Pierce County voters will once again head to the polls April 1, 2025 to cast their ballots for important local village board, city council, town board and school board elections. One school district, Spring Valley, will ask voters to consider two referendum questions related to facilities and maintenance expenses.

Local races have a crucial role in shaping the lives of citizens. They determine the leadership and policies that govern schools and communities. Those elected make decisions on education, public safety, infrastructure, services, and what to do with taxpayers’ money. Serving in a public office role is often a thankless task that involves hours of discussions, research, presentations and meetings.

The Pierce County Journal sent questionnaires to candidates in local races. The hope is their answers will allow voters to get to know them a bit, what they stand for and how they would approach these roles if elected. Incumbents are marked with an asterisk*.

To watch the Ellsworth Village Board candidate forum, hosted by the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pierce County Journal, click the link: https://bit.ly/4iEAmNj

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Ellsworth Village Board has four seats up for grabs: Village president (incumbent Becky Beissel is running unopposed) and three trustee seats. Two incumbents are running for trustee, Ryan Bench and Andrew Borner, while three challengers are also vying for seats: Melissa Petersen, Richard “Dick” Hines and Jarod Traynor.

Becky Beissel*

Position: Village President

Occupation: Marketing

Prior elected offices: Village Trustee (2020-2021), Village President (2021-2025)

Community/civic activities: I am actively involved in several organizations that support Ellsworth’s growth and vitality. I work closely with the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce and help organize the Cheese Curd Festival and Summer Fun Series, both of which promote local businesses and tourism. I also founded the annual Ellsworth Community Summit, bringing together local organizations to foster collaboration. I serve on the Career & Technical Education Committee at Ellsworth High School, helping to strengthen partnerships between local businesses and students, ensuring that our workforce development aligns with the needs of our community. Additionally, I’m engaged with the Pierce County Economic Development Corporation, working to support business growth and economic initiatives in our region. Beyond committee and board work, I also enjoy pitching in with volunteer efforts throughout the community, including Habitat for Humanity, the Senior Lock-In, and Elevate Ellsworth. On a broader level, I participate in St. Croix Valley Legislative Day, advocating for Ellsworth’s needs at the state level, and I serve on the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Board, working to advance policies that support small communities across Wisconsin.

What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee OR village president)? As Village President, I have relied most on my ability to stay organized, strategic, and forward-thinking while tackling challenges and opportunities for Ellsworth. I’m a natural problem-solver who approaches issues with a collaborative spirit and a positive attitude, believing strongly in the power of relationships to drive progress. I’m also committed to continuous learning, regularly attending trainings, seminars, and conferences to expand my knowledge and bring fresh ideas back to our community. By applying what I learn, I strive to lead effectively and ensure Ellsworth is positioned for smart growth and long-term success.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? One of the most pressing issues in Ellsworth is financial sustainability. Over the past three years, we’ve decreased the village budget by 15%, demonstrating our commitment to fiscal responsibility. However, financial constraints shouldn’t prevent us from sustaining and improving our community. Borrowing is not a long-term solution—it’s neither desirable nor sustainable. A key challenge is that our tax base isn’t growing at a sustainable rate, and too much of the burden is falling on homeowners. To address this, we need to reinvest in our commercial districts by tackling blighted properties and supporting revitalization efforts. Attracting new businesses is essential to diversifying and strengthening the tax base, while continued housing development will increase the number of taxpayers and provide more housing options for residents. None of these are quick fixes, but with a strategic, long-term approach, we can build a stronger, more sustainable financial future for Ellsworth. I will continue advocating for policies and investments that encourage growth while keeping our financial foundation strong.

What board/village accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? I’m incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made as a Village Board over the past four years. One of our biggest accomplishments has been improving the village’s financial position, reducing the budget by 15% over the last three years while still investing in critical projects. This balance of fiscal responsibility and smart growth is key to Ellsworth’s long-term sustainability.

We’ve also made significant strides in revitalization and development. The redevelopment of the old junior high site is a major win, turning an underutilized property into a high-value asset that will generate substantial tax revenue. We’ve seen new businesses move into the Crossing Meadows Business Park, and we have over 80 new housing units expected in 2025, addressing much-needed housing growth. Additionally, securing a $1.575 million ARIP grant from WisDOT for infrastructure improvements in the East End will be a game-changer, helping to revitalize the area and support future development.

Another key focus has been improving communication and transparency. We launched a quarterly community newsletter, a new website, live-streamed meetings, and a weekly Facebook update, ensuring residents stay informed and engaged. These efforts are laying the foundation for a stronger, more vibrant Ellsworth, and I’m excited to keep building on this momentum.

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? Effective leadership isn’t about agreeing on everything—it’s about finding common ground and making decisions that serve the best interests of the community. I approach differing viewpoints with respect, open-mindedness, and a focus on solutions. Listening is key; I take the time to understand where others are coming from, because even when we disagree, there’s often shared underlying goals. I also believe in data-driven decision-making. When discussions become divided, I lean on facts, research, and long-term planning to guide our direction. My role as Village President isn’t to push a personal agenda but to facilitate discussions, encourage collaboration, and ensure we’re making the best possible choices for Ellsworth. At the end of the day, we all want to see Ellsworth thrive. By keeping conversations respectful, solutions-focused, and based on what’s best for the community, I’ve been able to work effectively with a variety of perspectives to move important initiatives forward.

Transparency and accountability are important in local government. How do you feel the village does in this regard? Why do you think transparency and accountability are important? Transparency and accountability are essential in local government because residents deserve to know how decisions are made, how funds are spent, and how policies impact their community. Over the past four years, we’ve made significant improvements in this area. We launched a quarterly community newsletter, a new village website, and an email notification system to keep residents informed. We also began live-streaming Village Board meetings and providing weekly Facebook updates to ensure people have easier access to important discussions and decisions. That being said, there is always room for improvement. Transparency isn’t just about making information available—it’s about making it accessible and easy to understand. I believe in proactive communication, ensuring residents don’t have to search for information but instead feel engaged and involved in the process. We are constantly considering new and additional ways to achieve this.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? I like spending time in the East End District/East End Park, where the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and sense of community make it a great place to connect with others. Cairns Woods has also become a hidden gem—perfect for enjoying a peaceful walk and appreciating the natural beauty of our area. Another favorite spot is our new library, which has quickly become a vibrant gathering space for residents of all ages, offering great resources, programming, and a welcoming environment. Ellsworth truly offers the best of both worlds. It’s a small, close-knit, and safe community with a strong sense of hometown pride, yet it’s just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, providing easy access to big-city amenities and opportunities. That balance is what makes Ellsworth such a special place to call home.

Why should people vote for you? I am deeply committed to this community and make my role as Village President a priority. I show up, put in the time, and am always willing to roll up my sleeves to get things done. My dedication goes beyond meetings—I spend my free time reading about community revitalization, listening to podcasts on municipal government, and constantly thinking about how to make all the puzzle pieces fit together for Ellsworth’s success. Some might call that nerdy—I call it being passionate about doing my job well. I don’t take lightly the trust the community has placed in me, and I am excited about the potential Ellsworth has. I will continue working hard to ensure smart growth, financial sustainability, and a thriving future for our village. I appreciate the support of our residents and look forward to what we can accomplish together!

How can people contact you? Residents can feel free to email me at becky@villageofellsworth.org

Ryan Bench*

Position: Board Trustee

Occupation: Associate Registrar at UW-River Falls

Prior elected offices: Board Trustee

Community/civic activities: I am involved with the following groups and organizations: Ellsworth Wrestling Association, Ellsworth Rod and Gun, Ellsworth Lions Club, Football Boosters, and the newly formed Ellsworth Community Hall of Fame.

What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee? As a current Trustee I have prided myself on taking the time to listen to and engage with the community I serve. In my first two years the village considered two major projects (Bigadan Biodigester and the development of the old Junior High) that many in the public were very passionate about. Through both of those projects I took time out of my day to speak with residents and provide feedback to the board as we worked through how to handle both. I feel it is important to always work towards educating the community on what is happening in the boardroom as well as listening to them and providing feedback.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? Balancing infrastructure needs with rising taxes. In the last few years the county has increased taxes to fund a court house and the school district has raised taxes to fund needed improvements. In addition, the village has increased taxes and fees. It is difficult to "sell" residents on the need to invest more in infrastructure at the same time their taxes are going up and they are not seeing change. While much of the increases have not been done by the village the perception is still there that we are increasing taxes and not doing anything with the money. We need to do better at educating the public on where the money goes and how we can put their funds to work in improving the village. We have a lot of needs in town and it costs money to fix them. We need to work to find ways to fund them without putting the burden solely on the taxpayer.

What board/village accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? I am proud of what we have done with developing the old junior high site. I have lived next to it since 2005 and always heard from friends and family that would visit how rough it looked. I had lived next to it so long I ignored it. It needed to come down and I am proud of what we are putting in its place. We received three bids for the project and feel what is going there will fit well and help with needed housing.

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 try to understand where they are coming from. You need to do that first in order to come to an agreement. In addition, sometimes you need to make compromises on your viewpoints.

Transparency and accountability are important in local government. How do you feel the village does in this regard? Why do you think transparency and accountability are important? I feel we are doing better than we were two years ago. Being transparent, communicating and accepting responsibility for mistakes are essential to being in the public eye. I have seen firsthand where not being transparent can further a narrative or sow mistrust. The Bigadan project is a great example. We reached a point where we should have had more meetings in public rather than closed sessions. If we had been more transparent in our discussions, I think it could have eased tensions on both sides in the public. I learned from that and feel the board/village administrator did as well. Transparency and communication are key in this role.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? I spend a lot of time walking in the village and going to East End Park during the summer on Thursday nights. I live here because I love the community and the people here. Until I moved to Ellsworth in 2005 the longest I had lived in one place was seven years. My parents were both in the military and we moved around a lot. Ellsworth is my home and I am proud to serve it in many roles.

Why should people vote for you? As an Eagle Scout we learned the importance of civic duty and leaving a place better than you found it. I will strive to help this village grow and leave it better than I found it. I believe in this community and its people and want to make a difference.

How can people contact you? ryan@villageofellsworth.org

Andrew Borner*

Position: Village Trustee

Prior elected offices: Village Trustee

Occupation: Facility Director at ECSD

Community/civic activities: I coach youth sports that my children are part of, I'm a member of the leadership team at my church and currently serve as a village trustee.

What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee? I have experience in facility management, construction, management of staff and keeping projects on track. I also believe in treating people with respect and having proper decorum at meetings.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? Our infrastructure is aging (water/sewer/streets). We need to keep working on finding funding opportunities for them and continue to budget for them.

If you are an incumbent, what board/village accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? We purchased the old Jr. High building had it demolished, and a developer is currently working on a plan for that parcel. We created TID's to help create a funding mechanism for development.

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? I would have civil discussions and weigh pros and cons to come to a solution that best fits the village.

Transparency and accountability are important in local government. How do you feel the village does in this regard? Why do you think transparency and accountability are important? I think we are doing a pretty good job with keeping the public informed. (Website, newsletter, and Facebook). Obviously, there is always room for improvement, but we have come a long way. We are trusted with taxpayer funds to spend them wisely and they deserve to know what is happening in the village.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? I like to eat at restaurants, attend functions at school and church. I grew up in the Ellsworth area and it's my home. My family and close friends are all here.

Why should people vote for you? I feel I have done a good job over the last two terms. I'm honest and want what is best for the village.

How can people contact you? By using my email andrew@villageofellsworth.org

Dick Hines

Position: Village Trustee

Did not respond (may have been technical glitch)

Melissa Petersen

Position: Ellsworth Village Trustee

Prior elected offices: Supervisor on the Pierce County Board

Occupation: Attorney, health coach, group fitness instructor

Community/civic activities: I am active in the community. I have served as a girl scout leader, I have been a member of the Ellsworth Elementary parents’ group, a member of the Ellsworth Volleyball Boosters, and a member of the Ellsworth School Board Foundation. I have served as a member of the Pierce County Board of Supervisors. I have served as a member of the Pepin County Condemnation Committee. I have also served as a volunteer at the school on many occasions. I have made various financial contributions to the school and athletics in Ellsworth.

What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee? I am a former supervisor for the Pierce County Board. I am an advocate by default. I have extensive experience listening to people with varying perspectives and I genuinely care about what people say. Unfortunately, not many people want to hear from everyone if they don’t agree with someone else’s views on things. I make every effort to listen to all views, even if I don’t agree with someone else's views. I want residents to feel listened to. I have served on several committees while a member of the Pierce County Board which included the industrial development committee, the information services committee, and the EMS committee. I have also served as a member of the Pepin County Condemnation Committee for several years. I am not afraid to speak out when something adversarial is going on. I am effective at managing time. I am persistent in getting things done. I am often able to get quick results to issues that I work on.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? We should prioritize building single and multifamily housing as well as creating environmentally sound industrial development over the next two years. In addition, our village board should work with legislators to get state tax dollars for Ellsworth. I would work with our state government officials to push things we need with state funding or possibly a DOT grant. I would advocate for things we need to improve roads and promote good traffic flow around the school such as a traffic light for Piety and Main Street or a 3-way stop sign at Panther and Piety coming out of the middle school. The biggest opportunity for growth in Ellsworth would be to get infrastructure for more single and multifamily housing units and create industrial development without polluters or environmental nuisances. We want to grow the tax base without taxing current residents and still get the things that people want. One way we could accomplish this would be to work with developers creating Tax Increment Financing Districts (called TIFs). A TIF can be used to fund public improvements and economic development by diverting future property tax revenue increases from a designated district to pay for projects, rather than using general tax funds. TIFs can be used to fund projects such as roads, parks, utilities, and buildings. We could have a committee to interview developers to build desired projects. If we bring in development, we can bring more jobs to Ellsworth which will also increase revenue to do future projects without raising taxes or by using any extra money to lower taxes.

What has the previous board done well? The board has done well in getting rid of the old middle school, which was an eyesore and a health and safety problem.

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? I have a local business. I am an attorney. I served on the Pierce County Board of Supervisors. I am an advocate by default. I have extensive experience listening to people with varying perspectives and I genuinely care about what people say. As an attorney, I am always working with the opposition. Sometimes that opposition is the District Attorney for a criminal case, other times it is simply another party's attorney in a case that I'm on. I represent my clients to the best of my ability and advocate for the outcome they are looking for. I communicate and negotiate with opposing counsel in order to come to a conclusion and outcome that all parties can agree to in order to resolve matters.

Transparency and accountability are important in local government. How do you feel the village does in this regard? Why do you think transparency and accountability are important? I have seen a newsletter, but I also find it strange that multiple people have just quit as village trustees. I think it is important for the public to know what is going on. Meetings can be broadcast virtually and recorded so that village residents can hear what happens at meetings when they are held at times they cannot attend. I think that there should be a larger presence on Facebook and communication of village meetings and issues. In addition, recorded meetings could be posted on Facebook.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? I like the Cairns trails a lot. I also enjoy going to the parks with my children. I like riding bicycles as well. I live in Ellsworth because it is a nice and safe place to raise children with a solid school system.

Why should people vote for you? I have a lot to offer to this community. I am a trained advocate who has skills in listening, problem solving and mediation. I have prior experience working as a county board supervisor. I love Ellsworth and want to see it grow as well as supporting the needs of our residents. I would like to keep our taxes low as we continue to improve Ellsworth, and I have good ideas to work on economic development with TIFs to make real improvements in our community without further taxing our residents. I look forward to working with members of our community to make Ellsworth an even better place to live and grow. I want to draw in new people to live here, as well as create economic opportunities for our children to work and live in our community. I will make a difference and bring change. Please vote for me on April 1.

How can people contact you? You can email me at melissa@plflawyer.com, mail can go to PO Box 480, Ellsworth, WI 54011. You may also call me at 715-273-6300.

Jarod J. Traynor

Position: Village Trustee

Prior elected offices: No prior public office

Occupation: Business owner

Community/civic activities: Currently a member of the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, in the past I was active with the Ellsworth Funsters and the Masonic Lodge.

If a challenger, what skills and/or experiences have prepared you to take on this role? I bring a strong work ethic, and a commitment to practical decision-making. My background in business ownership, residential and commercial construction, and project management has taught me how to analyze complex issues, collaborate with different perspectives, and find solutions that make sense for everyone. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen and work with others to find common ground. I believe in asking the right questions, challenging the status quo when needed, and ensuring that decisions are made with transparency and accountability. My goal is to bring fresh ideas, responsible leadership, and a strong voice for the people of Ellsworth.

What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? Ellsworth is about to have some rapid residential expansion. I feel that we need to make sure that this growth is done responsibly. Our village faces maintenance issues on commercial buildings and village-owned properties. We need to assess the issues with poor maintenance and lack of recreational equipment that is toddler appropriate and ADA compliant at our parks. I believe that it is essential for our village board to hold village employees and commercial property owners accountable to make sure necessary steps are taken to ensure proper upkeep. If we want to attract quality residential development, and quality employers we need to give them a quality place to come to. That may mean adding to the labor force or finding grants if it is a financial issue.

What has the previous board done well? I feel they have laid great groundwork for what Ellsworth needs in the future. While our village lacked a solid plan for growth, we now have a strategy for growth in our commercial and recreational areas.

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? I feel most people want the same things for Ellsworth, they just have different ideas about how to get there. Asking the right questions and being able to find common ground to push past the pain points is key. I work to show people the big picture and long-term gains of finding the best path to that common ground.

Transparency and accountability are important in local government. How do you feel the village does in this regard? Why do you think transparency and accountability are important? While there is always room for improvement, I feel there are members of the current board that have done a great job being as transparent as possible with how things can legally be handled in the course of local government. It is important to take steps to improve how and when the village residents have access to information. Especially since it is their money being spent.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? I am raising my almost 3-year-old here, so we spend a lot of time at our awesome new library, and enjoy walking to Summit Park, and East End Park in the summer. I live here because it is home. My wife and I both graduated from Ellsworth, we both work here, and own a business here. Our roots run deep in Ellsworth with our friends and family, and we don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

Why should people vote for you? I want to ensure that Ellsworth remains a welcoming place for families, businesses, and future generations. My focus is on responsible growth, supporting local businesses, and making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. Most importantly, I want to be a voice for you—listening to your concerns and working to find solutions that benefit everyone.

How can people contact you? My cell is 715-651-8907. Text is best without prior appointment.