Candidates for Medford city council, Rib Lake village board

There will be one new face on the Medford city council this spring as Erica Petersen runs to fill the seat previously held by Tim Hansen. On Rib Lake Village Board voters will choose between the following four candidates Jack Buksa, Megan Jonasen, Cliff Mann and Vernell Van Hecker. Questionnaires were sent to all the candidates and those replying are listed below:

Erica Petersen

My name is Erica Petersen and I am running for alderperson for District 2 in the city of Medford. I was born and raised in Medford, and have never lived anywhere else. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I graduated from MASH in 2010, go Raiders! I have two children who are currently in elementary school. They both love the events and activities that the chamber, businesses, and city put on for families in our community and of course the CITY POOL. I recently graduated with my master’s degree. The public may know me from being the library director at the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library from 2016 to 2020. I am now employed at a prison as a counselor.

Serving in local government is important for the community, businesses, financial stability, and growth of our city. Medford is very unique in the way it incorporates its businesses and organizations and I want to help continue and grow to make our city special for the families that live here for years to come.

Medford’s amazing amenities, events, programs, and people make our community what it is. Whether you have attended Harvest Days, the Home Show, Women’s Weekend, Free Saturday Movies or any other event or program- the collaboration between different organizations in the community is tremendous and vital to their success. I feel very fortunate to live in Medford and hope you do too.

Jack Buksa

Please tell us about yourself. What is your background?

Jack Buksa, wife Andrea, son Tyler, and daughter Megan, employed with Patrick Fur Farm in the Transportation, Buildings & Grounds Department. I am a lifelong resident of Rib Lake, and in my spare time I follow Megan around with her seasonal sports she is at the time. I also play dart ball and am currently concluding my North American Tour at the Wisconsin State Dartball Tournament in Green Bay, in April. I am also president of the RLED.

Why do you want to serve in local government?

I serve because me and my family aren’t going to leave any time soon, so I want my community to be successful and its surroundings to be an enjoyable place to be a part of.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the community and what will you do as a board member to overcome that challenge?

We have a few empty buildings in town all of a sudden and we as a board are working to replace these that are important to the residents and their needs. I am not sure if a day passes by when we don’t try to come up with solutions to keep Rib Lake thriving and remain always an exciting place for everybody to live in, visit and call Rib Lake home.

How do you feel local government can be more responsive to the needs of community members?

I have always told residents and visitors that I can be reached anytime by phone and for the most part everyone knows where I reside for any concerns.

Megan Jonasen

Please tell us about yourself. What is your background?

My name is Megan Jonasen. I am originally from Superior, Wisconsin, but have made Rib Lake my home for the last two years. This is my 8th year teaching and I am happily teaching at Rib Lake Elementary. My fiancé and I are excited to get married this summer. We have three dogs and enjoy spending time with our families.

Why do you want to serve in local government?

As a member of the community, I have felt very welcomed and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to give back to this wonderful community.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the community and what will you do as a board member to overcome that challenge?

I think our biggest challenge facing the community is not retaining the businesses in our area. As a board member I would work with the Rib Lake Development Foundation on seeking new businesses and supporting all of our businesses so they may grow.

How do you feel local government can be more responsive to the needs of community members?

I feel local government can be more responsive to the needs of community members by valuing community input on village board decisions. As an elected representative, it would be my duty to do what’s in the best interest of my fellow community members.

Jack Buksa

Megan Jonasen