Bay City Village Board Trustee Jerry Mc-Connell Why are you seeking this post?

T o bring new ideas and a fresh perspective to Bay City._

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I bring many years of management from my background in Mechanical Engineering and Robotics in the Medical Industry. I have led many successful projects and have many years’ experience of problem solving issues with a team attitude._

Final Appeal: My beginnings are from a humble background as a farm kid near a small town. I understand small town needs and the importance of small, slow, and long-term growth. I understand the importance of maintaining the small-town feel and values.

I will be a team player for the people, that means all the people of Bay City. I believe in approaching people with respect and believe in wellthought out decisions that are fair and equitable all parties involved.

Gilman Town Board Supervisor Alicia Acken Cosgrove Why are you seeking this post?

I believe in the foundation of American Democracy which is open and transparent government that answers to the people. I believe the people of the Town of Gilman should be able to ask their town board questions about how their tax dollars are being spent. I also believe the Town Board should apply for grants and support programs that will benefit everyone, not just their friends. I would like to serve as Supervisor I to bring down costs, have public input on road plans, maintain EMT quality, improve our wonderful quality of life, and include more people in town decisions.

What Sets Me Apart: At town board meetings, I have witnessed people asking simple questions. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed my opponent yelling at them and calling them names, and saying things like, “you ask too many questions!” This is not the American way for good government. I promise, I will always answer your questions, you are the ones who pay taxes after all. I will also use my skills and experience to make wise financial decisions and make sure we are applying for all the grants and available funds from the that we can.

Final Appeal: I have been paying taxes in the Town of Gilman for 15 years. My property taxes are one of the largest bills I have. If I am elected, I will welcome your input on how your taxes should be spent. I will answer your questions and ask for your opinion. I have years of professional experience that can help bring Township costs down, and that is what I intend to when you elect me. Thank you for your time, I hope to see you at a Town Board meeting soon.

Bill Emerson Why are you seeking this post? I have seen a lot of changes in the township over the years. Being a lifelong resident of Gilman, I believe I can make the decisions necessary to benefit the township in the future._

What sets you apart from your opponent? After graduating high school I attended UWRF and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Scientific Land Management. That degree has helped me in my job as a Golf Course Superintendent. I have put all this knowledge and experience to use in order to make responsible decisions concerning land and road issues in the township. _ Final Appeal: I believe I have done the best job I can for the town of Gilman and am hoping for the opportunity to continue serving the residents. I will continue to be a responsible steward of your tax dollars.

Mike Traynor Why are you seeking this post?

I want to continue the same good work that the board has done and continues to do. My brother held this position for 26 years. Following his death, I completed the last year of his term. I was subsequently elected into this position for the last two years. Now more than ever, I have a vested interest and commitment to the ongoing advancement of our township.__

What sets you apart from your opponent? I am a lifelong resident of Gilman Township. In my 62 years here, I have witnessed and welcomed changes leading to the betterment of our township, while maintaining a strong appreciation for our local values from the past and present. My diverse background includes roles as a husband, father, brother, employee, teacher and community leader. I grew up on – and still reside near – my family’s farm in a loving home created with my beautiful wife of 42 years. While raising our three fantastic daughters, I taught 7th grade religious education for 11 years, and served on the Spring Valley School Board for 9 years (6 years as president). Prior to retiring, I worked for three different Wisconsin Universities for 32 years in buildings and grounds maintenance, supported and worked with my self-employed CPA wife for 30 years, and spent three years working for a major regional mechanical contractor. I was born locally and have lived and contributed locally for my entire life._

Final appeal? I am a hardworking and determined innovator and problem-solver. I like to follow projects through to fruition. My life experiences have taught me to be a good_respectful listener_ and_ team player_with various groups of people, even in the face of differing opinions. I strongly believe that working together_with_fellow community members is more productive than forcing my opinions on others.

Gilman Town Clerk Becky Manley Why are you seeking this position? It has been my pleasure to serve as Clerk for The Town of Gilman for the last 6 years. I had seriously considered whether or not to run again this year because of the tremendous amount of stress and divisiveness related to the election in November and the solar project which is to be built in our township. Both of these things seemed to bring out the worst in people and I was disheartened to see my neighbors fighting with each other. After some time and reflection, I realized that I did not want to step down at such a pivotal time. I would like to see what positive things are brought about after this turbulent time._

What qualifies you for this position and what sets you apart from your opponent?

Experience and the demonstrated dedication to the work._

Final Appeal: Clerk is a much bigger job than most people would believe. In addition to “taking the minutes” there are numerous reports that need to be completed monthly, quarterly and annually for many different entities. There are deadlines that you cannot miss and more rules than the military. You must be committed and organized because this is the town’s business which is entrusted to the clerk. I do not believe my competitor has the experience necessary to step into the role or any real interest in the position. There are a dozen or so Gilman residents who regularly and actively participate in township governance; my opponent has never been one of them.

John Shafer Why are you seeking this post?

We need new people on the town board to improve citizen participation. I plan on putting my knowledge of open government, farming, alternative energy sources and conservation to work. As a lifelong resident on a Century Family Farm, there are issues that are not being addressed properly. From addressing aging infrastructure such as roads and electrical grid that are in much needed repair to newer infrastructure such as WIFI and Broadband it’s going to take a person who is willing to research issues and come up with reasonable solutions that is beneficial and cost effective for the township.

What Sets you apart from your opponent? I’m very approachable and willing to hear the opinions of others. With the proposed Solar Farm it is important that all residents are heard without the fear of being harassed or intimidated by those who have differing views and ideas._ If we have open discussion we can see how alternative energy sources can be implemented safely with reasonable setbacks and buffers. The county doesn’t have a Alternative Energy sitting ordinance for the new alternative energy technologies. Old Electrical Grid is aging and not able to handle the new sources of electrical power. Developing an alternative energy ordinance could have many great benefits such as implementing smaller scale solar and wind power that blends with the current landscape of our community.

Final Appeal: I believe in giving residents a choice to vote for someone other than an unopposed incumbent. I’m very approachable and encourage people to voice their ideas and concerns. My goal is to have meetings available online via Zoom or YouTube. I believe public_office is about serving the public, not about putting personal economic interests first.

Elmwood Patrick Geraets

Position Sought

Elmwood School Board Village of Elmwood Board Why are you seeking this post? Elmwood School Board: With two of my children currently attending Elmwood school, I first and foremost want to advocate for the students and make sure to keep their best interests in mind when making decisions. I want to make a positive impact by being part of the solution to help education grow and continue to be outstanding in Elmwood, while ensuring the safety of all students during their school years.

Elmwood Village Board: Attract new businesses into Elmwood to better serve our community and revitalize the downtown area. Continue to improve our roads and maintenance of the village without raising taxes.

What sets you apart from your opponents?

Elmwood School Board: Keeping students safe while they attend school is something that is highly important to me. I would research and work with the appropriate people to apply for eligible grants that would allow us to continue to update and improve safety and security throughout the school. Education is continuously evolving. I’d like to see the Elmwood School District stay up to date with the changes, while keeping the best interests of the students in mind.

Elmwood Village Board: With my current managerial experience, I work hard to empower others to help solve issues and situations as they arise. If elected, I would use my experience to help improve and grow our community.

Final appeal? When I think of Elmwood, I think home. I love and care about our village and school and I want to continue to improve both and leave them better for the next generation.

Spring Valley Village Board Trustee Elizabeth (Liz) Erickson Why are you seeking this post?

I am seeking this position because I feel it is important to participate in the community. Having recently retired from the Education system I now have the time._

What sets you apart from your opponent? What sets me apart from the other candidates is my vested interested in the community of Spring Valley. Throughout the 47 years of living here, my husband and I raised our children, and have been involved in a variety of organizations and activities throughout the years. Such as the Spring Valley School, Sacred Heart Church, SV Stagehands, Lions Club, Village committees and more. I will do my best to serve the people of Spring Valley as a Village Trustee if I am elected.

Ruth Lukes Why are you seeking this position? My husband and I were intrigued with Spring Valley back in ‘83 when we were looking for a place in the Midwest to return to, after he graduated from optometry school. I/we have since fallen in love with Spring Valley, buying an old home that is in constant renovation, & raised 4 children in this_beautiful, tranquil, and family-orientated community. I am one of Spring Valley’s biggest proponents, supporting small business, our school, recreational blessings, and faith community.__My husband has a small business in town, therefore I am well aware of how important successful small businesses are, if we as a community are to continue to thrive and not just survive. _

Final Appeal: I feel that as a community, we need to be proactive in thought,_as well as action, but still retain our core values of family, quality education, healthcare, support of small business, recreation, & quality of life.

I am excited to become an even more active component if given the opportunity to serve our community as a village board member._

Town of Oak Grove Town Treasurer William Riley Why are you seeking this post?

I’m interested in town gove rnance and willing to serve in a capacity that stays engaged by maintaining the town’s books, responsibly managing funds in our debtfree township.

What sets you apart from your opponent? A lifelong resident of Prescott and Oak Grove, I have 28 years of IT, AR, Finance and Billing experience in a large telecommunications company. Recently retired, I have the time and interest to serve the township in a fiduciary capacity. I’ve attended numerous town meetings and it’s clear housing and inflation momentum combined with limited property tax reimbursement ratios will continue to pressure our rural community finances. Mindful monetary management is required and I would be honored to continue our past success.

Final Appeal: Local governance is where the rubber hits the road. I only ask that folks exercise their right to vote and stay involved in our township.

Trenton Town Board Town Chairman, Why are you seeking this post?

I am seeking this position to bring some new ideas and start talking about problems that will be coming up for the Township. As we all know the roads need constant repair. I want to put a plan together that will have all 45 miles of blacktop road resurfaced in the next 20 years._ Another big problem I see is the condition of our town hall. It’s in desperate need of major repairs, the roof and some rafters are in very bad shape and needs to be replaced. The windows are broken and cracked. It does have a handicap ramp but the front steps need to be replaced. And A/C would be nice for hot summer days._ And the township doesn’t even own it, the school system does. This has to be talked about on what path to take. Should the Township build something new? Like all the other townships have or look for something that fits our needs? I don’t know, whatever is decided there has to be a referendum to move forward with anything. These are two major things that should be talked about.