion and try to make the best decision for the voters in the township.

What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here?  Living in the country. Awesome! Been here 35 years.

Supervisor 4

Roger E. Schommer

Occupation/profession: Retired

Previous elected positions: None

Community/civic activities: Weekly Bible study at Ellsworth Care Center and home Bible study.

Why are you running for town supervisor? More involvement in local spending and the interest of residents in our township.

What are the biggest challenges faced by the township?  Community involvement and being a voice for the people as to where our taxes are spent.

What are the strengths of the township? Our farming community and proximity to future development and present industry.

Why should people vote for you?  I grew up on a farm and continue to work a hobby farm. Worked 44 years at Meyer Industry: 20 years factory and 24 years in management.

What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here?  I have lived here 50+ years. I have always had great neighbors and enjoyed the family type atmosphere and no plans of moving.

Chris Truttmann*

Occupation/profession: Farmer. Caregiver.

Previous elected positions: Trenton Town Board Supervisor #4 since April 2020

Community/civic activities: In addition to being a supervisor on the Trenton Town Board, I am a member of the Trenton Plan Commission. I attend the Pierce County Land Management Committee meetings and the Wisconsin Towns Association meetings. I'm a member of the Trenton Cemetery Association, also serving as the treasurer since 2006. I was a lifetime active member of Laurel Presbyterian Church in Hager City until the church closed in November 2020, serving as youth leader, pianist, clerk, and maintenance. I now attend and actively participate at Bethel Covenant Church.

Why are you running for town supervisor?  I enjoy giving to our community. I attended the Trenton Town Board meetings for three years prior to being elected in April 2020, so I have participated for seven years. I hope the residents have seen that I am able to relate to their concerns. It is important to ask questions and truly understand the situation they are presenting to us. Being on the town board allows me to participate with our neighbors on a different level.

What are the biggest challenges faced by the township?  Trenton township has the same challenges as all other townships, the cost of maintaining and making improvements to our infrastructure is astronomical. Maintaining proper roads is not only about the condition of our 52.79 miles of roads, but also plowing snow, keeping roadways clear of debris, maintaining the road right of way, and repair of our equipment are ever present concerns. Our town hall and town shop are in need of replacement versus repair. Being able to cover the cost of our expenses is an ongoing challenge.

What are the strengths of the township? It is important to understand the complexities of Trenton township. We have residential, businesses, industry, and agriculture, but we are also part of a much bigger picture which includes the BNSF railroad, the Mississippi and Trimbelle rivers, and Wisconsin Great River Road Scenic Highway 35, some of which promote tourism to our area. Our proximity to Red Wing, Minn. and the Twin Cities is also a positive for our township's strengths.

Why should people vote for you?  I hope that I have shown the residents of Trenton township that I have taken this responsibility seriously. I have learned a lot and have proven that I am dedicated. Trenton township has the potential for growth, but at the same time we need to make educated decisions so we aren't creating negative impacts in the process. As a Trenton Town Board member, I work hard to represent the people of Trenton township.

What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here?  I am a lifetime resident of Trenton township. My husband Tim's family homesteaded in 1965 at the location where Tim and I live. Both of our families were well-known, respected, and were active in this community. The natural beauty of this area, the history from both families, the future for our sons and grandchildren, and the genuine friendships within our community, are the reasons why I can't imagine living anywhere else.

April 2024 election, voting, Trenton Town Board, Wisconsin