Trustee, past president vie for president’s post in Bonduel

Editor’s note: Village Trustee Sharon Wussow and past village president Grant Staszak will face off in Tuesday’s election for village president in Bonduel. The Shawano Leader posed several questions to them.

Why are you running?

Staszak: I’ve served the village as president in the past and would be honored to do that again if the residents want that. Some of the issues we faced then are the same and we’re at a crossroads when it comes to economic development. I look forward to the opportunity to address those issues.

Wussow: I feel that now is the time for me to use my strengths to the benefit of the village of Bonduel. I have lived all my life in the Bonduel area and care deeply about the success of the village. I have had several of the board members and also some village residents ask me to run for village president. I want to keep village residents informed of what is happening in the village and I would like to get some more activities that would help our local retail businesses.

Why should voters choose you over your opponent?

Staszak: The key thing is I was village president in the past. I have experience in the public sector. I was chief of staff in Green Bay and was appointed by the governor to the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. The main issue is economic development, and there are general issues. I’ve dealt with those issues in Green Bay.

Wussow: I have had many years of experience dealing with a diverse group of people. I enjoy working with people with honesty and integrity. I will work with employees and board members to come up with the best solutions to any problems or situations that may arise while keeping the best interest of the village in mind. I will strive to treat employees/board member/village residents with respect and will value their opinion and input.

Utility bills were an issue during the primary. What can you do to lower them?

Staszak: Utility bills need to be researched. Anything we do would need to go through the Public Service Commission. We need to look at the terms of the loan on the sewer pipeline and review the budget and salary and wages and see if we can be more efficient. There are also fire protection charges and garbage charges included in that, and we need to review those to see if there is anything we can do different.

Wussow: I have checked into them somewhat already. The PSC determines what the water and the fire protection fee will be so that we cannot change, but I will look into the sewer and refuse rates to see if they can be changed and if not, I will let the public know why. Our current president and my opponent both have had the opportunity to do something about the utility bills and they have not. I will consult with the village financial advisers to see if we possibly can refinance or what can be done.

What are some of the village’s pressing needs and how do you propose to address them?

Staszak: The main issues are sewer and water bills and economic development. We also need to do a general review of government operations to see whether we’re providing adequate services and whether we’re overstaffed or understaffed. I’d stress collaboration with our neighbors — the school district, town of Hartland, Shawano County. We’re the largest village in Shawano County. We need better marketing to attract businesses and residents. We need to strengthen our collaboration with civic organizations that serve the Bonduel community.

Wussow: I feel that all board members have not been kept abreast of things that are happening in the village. I plan on keeping the board informed on everything that I will be doing in the capacity of village president. Another need is to fill our empty buildings and to have the village residents purchase locally to help the economy here first. We need to market our village that it is a nice place to live, work and to raise a family. I want people to be able to approach the board and question what is happening and that we will answer them promptly or shortly thereafter. I also want to get younger people involved in government activities by serving on committees or even on the board.