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 1, local candidates are sharing their views about issues involving council, village, town and school boards.
CADOTT VILLAGE BOARD
President: One Seat Open
Randy Kuehni – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
Trustee: Three Seats Open
Terry Licht – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
Todd Seeley – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
Tina Sturz For Tina Sturz, overseeing and acting responsibly on issues presented to the board, is important, as is community growth. By being a good steward through transparency, Sturz looks to help set policy and make decisions in the best interest of the village.
“I actually wasn’t seeking this position,” said Sturz. “I was asked by members of the community to consider running and felt with the number of years I’ve lived in this community, and served the county, I could have a positive impact on outcomes for community members and their interests.”
CADOTT SCHOOL BOARD
Three Seats Open
Kevin Roshell – Incumbent Kevin Roshell is seeking reelection, because, as a parent of three young children in the district, he is deeply invested in ensuring that all students receive the education and support they need to succeed.
“My first term on the board has given me valuable experience and a deeper understanding of how we can continue to improve our schools,” said Roshell. I am proud of our work in passing a referendum to expand technical education programs, positioning our district as a leader in skilled education. I look forward to building on this progress, and advocating for initiatives that will benefit all students and prepare them for future success.”
As a school board member, Roshell believes his role is to serve as a representative of the community, advocating for policies that support teacher effectiveness and overall district growth.
“I am committed to ensuring responsible financial stewardship, fostering transparency and making informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of our students, families and educators,” said Roshell. “Additionally, I see my role as collaborating with fellow board members, administrators and the community, to maintain high educational standards, support innovative programs, and create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.”
With the infrastructure already in progress for the technical education center expansion, Roshell thinks the next step is to ensure the successful implementation of these programs. That includes strategic planning, building partnerships with local businesses and providing hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for high-demand careers.
“Second, we need to prioritize academic excellence and student support,” said Roshell. “Third, teacher retention must be a top priority. To be a leading district, we must attract and retain high-quality educators, by offering competitive compensation, professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.”
Roshell knows that teachers are the most valuable asset in shaping the future of children and that Cadott must lead the way in supporting them.
“By focusing on these key areas, we can continue to build a strong, future-ready district, that provides exceptional opportunities for all students,” said Roshell, which means supporting initiatives like internships, apprenticeships and onthe- job training, with local businesses and schools, to give students real-world experience and direct pathways to employment. “College may not be the right fit for everyone, so offering skilled trade programs will help align students for success in careers that are in high demand and offer great pay – even before they graduate.”
Brad Sonnentag – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
Karen Winchel – Incumbent Karen Winchel wants to continue with her involvement in the growing community and as the educational system evolves, as a parent, Winchel is in-tune with what is important as that evolution takes place.
“With growth, comes changes,” said Winchel. “It’s important to understand that changes are inevitable; however, that does not mean we can’t focus on the good changes will bring, and how to continue to keep the same close-knit community we know and love.”
Winchel wants to act as a sounding board for the community and help fellow board members make mutual decisions that are best for those involved.
“We can offer to be a safe place, for school/communitybased, decision-making, that will serve as important factors in our educational system within our community.”
CORNELL CITY COUNCIL
Alderperson: Three Seats Open
Floyd Hickethier Incumbent As an elected member of council, Floyd Hickethier enjoys serving the citizens of his home town and making Cornell a safe place to live, with good emergency services that can respond when there’s a need. He also wants to get some things done, such as making sure the city budget isn’t in the red, while ensuring some problems are solved, such as an overabundance of dogs running loose and cutting down on speeding in the city limits.
Part of Hickethier’s goals, are to have good working equipment for maintenance of the city, as well as finishing landscaping at the new riverwalk and installing more benches for people to enjoy the outdoor area.
“As a council member, you have to listen closely…and try to solve things, if the people bring their problems to the council,” said Hickethier.
David Hoel David Hoel wants to help provide leadership in areas of tourism and improving infrastructure, if it’s fiscally feasible. Because Cornell has so much to offer visitors, Hoel feels the city needs to capitalize on every aspect of Cornell’s best assets.
As a life-long resident, including working 38 years at the local feed cooperative, Hoels knows a lot of people and is open to communicating with the electors.
“Our fine city deserves representation for everyone,” said Hoel.
Daniel Osborn Daniel Osborn is passionate about improving his community, through effective governance, leveraging and professional expertise, while advocating for meaningful change, ensuring every voice is heard. He also wants to foster an inclusive environment, where residents can actively participate in shaping the city’s culture.
“The most important focus in coming years, is economic development and to improve local infrastructure,” said Osborn. “Both go hand-in-hand, along with residents’ concerns that are heard and addressed.”
Osborn wants to establish an area chamber of commerce and to improve the city roads, electrical grid and public safety.
“My most important thing I can offer the community, is having spent years working with diverse populations, I have developed deep understanding of community needs,” said Osborn. “My 26 years of military experience, have equipped me with exceptional leadership skills, a commitment to service an understanding of community needs and strong problem- solving abilities.”
Deb Semanko – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
CORNELL SCHOOL BOARD
One Seat Open
Greg Baker – Incumbent Greg Baker wants to serve the community, by making sure everything in the school buildings are safe for students and staff. That means working with other board members to make that happen and planning for the future, as some parts of the high school are 110 years old.
Baker hopes to ensure the district lives up to its full potential, by keeping a great teaching, administrative and custodial staff.
“Making sure our students are well taken care of and educated,” said Baker.
LAKE HOLCOMBE TOWN BOARD
President: One Seat Open
Brian Guthman – Incumbent Brian Guthman wants to continue the projects the town is working on, including the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial and the Cornell Area Fire Department satellite station, as well as issues that will affect the town in the future.
“I believe my experiences will be an asset to the town for another term,” said Guthman.
As an elected official, Guthman believes it’s best to oversee the day-to-day operations of the town and be fiscally responsible for the taxpayers.
“I take this role very seriously and always try to make decisions in the best interest of the town,” said Guthman.
Continued improvement of the sanitary district and storm water management in some areas of the town also needs attention, while roads and other infrastructure has to be addressed on a continual basis.
“The most important thing the town can offer to the community, is to be a safe place to recreate and raise a family,” said Guthman. “This also means it will be important to update our emergency management plans to help our residents, businesses and tourists, be prepared and ready to react to any environmental challenges that may affect this beautiful area.”
Supervisor: Two Seats Open
Jeff Anders Running as a registered write-in candidate, Anders already has served on the sanitary and school boards, but is branching out.
“I’ve thought about this for a while now, but had no reason to run against anyone on the board,” said Anders. “With the position being open this year, and now being retired, I feel that I have the time and energy to dedicate to the job.”
To Anders, being a good board member means working as part of a team to get the job done. It also means listening to the people who put him there and using common sense in making decisions that are best for the township.
“I feel we need to focus on some much-needed infrastructure improvements and finding ways to finance these projects, without putting a larger burden on the taxpayers,” said Anders. “I would also say that we need to continue to promote our great town and everything we have to offer, while also looking for ways it can grow and prosper.”
David Staudacher – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
Clerk: One Seat Open
Tracey Larson – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
Treasurer: One Seat Open
Jim Mataczynski – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
LAKE HOLCOMBE SCHOOL BOARD
Two Seats Open
Jamie Tester-Morfoot – Incumbent Jamie Tester-Morfoot has enjoyed the past four years on the school board, and believes in the district and its ability to provide a sound education, to the students and families who choose to call this district their educational home.
“Holding a local public office is an important way to serve and impact your community,” said Morfoot. “I believe the role of an elected official is to consider all of the information and make decisions that will best serve those they represent.”
Because funding and budgets are always a concern for public education, Morfoot wants to ensure that Lake Holcombe is able to continue to provide a well-rounded and thorough education, that adequately prepares its students to pursue whatever post graduation goals they have with confidence. That is critical to the livelihood of not only the district, but the community.
“This includes continued advocacy for funding changes at the state level,” said Morfoot.
Families face a great deal of pressure and challenges in society, so consistency in school reduces stress and challenges for children, and families, because they know what to expect.
“In a town the size of Lake Holcombe, your school needs to be a place where everyone is welcome,” said Morfoot. “A school is a community hub for events and camaraderie, regardless of age or whether you have children that attend the building, every day or not.”
Debbi Readinger – Incumbent No questionnaire was returned.
