Leader Staff
If absentee voting is any indication, voter traffic could be heavy in the city of Shawano on Tuesday.
In addition to highly polarized presidential primaries on both sides of the aisle, there are a number of contested races throughout the area, including the first contested mayor’s race in the city of Shawano in 14 years.
Deputy Clerk Lesley Nemetz reported that, prior to Friday, there had been 307 absentee ballots issued and 122 voters had come in to cast early ballots in person.
Those numbers spiked on Friday, however, with more than 60 people voting by Friday afternoon.
Voting was extremely busy throughout the day, according to Nemetz.
“If people didn’t have to wait in line, they were lucky,” she said.
The additional interest in the election, suggested by the number of new registrations the city has had, suggests that “we’re going to have a big day” Tuesday, Nemetz said.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. throughout the county.
Following is a run-down of other contested races and referendum questions around the area Tuesday.
Shawano mayor
Jeanne Cronce, a former Shawano School District teacher and principal, is facing Jim Oberstein, who retired from Johnson Controls in Milwaukee in 2010, in the mayor race.
One of them will replace incumbent Mayor Lorna Marquardt, who is not seeking re-election after 14 years in office.
Cronce has emphasized her familiarity with the city and her lifelong ties to the community in her run for mayor, while Oberstein has touted his background of 45 years in business.
Shawano School Board
Rich Belongia will challenge incumbents Diane Hoffman, Derek Johnson and Bruce Milavitz for three-year terms representing the city of Shawano on the board.
Bonduel School Board
Incumbent Judy Rank is being challenged by Kara Skarlupka for the two-year term representing the village of Cecil and town of Washington. Skarlupka also is running as the unopposed incumbent for the two-year, at-large seat on the board, and has said she will accept only one of the seats.
Menominee Indian School Board
Voters in the Menominee Indian School District will have to decide three board positions Tuesday.
Incumbent Chuck Goetsch will be challenged by Nicole Fish for an at-large seat. Geradette Richmond will face off against incumbent William Waubanascum for a seat representing Neopit. Incumbent Mary Wayka and Toni Caldwell are in a race for a seat representing Keshena. All three seats are for three-year terms.
Gresham referendum
Gresham School District officials are asking voters to approve $9.2 million in bonds to replace the three-story section of the school that was built in 1934 and build additional one-story sections for the high school.
The first question asks for $6 million to demolish the old section of the school and build new high school classrooms on the east side of the building. The money will also fund renovations of several classrooms in the school’s elementary wing.
The second question seeks $3.2 million for an additional gymnasium, track and soccer facilities, and a new community weight room.
If both questions on Tuesday’s ballot are approved, the tax rate will increase $2.07, from $10.44 to $12.51, per $1,000 of equalized valuation, which equates to $207 more annually for a $100,000 home.
Shawano County Board
Eight Shawano County Board seats are in contention Tuesday, three of them representing the city of Shawano.
Wesley Bucholz and Mark Bolin are vying for the District 2 seat held by Patrick Hoffman, who was knocked out of the race in February’s primary, In District 4, Shawano, Supervisor Mike McClelland faces a challenge from Aimee Zeinert, In District 5, incumbent Sandy Steinke has chosen not to run again, leaving the seat open to candidates Steve Borroughs and Lynnae Zahringer.
Outside of the city, District 8 Supervisor Rosetta Stern, town of Wescott, is being challenged by John Krizan; District 17 Supervisor Bonnie Olson, town of Belle Plaine, faces a challenge from Allan Kuhn, Shawano; District 20 Supervisor Richard Giese will go up against former county administrative coordinator Thomas Madsen, both of Gresham; District 21 Supervisor Bert Huntington, Gresham, faces a challenge from Roger Miller, Bowler; and District 27 Supervisor Jon Zwirschitz, Birnamwood, will face a rematch against former county supervisor Marion Wnek, town of Almon.
Birnamwood Village Board
Five candidates are vying for three seats on the Birnamwood Village Board. Challengers Angela Benson and Abigail Schulz are each looking to unseat at least one of three incumbents seeking re-election to another two-year term. Incumbents on the ballot are Jason Cieslewicz, Donald Schmidt and Carol Resch.
Mattoon Village Board
Three incumbents are seeking another two-year term on the Mattoon Village Board, but one of them could be unseated by a challenger. Paul Beck is vying for one of three seats held by Leland Parmer, Kim Berger and Chaz Reuter.
Bowler School Board
Incumbent board member Robert Herzberg, representing the village of Bowler, is facing a challenge in his bid for another two-year term from Otto Maves.
Eland referendum
Voters in the village of Eland will have two referendum questions to answer Tuesday as they choose between building a new village hall or refurbishing the old one.
The old village hall needs to be brought up to code for handicapped accessibility and has a failed septic system, according to Village President James Stoltz. A new roof, furnace and electrical upgrade are also needed, along with other utility improvements.
Referendum Question 1 will ask whether the village should go that route at a cost of what Stoltz said would be about $40,000.
Referendum Question 2 will ask whether the village should build a new village hall at a cost of what could be anywhere from $275,000 to $350,000, according to Stoltz.
Stoltz said the borrowing that would be needed for the new building would mean an increase in taxes of anywhere from $2.50 to $3.50 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The referendum questions are advisory, meaning the final decision will still be up to the Village Board.
Clintonville mayor
Clintonville voters will elect a new mayor on Tuesday to replace Judith Magee, who chose not to seek re-election.
Voters will decide between acting Mayor Lois Bressette, who is a District 4 alderperson, and political newcomer Jonathan Bayless. The mayor serves a two-year term. If Bressette wins, her District 4 position will need to be filled later.
Clintonville Common Council
There are aldermanic races in several districts. In District 1, incumbent Jim Krause faces Lance Bagstad. In District 2, incumbent Gloria Dunlavy is facing Charles Manske. Incumbent Amy Steenbock is running without opposition in District 3. Incumbent Mary Beth Kuester faces former Alderman Mike Hankins in District 4. Incumbent Jeannie Schley faces former Alderman Mark Doornink in District 5.
Clintonville School Board
Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Clintonville School Board. Incumbent Dirk Weber faces a challenge from three newcomers, Mark Zachow, Lorie Poppe and Larry Czarnecki. Incumbent Judith Magee chose not to seek re-election.