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, …
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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*.
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Longtime Town Chair Dianna Smith chose not to seek re-election. The two hoping to take her seat are Terry Kusilek and James McHenry. Mary Foster and Kristin Nyquist are going head-to-head for the Supervisor I seat (vacated by John Galgowski), while Siri Smith* (Supervisor II), Sarah Meyer* (Clerk) and Rita M. Kozak* (Treasurer) are running unopposed.
Position: Town Chair
Previous elected positions: None
Community activities: Currently serving on River Falls Town Roads Committee. Past community involvement: Wisconsin Farm Technology Days 2010, River Falls Days Planning Committee, River Falls Days volunteer, River Falls Town Planning Commission and River Falls Town Facilities Committee
Why are you running for the town board? I enjoy giving back to the community I live in; I have worked closely with our two town employees over the past few years and I’m excited about being more involved with assisting them with their work for the town residents.
What skills/values do you possess that you feel would be valuable in public office? I retired from the City of River Falls after working there for more than 32 years as Operations Superintendent. I managed the Street, Parks, Forestry and Fleet Maintenance departments at retirement and had also previously managed the Water Department and wastewater collections for a time. I have vast experience with snow removal operations, heavy equipment operations and repair. I have managed multiple budgets and prepared Capital Improvement Plans for future repairs, vehicle and equipment replacement. I have been involved with farming my entire life and assist my wife Sandy with her business of 44 years.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? How can you help? Budgets are by far the biggest challenge for towns. Roads in our town are the largest expense to maintain, repair and replace. With the cost of materials for road repair, equipment and truck costs it is very challenging to provide the quality of service our residents deserve to receive. How can I help? My experience managing multiple departments at one time with many various projects going on simultaneously have given me skills in multi-tasking that will benefit the town in completing our desired projects within our estimated time frame and hopefully within our expected budget.
What are the strengths of the township? We have many good board and committee members that put in a lot of work behind the scenes to provide the best service we can to our residents. We have twp very dedicated employees that work hard and take a lot of pride in the work they accomplish.
Why should people vote for you? I am passionate about contributing to the community I grew up in and have called Pierce County my home for my entire life, most of those years as a resident of the Town of River Falls
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? Living in what I consider a rural community with many residents that I know and many more that I hope to get to know on a better basis. I have lived in River Falls Town 62 years, 45 at our current location, two years in the City of River Falls and five years in the Town of Clifton.
Position: Town chair
Did not respond
Position: Supervisor 1
Previous election positions: None
Occupation: Retired
Community/civic activities: I have served on the Town of River Falls Plan Commission for nine years, on the Town Parks and Recreation Committee for eight years, was a member of the Town's Comprehensive Plan Committee in 2023-2024 and have served as an election inspector for the town since 2016. I also volunteered for soup suppers at St. Bridget's for 10 years until the program ended.
Why are you running for the town board? I have learned a great deal about town operations while serving on the Plan Commission and would like to serve as Town Supervisor to become more involved.
What skills/values do you possess that you feel would be valuable in public office? I value the dedication and commitment of our current Town Board, employees, and committee members. My knowledge and experience of the town will support ongoing projects and further future efforts.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? How can you help? Challenges facing the Town of River Falls include funding for roads, costs for fire and ambulance service, and growth pressures from the City of River Falls. My Plan Commission service has prepared me to help to meet these challenges.
What are the strengths of the township? The town has strong leadership and years of experience with the existing board members, Zoning Administrator, Town Clerk and Town Treasurer. We have clear ordinances and zoning, and a solid Comprehensive Plan in place.
Why should people vote for you? I have a strong commitment to the town and a record of service to the town.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? I have lived in the Town of River Falls for 30 years. I love the peaceful beauty of our town.
Position: Supervisor I
Previous election positions: PTO president
Occupation: Retired Mental Health Therapist
Community/civic activities: Some of the many organizations and causes for which I have volunteered in River Falls are school events, River Falls Days, river clean ups, R4F and Royal Ambassadors. I have previously been president of a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and organized and managed large running events and symposiums in the Twin Cities.
Why are you running for the town board? Volunteering has always played a vital role in my life. I want to serve my community, preserving its history and beauty and helping our township continue to thrive.
What skills/values do you possess that you feel would be valuable in public office? I have always been a people person, both in my professional and personal lives. I am quick to befriend a newcomer and chip in when a friend is in need. I want to know what others think and am always willing to listen and compromise when it’s in the best interest of all while upholding the responsibilities of the township supervisor. I should add I am a bit of a workhorse. Not only am I not afraid to work hard to get a job done, I derive a deep sense of satisfaction from doing so.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? How can you help? Some of the biggest challenges the Town of River Falls has is in the ability to maintain its roads and ensuring residents needs/wants are met while being fiscally responsible.
What are the strengths of the township? The Township of River Falls works hard to keep up with the demands of our evolving growth and challenges. Doing this in a way that is environmentally and fiscally responsible.
Why should people vote for you? I believe in the direction and values stated in Town of River Falls Comprehensive Plan and will work to ensure the "plan aims to create a harmonious and resilient community where residents can thrive, businesses can succeed, and future generations can enjoy a high quality of life." I will be available to all township members who wish to discuss issues or provide input.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? My favorite part of living in The Town of River Falls is the beauty of the countryside and the welcoming, neighborly people in this community.
Position: Supervisor II
Did not respond
Position: Town of River Falls Clerk
Previous election positions: Town of River Falls Clerk
Occupation: Town of River Falls Clerk
Community/civic activities: Sunday School Teacher
Why are you running for the town board? I have been the clerk for four years now, I enjoy it and would like to continue.
What skills/values do you possess that you feel would be valuable in public office? I am organized and detail oriented, computer literate, and do my best to keep our residents and tax payers at the front of everything we do.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? How can you help? The Town of River Falls is in a challenging place between keeping our rural character but also keeping up with modern processes and expectations of our residents and state requirements.
What are the strengths of the township? The people! Our residents really make this town great.
Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I will continue to work on getting the Town of River Falls up to date and organized while serving the needs of the residents.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? I've lived in the town for 15 years and it's been great! My favorite part of living here is the rural landscapes and community.
Position: Town Treasurer
Previous elected positions: Town Treasurer 2013-present, Pierce County Board
Occupation: UWRF instructor, on-line program
Community/civic activities: Volunteer at Treasures, River Falls Library Foundation, Whole Earth Grocery board
Why are you running for the town board? As a 38-year resident of the Town of River Falls, I enjoy and appreciate living in a community with an active board that works to maintain the character of the area and is responsive to citizen concerns. As a member of the Town Board, the Treasurer is responsible for accounting of revenue, town investments and financial reports that include the annual budget. My qualifications for the Town Treasurer position include ten years on the Pierce County Board representing the Town of River Falls, during which I served on the Finance, Solid Waste and Land Use committees. I am familiar with township government and government financial systems as well as the budgeting required to fulfill Town responsibilities. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to contribute my time and experience towards the financial management of the Town of River Falls.
What skills/values do you possess that you feel would be valuable in public office? Familiarity with town government and budgeting, accuracy, willingness to spend time to insure that the Town Board is provided with timely data.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? How can you help? The challenges include the revenue available for town initiatives and prioritizing expenses. The Town Board relies on accurate information from the treasurer and clerk to insure that financial information is timely. All elected Town Board members are attuned to dollars available and how these dollars can be used in the most beneficial way to meet town needs.
What are the strengths of the township? Active citizens who are willing to spend time to support town initiatives.
Why should people vote for you? My past experience as treasurer has demonstrated my commitment to accurate data with respect to town finances. I am also responsible for filing a yearly recycling grant application, maintaining recycling program reports required by the state and sending out dog licenses.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? My favorite part of living here is the landscape and wildlife that I can enjoy simply by walking out my back door. My spouse, Garrett Gill, and I have lived in the town for 38 years.
