Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Two sitting Common Council members have taken out papers to run for Shawano mayor after incumbent Lorna Marquardt announced she will not seek re-election in April.
Meanwhile, one of the aldermen up for re-election in the spring election could be facing a challenger.
Council members Bob Kurkiewicz and Sandy Steinke have both filed campaign registration statements with the city for possible mayoral bids.
All candidates have until 5 p.m. Jan. 5 to get the 20 signatures needed to qualify to be on the April 5 spring election ballot, and if necessary the Feb. 16 primary.
The mayor’s race could also broaden over the next month, raising the likelihood of a primary race.
“Three additional people have taken packets with them with the intentions of running for mayor, but have not returned any of the necessary paperwork at this time,” Deputy Clerk Lesley Nemetz said.
Three council seats will also be on the ballot in April. They are held by Rhonda Strebel, John Hoeffs and Fred Ponschok.
Ponschok could face a possible challenge for his District 4 seat from Lisa Hoffman, who has filed her campaign registration statement.
City Attorney Tim Schmid is also up for re-election, as is Shawano-Bonduel Municipal Judge Myron Heisted.
Marquardt has served as mayor for 14 years and six years prior to that as alderperson.
In most elections Marquardt has run unopposed, as has most of the Common Council.
Also expiring in April are the two-year terms of all 27 supervisors on the Shawano County Board.