Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Greg Mellis Newly elected Shawano Mayor Jeanne Cronce visits with friends and family on her first official day of office Tuesday. Cronce was sworn into office prior to the start of the Common Council meeting. She replaces Lorna Marquardt, who did not seek re-election.
Jeanne Cronce was sworn in Tuesday as Shawano mayor just before overseeing her first meeting of the Common Council.
“I’m thrilled with the reception I’ve received from City Hall and staff,” Cronce said as she opened the meeting. “I’d like to thank all those that were supportive of me, and especially my family. They showed up tonight. Hopefully we can continue on a strong path moving our city forward.”
Cronce defeated Jim Oberstein in the April 5 election by a vote of 1,434-1,290 to replace Lorna Marquardt, who chose not to seek another two-year term after 14 years in the office.
“This is sort of a momentous occasion,” City Administrator Brian Knapp said. “I do want to extend a welcome to Mayor Cronce and I look forward to working with you and also Alderperson (Lisa) Hoffman.”
Hoffman was also new to the council, replacing Fred Ponschok, who also chose not to run again.
“But I also want to say thank you to former Mayor Marquardt and Alderman Ponschok,” Knapp said. “Very long-serving public servants whose dedication to this community and their leadership and guidance are reflected in much of what you see around Shawano today. Thank you, and we will miss you.”
Marquardt won’t be completely absent from future city business, however. At Tuesday’s meeting, she was appointed to serve on the Shawano Plan Commission, replacing Cronce.