Gilman Town Board members/incumbents are all running unopposed this election. Here's a chance to get to know the names on the ballot.
Phil Verges*
Occupation: Farmer
Position for which …
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Gilman Town Board members/incumbents are all running unopposed this election. Here's a chance to get to know the names on the ballot.
Occupation: Farmer
Position for which you are running: Gilman Town Chair
Previous elected positions: Spring Valley School Board 1996-99, Town of Gilman Supervisor 2013-2017, Town of Gilman Chair 2017- present
Community/civic activities: Gilman Lutheran Church Council, Pierce County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, WestCAP Board of Directors, PCGRO/GROWW Board of Directors
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? By far our biggest challenge at the local level is maintaining our roads. After years of revenue caps and state aids not keeping up with real road construction inflation, our roads are deteriorating faster than we can maintain or repair them. We are now in a position of competing against our neighbors for state and federal grants to get larger road projects done. Our toughest calls are determining which road improvements to make with the limited funds we get.
What are the strengths of the township? The people and its rural nature.
Why should people vote for you? I think we have a good team here in Gilman. We all care about our community, we want to be good stewards of our community resources and the tax-payer dollars and we strive to put the community’s best interest first.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? I’ve lived here for over 50 years now and I’ve farmed all my life. I love the rural nature of Gilman and the good neighbors I have. It’s my home.
Position for which you are running: Town Supervisor 1
Occupation: Golf course superintendent
Position for which you are running: Town Supervisor 2
Previous elected positions: Two previous terms as Gilman Town Supervisor I
Community/civic activities: Being busy with my job and being a town supervisor, there is not a lot of extra time. That being said, I have been involved with the church council and am currently a member of the Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? As the population of the township grows so do the challenges. Maintaining our infrastructure as best we can is a primary concern. If we do a good job of that, we will make the town of Gilman a great place to call home.
What are the strengths of the township? I work with a wonderful board that brings years of experience to our jobs. It is a great place to live and my fellow board members know that and will do our best to keep it that way.
Why should people vote for you? I am a lifelong resident of the township and think that I have a good knowledge of what is going on in the township.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? It is great to see the township grow, but at the same time maintain the very rural nature of the area.
Occupation: Clerk and farmer
Position for which you are running: Clerk
Previous elected positions: I’ve been the clerk for six years.
Community/civic activities: I participate in many library activities and fundraisers.
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? Hands down, road repair.
What are the strengths of the township? Our citizens
Why should people vote for you? Experience and commitment to the job.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? We moved here in 2009 for the schools and the slower pace. We have met many wonderful people and couldn't imagine ever leaving.
Occupation: Clerk/Treasurer Village of Spring Valley
Position for which you are running: Treasurer Town of Gilman
Previous elected positions: Treasurer Town of Gilman
Community/civic activities: I have been involved with church, SV Chamber of Commerce, Dam Days parade coordination, VBS
What are the biggest challenges faced by the township? As Treasurer, my biggest challenge is getting tax records updated and pet registration compliance.
What are the strengths of the township? Our residents enjoy their rural lifestyle so they are supportive of the town board in helping to maintain the township.
Why should people vote for you? I have a good understanding of the property tax system, work well with the Pierce County Treasurer's office and will continue to help and support the town board in any way I can.
What is your favorite part of living in this township? How long have you lived here? I enjoy driving the roads of Gilman enjoying the beautiful rolling hills of the Midwest. I have lived in Gilman for eight years and love the view from our front porch!
