of Ellsworth. In the race for Ellsworth Village President, two Village Board Trustees are competing for the position that Gerald DeWolfe has occupied for 30 years. In the order they appear on the ballot, Micahel Steele is competing against Becky Beissel.

Here’s a look at the candidates.

Village of Ellsworth Village President Michael J Steele Why are you seeking this post?

I am seeking the position of Village President because the voters of the Village of Ellsworth are changing on how they want to live their lives and how they shop/comm unicate /travel/exercise. I believe with my experience on the board and with the help of other Trustee’s we can move the Village of Ellsworth forward together. Listening to all point of views and working together I know we can change the Village of Ellsworth. I will represent all of the taxpayers/ voters of the Village of Ellsworth not just a few. United we will succeed divide we will not.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I am willing to compromise on issues to move the Village of Ellsworth forward. Also I will respect other ideas and views on issues. With my few years of experience on the Village Board I know how the Budget process works and what it takes to get to a balance budget. I know the effects on taxes when borrowing money above the levy limit due to the cap on the levy the last several years. Also when using social media platform to communicate to the Village resident it will be thorough and factual.

Final Appeal: I just want to say thank you to the Village of Ellsworth voters for the honor to serve you on the Village Board over the last few years. I have always made the tough decisions thinking of how this will impact you the taxpayer/voter. Bringing new ides to the table should always be welcome and respected on all sides of the issues. In closing I would just want to say thanks again and would ask for your vote for MICHAEL J. STEELE for Village President.

Becky Beissel Why are you seeking this post?

Simply put; I love this town. I have the drive, passion, and enthusiasm for Ellsworth. Recent decades have brought vacant buildings, closed businesses, blight, and lack of progress. If we continue as we have been this will not change. I have been on the board for a year, I’ve learned a lot and I believe that the approach needs to shift. I will step up and lead in a new direction.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

My opponent has said he will continue with a lot of plans currently in place. Those plans aren't working, just the way it has always been done. I’ll bring a fresh perspective. We need to take a hard look at and update our basic foundational plans (comprehensive plan, zoning, ordinances), find ways to encourage and support our business community, and strategically work to increase our tax base. I’m a futuristic thinker with a creative approach to problem-solving. I know how to be resourceful, and I am eager to find the answers that will work for our community.

Final Appeal: I felt called to channel my passion for our community into serving in a bigger way. I will work to shift the conversation within the Village Board. No more talking about the lack of money, lack of resources, and everything we can’t do. Instead, I’ll initiate action around what we can do and find creative solutions to our community’s challenges. With community input, and partnerships with businesses and economic development organizations, true plans and goals can be put in place. We can enact change, make smart investments, and continue to build on them to bring life back to our community.

Ellsworth Village Board

In the race for Ellsworth Village Board incumbent Lance Austin will be the only name on the ballot. There are three seats open, and three village residents are running as write-in candidates. They are Andrew Borner, Dale Hines and Chad Stevenson.

We reached out to the canddiates, and here is information from those who responded.

Andrew Borner Why are you seeking this post?

I want to be more involved in my community.

This community has been my home for my entire life.

It’s been a great place to raise my family, but I know it could be better.

I’m ready to be part of the next step for Ellsworth.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

My experience with maintenance and construction projects at work will help me navigate projects that need to be done in our community. By working together, we can find ways to tackle the issues while still being fiscally responsible.

Final Appeal: I am committed to making Ellsworth a community where people want to live and raise their family. As a village trustee, I will work with residents and businesses to preserve what is working well while finding ways to overcome challenges that we face. I’m a hard worker and I’m never satisfied with “Good Enough” or running with the status quo. I ask for your vote as a write-in on April 6th and look forward to the opportunity to work for Ellsworth.

Dale Hines Why are you seeking this post? I believe in public service, helping to create a strong and healthy community. With three of the most experienced trustees not seeking re-election, I felt the need to step forward What sets you apart from your opponent? I have been active all of my life in the Pierce County and Ellsworth communities. I understand the principle operations of government and study to make informed decisions.

Final Appeal: There is always a desire for improvement in government. I look forward to working wit the current trustees and the newlyelected Village President. I will help Ellsworth plan for future growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Chad Stevenson Why are you seeking this post?

As a write-in candidate for village trustee, Chad’s goals are to address community challenges through innovation, develop a busin ess-friendly environment to stimulate the local economy, and create a community rich in amenities that tourists will want to visit and residents will be proud to call home.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

Being a young professional with forward ways of thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset with a constant focus on improving my skill sets though willingness to learn and continuous improvement.

Final Appeal: A Write-in-Vote for Chad Stevenson is a vote for Small businesses and a healthy local Ellsworth economy.

Becky Beissel

Andrew Borner

Dale Hines

Chad Stevenson