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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Registered write-in Brad Jorgenson is on the ballot for Spring Valley village president, along with incumbent Therea Koch, who resigned from the board in January. However, her name is still on the ballot.
Six people are running for three trustee seats: Liz Erickson*, Ruth Lukes*, Mike Martin, Nate Pelz, Crystal Mooney and registered write-in Jerry Coulson.
Position for which you are running: Village President
Prior elected offices: Village of Spring Valley trustee for the last three years.
Occupation/profession: Field Director for Pierce County Emergency Management and EMS Director for Spring Valley Area Ambulance
Community/civic activities: Spring Valley Area Emergency Services, Spring Valley Education Foundation, Pierce County Peace Officer Benevolent Association
What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee OR village president? Having been a Village Trustee for the last three years paired with my leadership experience in emergency services over the last 15 years, I bring to the table a different set of skills than my peers on the board. I am driven to think critically and outside the box when it comes to solving problems and making decisions. My background in emergency services has taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure, effective communication, and teamwork, skills that are essential in leadership.
What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? The most pressing issues for our village include local economic development, supporting existing businesses, sustaining emergency services, and planning for future success. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration; bringing the right people to the table and fostering open, effective communication. By working together, we can develop meaningful and lasting solutions that ensure a thriving and resilient community for years to come.
What board/village accomplishment(s) are you most proud of? What has the previous board done well? As a Trustee for the past three years, I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of the board, Village staff, and community members in bringing the Western Wisconsin Health Clinic to our community and successfully completing the Eau Galle Road and Van Buren Road projects.
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 believe it is incredibly important for every voice to be heard, regardless of differing viewpoints. Together, we must navigate our differences for the betterment of our community, fostering strength and resilience. At the end of the day, we are all here to support and uplift the people who call this community home.
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 strongly believe that transparency and accountability are essential in local government whenever they can be upheld. Our goal is to ensure the community remains engaged and invested in the progress we are all working toward together. There is always room for growth in this area; not just for our local government, but for any organization striving to build trust, collaboration, and a stronger future.
Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? In my honest opinion, there is something incredibly serene about standing atop the dam, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the village. What I cherish most about living here is our strong sense of community; we come together to face the good, the bad, and the challenges that arise, always supporting one another for the greater good of our neighbors.
Why should people vote for you? I am running as a Registered Write-In for Village President as I feel the community needs a leader that is able to stand steady when times get tough and provide reasonable assurance that we as a board are here to serve each of you and make the best decisions possible. I also feel as a community we can tackle any challenge set in front of us as long as we are united and focused on common goals. I want to bring fresh ideas, clear communication, and transparency to the table. My goal is to foster a sense of trust and collaboration, ensuring that every voice is heard and that we continue to move forward as a strong, thriving community.
How can people contact you? I am always open to have face to face conversations or can be reached via email or phone!
Position: Village Trustee
Previous elected offices: Public Relations Vice President for the Board of Directors for the Winona Area Jaycees.
Occupation: Degree in management, now retired!
Community/civic activities: Spring Valley - Served 16 years as a volunteer firefighter (retired) and 15 as an EMT (retired); Winona (Minn.) Jaycees Chapter, involved with various projects including Steamboat Days committees, Winter Carnival Chairman, and many other city events! La Crosse: Jaycees Chapter, was involved with Riverfest and other various projects for the community of La Crosse.
What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee? As a registered write-in candidate for Trustee, I bring years of knowledge in management. My experience in developing many plans of action for different projects while in the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) for several years was a valuable learning tool for me. I have outstanding people skills which one needs to work with and listen to the community’s needs and issues that they feel are important.
What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? 1. Budget. Have better long-term objectives and think realistically into the future regarding projects and spending. Have a fine-tuned strategic plan and work the plan accordingly 2. Truthfulness and transparency with residents. Always work together as a board with honesty and respect towards each other and especially with our community residents. 3. Business Development: Review Westland Meadows Business Park incentives. Work more directly with the Chamber of Commerce.
If a challenger, what has the previous board done well? Having the compassion to approve such projects as the Burkhart Creek bridge replacement (Mark’s Memorial Bridge) which is used by many in Spring Valley.
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 always remember that division is part of the world we live in and I respect any opposing viewpoints and am proud I have the freedom to agree to disagree and still work together to plan or resolve things regardless of opposing 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 at times feel that transparency and accountability has lacked with regard to the board thru my experience with them. Transparency and accountability are so important in creating a trust with the community and the taxpayers. After all the Village Board is working for the betterment of the community, and the residents of Spring Valley.
Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? The Eau Galle Recreation Area and our deck and patio visiting with friends and family! We live here first and foremost because of the community and the people that live here as well. The beauty of the Valley is amazing and many years ago was a part of the reason my wife and I made it our home!
Why should people vote for you? Because I am honest and very compassionate about Spring Valley and its residents. I will respect the needs of the community and be a board member that is committed in being that transparent voice on the Village Board!
How can people contact you? By email: jcouls@svtel.net
Position: Village trustee
Did not respond
Position: Village trustee
Previous elected offices: Village trustee
Occupation: Former RN in the Spring Valley School District
Community/civic activities: My spouse and I moved to Spring Valley in 1980, where we chose to raise our four children and start/continue our careers. Village of Spring Valley Board trustee for four years; Spring Valley Education Foundation; Spring Valley Chamber; SV Stagehands; active in my church community; volunteer at the elementary school; Cub Scout den leader
What specific skills and/or experiences have helped you to serve as trustee? I have been on the board for two terms, thus serving our community for the past four years. It has been a learning curve and I would love to be able to continue to apply this learned experience to serve our community. I have also worked as an RN in both small and large healthcare systems, with a vast population of people, both young and old, as well as varying cultures. I've worked one on one with staff and clients, as well as in leadership roles.
Why are you running for re-election? I am seeking re-election to the Village Board because I love this little town of Spring Valley tucked within the beauty of God's nature, and I love its people. I see many good things in place, as well much potential that could be awakened. I want Spring Valley to not just survive but thrive, being an all-around healthy, beautiful, peaceful, functioning community not only now, but well into the future for our next generation. I believe we can do this with continued proactive thinking, planning, and stewardship. Also, I was taught as a young person, that if I was unhappy with the way something may be, not to complain, but 'step up to the plate' and actively make a difference.
What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? Housing, bringing in new business, and maintaining/supporting the current businesses that are in place; beautification of our village; financial stability.
Position: Village trustee
Did not respond
Position for which you are running: Spring Valley Trustee
Prior elected offices: NA
Occupation: Business owner
Community/civic activities: I'm currently vice president of the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce. Worked on many campaigns.
What skills and/or experiences have prepared you to take on the role of trustee? As a small business owner I have a good understanding how budgets work. I have experience in HR, payroll. I have always worked with the public. I am a people person.
What issues are most pressing to the village? What solutions do you propose? People in the village are frustrated with changes that seem to happen too often. I'm hoping to have a "coffee time" once a month and hear people’s concerns. Hoping to be able to post the agenda for the meetings and ordinance meetings. So people have a chance to be heard and join in. I would also like to add Zoom meetings to the board meetings so more people can join.
What has the previous board done well? As a business owner, they have always been willing to hear my concerns.
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 always try to look at both sides. Both sides help keep each other balanced. Opposing viewpoints shouldn't stop someone’s voice being heard.
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 is why I decided to run. The current board does not notify anyone when they are making changes. People find out about new ordinances, water increases, after they have been violated or receive a bill.
Where are your favorite places to spend time in the village? Why do you live here? The village has many beautiful spots. Walking on the path, or to the spillway is beautiful. I enjoy playing golf at our great course.
Why should people vote for you? I am ready to help our Village grow, bring it back to a good small town. Currently it's more of a ghost town. Water prices and lack of businesses space has brought downtown to a halt.
How can people contact you? They can email me at crystalmooney3@gmail.com
Position: Village trustee
Did not respond
