Scott Williams, swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court Judge William Kussel, left, administers the oath of office to Patrick Hoffman, the new county supervisor for District 2, during Wednesday’s County Board meeting. Hoffman fills the seat left behind when Ron Kupper passed away.
Local business owner Patrick Hoffman has become the newest member of the Shawano County Board.
Hoffman was appointed Wednesday to complete the unexpired term of District 2 Supervisor Ronald Kupper, who died May 8 at age 73 after a long battle with cancer.
Representing a district that covers generally the west side of Shawano, Hoffman will complete Kupper’s two-year term, which expires next April.
Hoffman said while he has not decided whether to run for election to a full term next year, he is excited about getting involved in county government.
“I’m a political guy,” he said. “I like politics.”
The County Board approved Hoffman’s appointment unanimously after it was presented by Chairman Jerry Erdmann.
Erdmann said he selected Hoffman from among four applicants from District 2 because Hoffman seemed eager to serve and seemed to know about the government process.
“He seems to be a good person for this County Board,” Erdmann told his fellow supervisors. “Common sense — I like to see that.”
After the County Board approved the appointment, Hoffman was sworn in by Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court Judge William Kussel Jr.
Hoffman, 49, grew up in Gresham and has lived in Shawano for about 30 years. He and his family own and operate Hoffman Wood Fiber LLC, a paper mill supplier in the town of Seneca.
He told supervisors that he has been exposed to politics through his former wife, Diane Hoffman, who serves on the Shawano School Board. He also said supporters urged him privately to seek the County Board appointment.
“I’m just hoping that I can serve the people in my district well,” he said.