Candidates speak out on the matters important to them in their community

By Ginna Young

As voters turn their attention to the spring election April 2, local candidates are sharing their views about issues involving council, village, town and school boards.

Cadott Village Board  – Trustee: Three Seats Open

Ronnie Duncan No questionnaire was returned.

Louie Eslinger No questionnaire was returned.

Eric Weiland – Incumbent Heading into this spring, Eric Weiland is seeking re-election, because he wants to continue to serve the community and have a voice for the village residents.

“I also want to be a part of our town as it grows,” he said.

To the best of his ability, Weiland wants to take concerns and problems, and try to come up with a solution to make the situations and problems people have better. It’s his motto to not look at the past, but instead, look toward the future and grow together.

“The most important focus in the upcoming years, I believe,” said Weiland, “should be looking toward bringing more families to our town, building more residential homes, bringing more businesses to our town and expanding our business district in the village, so bigger businesses have the opportunity to come.”

Cadott School Board  – Two Seats Open

Cory LaNou – Incumbent After serving for three years on the school board, Cory LaNou feels his role is to prioritize student growth and achievement, because there’s nothing more important than seeing students succeed.

“When I originally ran for this position, my No. 1 priority for the district was improving our academic achievement scores,” said LaNou. “This has not changed and will continue to be my No. 1 priority.”

He also wants to see growth for Cadott.

“In all areas,” said LaNou. “Growth in academics. Growth in extracurricular programs. Growth in enrollment to the district.”

Andrea Wahl – Incumbent Current board member Andrea Wahl wants to ensure the children of Cadott have a safe environment to learn, to the best of their ability.

“I want our school to be the place were good values, meet exceptional education,” said Wahl.

Wahl also wants to provide guidance and direction to the district’s educators, to ensure students are learning at a high level. Included in her role as a board member, is to be a good steward of taxpayer money and make fiscally responsible choices, to ensure no fraud, waste or abuse.

She also wants to make sure the school district stays ahead of the curve, when it comes to education, technology and safety.

“I would like to see our school district become a beacon to surrounding communities, where parents find comfort, knowing their children are in a sound moral environment,” said Wahl.

Cornell City Council  – Mayor: One Seat Open

Mark Larson – Incumbent To continue working on whatever is necessary to help Cornell grow and prosper, Mark Larson is looking to serve again as the mayor. As an elected official, his role is to be the voice of all the citizens in the city, while still running the municipality efficiently.

In doing so, pursuing grants is key to update infrastructure, along with looking at all options available to have quality healthcare in the surrounding area.

Larson also feels strongly that all should do their part in patronizing local businesses, which are needed to bring more people to the city.

“We must continue to promote Cornell, as a great place to live and raise a family, he said, “while also promoting our area as a great place for all outdoor activities.”

Alderperson: Three Seats Open

Bill Kvapil – Incumbent For Bill Kvapil, being on city council means he’s there to represent the residents of Cornell, by listening to their concerns and doing what he can to help.

It’s also important to him to bring more business into the city and continue working on infrastructure.

“I feel there is more work to be done for Cornell, and want to help get it done,” said Kvapil.

Terry Smith – Incumbent Terry Smith enjoys his position on the council and those serving on the board. Included in that, is spending taxpayer money wisely, while keeping the high standards known in the employment at the city works department, as well as finding police officers who are a good fit in the community.

Because Cornell is not an industrial town, Smith also wants to ensure tourist attractions are touted, as a way to bring people into the city.

Steve Turany – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.

Cornell School Board  – Two Seats Open

Lyle Briggs – Incumbent Lyle Briggs has decades of experience behind him, while serving on the school board and is grateful for the support of the community, as he helps run the district, to ensure students have the best education they can.

“It is nice to be able to give back to the community,” said Briggs.

Briggs is also mindful of giving staff a safe environment to work in. He’s also looking ahead to the future and what that holds.

“We need to have a plan for the future of our school district,” he said. “It is a good time to figure out our options and bring them to the community, to decide which way to go.”

It’s clear Briggs enjoys serving on the board and that his priority is to see the good things in the district continue.

“We have a great school district, financially strong, a great place for students to learn,” he said.

Jamie Close – Incumbent Jamie Close is running again for school board, because he wants to continue pointing the district in a better direction and see the best possible outcome for the community.

For him, his role is a great means of communication between school officials and the community.

“I would like to continue to strive toward what’s best for our students, faculty and community,” he said. “Looking to better the future for all students, will always be one of my main priorities.”

Lake Holcombe School Board  – One Seat Open

Brian Guthman – Incumbent As a former educator, Brian Guthman believes his 30 plus years of experience has been an asset to the school board, with an increased understanding of school issues, including financing, referendums and policies important for providing the best education for the children.

“I want to make sure the taxpayers are getting the most out of their taxpayer money,” he said. “I have spent my life working in the Lake Holcombe community, trying to make the school and the community, the best place for kids and families to live.”

Guthman’s vision is for the school to be the center of the community, from the time a student is born and through their years as a parent, and eventually, grandparents, as they live their life in Holcombe.

“As an elected school board member, I strive to represent the people who have elected me to the office,” said Guthman. “The Lake Holcombe School District is a large district that incorporates many towns. I see my role as educating myself on the issues, so I can make the decisions that will be the best for Lake Holcombe School District students and community.

Staying on budget and setting policy is important to Guthman, as well as staying on top of issues in the community.

“There is a significant need to invest in the youth in our community and to have high quality education offered though the Lake Holcombe School,” said Guthman, “because without youth and a school, there will no longer be a Lake Holcombe community, nor will there be a workforce to support the services required of our retiring and aging populations.”

For Guthman, the most important thing the school needs to focus on in the coming years, is funding, hiring and retaining quality teaching, and other educational staff. He also wants to focus on investing in strategies, partnerships and opportunities, to make it conducive for parents to be able to work in jobs in and out of the community, while still keeping the school and community strong.

“This also means developing new relationships with stakeholders, who are interested in innovative approaches,” said Guthman, “so we continue to graduate the great kids we have a history of graduating and of whom have gone on to become phenomenal, contributing citizens, to our community and society.”