level, but that also requires ….
level, but that also requires constituents who are willing to let elected representatives know when something is wrong.
“If you’re going to complain about something and you’re not going to agree with something, then step up to a leadership position. Or complain to the right people; don’t complain to the people at the bar. Complain to the people that can make a difference. As a public servant, you’re supposed to represent all people — not a certain group, but all people within the community.”
Tesch said it’s not always easy to come up with the perfect solution to a problem because you have to consider many different perspectives, not just your own.
“I don’t want to be harping on the negatives always. We’ve done some good things. We’ve had some issues. They’ve rectified those issues. Those are positives.”
Schwantes: “To me, it feels like there’s a lot of tension with the board. It seems very adversarial, one group against the other. I don’t know the reason, I’ll say that right now. I don’t know what that friction is about, but it’s obvious when you attend a meeting.”
“When you see that on a regular basis in those meetings, it’s hard to accomplish things. I don’t think that’s in the best interest of the people of the township. I think that needs to be addressed, fixed, corrected, and they need to get back to what’s important to the people of the town.”
“I think having some different people in there can maybe help that out. I’m not singling anybody out in particular; it’s just kind of a general feeling I’ve seen when I’ve gone to the meetings.”
What is your plan for working with other town officials to make sure the town’s business is getting taken care of?
Tischendorf said he and Peissig have a good working relationship when it comes to township business.
“We both agree that the roads should be our first priority.”
Tischendorf said there will always be “disagreements and differences of opinions” on certain issues, but “you try your best to hash out the differences during the meeting.”
“Sometimes it’s best to table the issue and wait until the next meeting. In the meantime, it allows a person to get more information and hopefully then make a more informed decision.”
Tischendorf said applying “good old commonsense” helps, and so does consulting the Wisconsin Township Association, which he says is a great resource when trying to make the right decisions.
“You try to balance the township’s interest along with the person or group that is being affected. And, in the end, whether you agree or disagree, you should respect that person’s opinion and try and move forward.”
Peissig: “That’s a tough one, because we don’t see eye-to-eye right now, so I’d prefer not to answer that one at all. I have no comment on that. Less drama is what I’m looking for.”
Tesch said communication and integrity should be town officials’ top goals.
“You need to communicate in a fashion that is professional, but at the same point, making sure there isn’t a gray area. Everybody doesn’t have to agree. It’s OK to have a different opinion.”
“If you’re on the winning side, you have to be a gracious winner, and if you’re on the losing side, you have to be a gracious loser and understand that this is how it works.”
Tesch noted that he did not seek this position on his own, but was nominated by people who wanted to see him run.
“If I don’t get elected, it won’t be the end of the world, but I would hope that other people would run and throw their hat in the ring and accept the challenge to represent your community.”
Tesch said it’s important for town offi cials to “know how things work” and why things are the way they are. He said it’s also crucial that residents “represent ourselves without dragging each other down, pitting farmers against farmers.”
“Holton has a very long tradition of dairy and so we want to keep that heritage going. At the same point, we want to get along with our city cousins. As urban sprawl happens, we have to address some of those issues too.”
Schwantes: “It comes down to communication. You’re not always going to agree on things, and I understand that. There is such a thing as healthy differences, but when it get to the point where the bickering and the arguing overpower the issue, that in and of itself is an issue. If I get on there, I want it to be open. I want to clear the air and start over. Let’s move past whatever the issues have been. Let’s start working forward to make good decisions, financially responsible decisions, ones that the people want — and make sure we’re listening to them.”
