Meet the candidates

With the April 2 election right around the corner, the Tribune Record Gleaner (TRG) reached out to local candidates to have them share about themselves, to help readers get to know them and make an informed decision.

Featured in this article are local contested races, in which there will be two names listed for the same position on the ballot. There are six county board contested races in the TRG’s coverage area, along with two Loyal School Board races, a Greenwood School Board race and the Greenwood mayor position. Responses are organized by position being sought. If the candidate is an incumbent, that is indicated.

The TRG asked the following questions of each candidate: 1. Why are you running for public office?

2. What knowledge and/ or experience do you bring to this position?

3. What issues or policy areas would you like to focus on, if elected?

4. Describe your community involvement (clubs, organizations, volunteering, etc.). 5. Anything else you would like the community to know?

GREENWOOD SCHOOL BOARD Member representing Area 3 (all school district territory west of Highway 73 and north of the line made up of County Trunk G and Rock Creek Road to County Highway M, not within the city limit) Bradley Rowe 1. Longtime board member Jerome Krempasky wasn’t going run for reelection. I saw a need and decided to run. I wanted to ensure the community voice was heard and the school district remained the best it could be.

2. Currently serving as a church board member – creating and following budgets and following parliamentary procedures will come in handy when looking ahead and hopefully serving on the school board. I have also been attending school board meetings to learn some of the school’s specifi c processes. 3. Opportunities to collaborate with neighboring school districts to create more opportunities for our students is currently a big focus within the community 4. I am an active member of the Greenwood Booster Club, volunteering for the alumni tournament and cooking for the tailgate party. I am an FFA Alumni member, volunteering for the dairy breakfasts and helping grill for the End of Summer Fest tractor pull. I also serve as a York Center Methodist Church board member, volunteering for the annual pancake breakfast and soup and salad luncheons, and am a member of our cemetery association. My family also goes on a yearly mission trip to Red Cliff. I also have participated in the Make-A-Wish truck convoy for over 20 years. 5. Although I did not attend Greenwood High School growing up, it has been a great school district to be a part of. I am married to a GHS alum and father of three girls (two of whom attended GHS). It feels great to have such an opportunity to give back to this school after all it has done for my girls.

Luke Smith 1. I was born and raised in Greenwood. I plan to keep my community’s best interest in mind with any decisions I am asked to make. Being a parent to three kids who attend Greenwood school, it is my plan to keep all students’ best interest in mind at all times.

2. I’ve been a council member of our

Please see Candidates, page 8

Bradley Rowe

Luke Smith Candidates,

from p. 1

church for over six years, a business owner for the past six and more importantly a parent for more than 11 years. Be it congregation, customers or family, I’ve learned that you must listen to the majority when making any decision.

3. I’ll focus on whatever is brought to the table. Cooping with Loyal is a current large topic. I’m all for that, but wasted spending is a pet peeve of mine. It is my goal to keep the students’ best interest in mind, but at the same time keep the taxpayer informed and considered in all major decisions.

4.Anything involving my kids. Sports, 4-H, church activities.

GREENWOOD MAYOR Dave Hansen (incumbent) 1. Holding a public office is an act of service to my community. I have enjoyed listening to the comments and answering questions to make the people aware what is happening in their city.

2. After spending over 40 years in auto parts sales, I am comfortable with helping a variety of people and their problems and addressing issues.

3. I would like to encourage the community to be more involved and increase the awareness of what happens within their city’s government. One of the main goals is keeping the city fiscally responsible. Creating new home construction and bringing new business opportunities to improve our downtown area.

4. I represent the city at the United Communities of Clark County as vice president. I am vice chairman of the fire association and a member of Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau. I am a member of the Greenwood Athletic Booster Club and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

5. I have lived in Greenwood my whole life. I am very proud of my community and I promise to work hard every day on its behalf.

Jim Schecklman 1. I’ve only been away from the office of mayor for two years, but I miss it. I miss interacting with the people. I miss helping others address their concerns. I miss the constant challenge of bringing exciting new ideas and businesses to our community. I enjoy making a difference, and I think I was part of great teams over the years who did just that. We accomplished a lot even though it wasn’t always visible to the public. But we can improve our communication, and we will if I’m elected.

2. Fifteen years’ experience in Greenwood city government – 14 as mayor (2008-2022) and one as council president.

Served on numerous city committees over the years and am currently a member of the finance committee.

Extensive knowledge of all city departments and functions.

Significant people management experience. Currently leading a team of 12. I lead additional project teams with a short-term focus and variable budgets that frequently exceed $250,000 per project.

I have broad human resources knowledge and have been in the technology field for more than 30 years.

Skilled in budget planning and financial management. 3. Taxes: To lower taxes we need new businesses and homes, and to draw people to our community. Let’s evaluate city-owned property. Do we sell, retain or develop? Let’s develop a plan to attract businesses with incentives.

City Streets: We do a lot with a little and the city employees should be commended. But we can we do better, and it’s our job to find ways to improve.

Library: Let’s continue to support the library and the services it provides to our community, but when and where it makes sense. Make upgrades that are consistent with statistics and the current times.

4. Over the years, I served on the Learn-A-Lot Preschool Board, and was a member of the Greenwood-Willard Area Jaycees, the Dairy Days Committee, the Butterland Jubilee Committee, the Greenwood Street Dance Committee and the End of Summerfest Committee.

I volunteer coached girls softball for two years and girls basketball for nine years.

I volunteer officiated boys basketball games.

I volunteered at city Christmas and Easter events. I spoke to elementary students in Greenwood and Marshfield various times regarding government practices and concepts.

I’ve mentored information technology students at Mid-State Technical College over the years as well.

5. If you elect me as your next mayor, you will find I have no hidden agenda. I never did. I will represent both residents and businesses in the city. If you have a concern, find me and we’ll talk. In my 14 years as mayor, I never once turned away someone with a concern or question. I will focus on the big picture for the city, but I will not do so by sacrificing your individual rights and privileges. I will bring transparency to the office. There will be no secrets. Don’t forget to vote! LOYAL SCHOOL BOARD Member representing the area north of Highway 98 Kirk Haslow 1. I feel with my experience I can help guide the school into the future. 2. Business experience from expanding to downsizing and doing HR, understanding of the mill rate and how it impacts real estate taxes. Also knowing how the board works.

3. Financial issues, looking into collaboration with other schools to better serve the students’ and taxpayers’ future.

4. I have been the clerk for the Town of Beaver for over 11 years.

5. I attended Loyal Public Schools and graduated in 1982. I know what it feels like to have a sport pulled from the school; in 1980, the cross country sport was stopped for not enough kids.

I had six kids that attended the Loyal school and one grandson now attending elementary. I have seen how the school handles kids from the top of the class to the ones with special needs.

My goal is to give the students the best possible education and sports to participate in, with the Loyal school spending the taxpayer money wisely.

Thank you, all previous and present board members for years of service. I feel it is my time to serve the public.

Jared Loos 1. I am running for school board because we need change and a new perspective to help our school survive and thrive. I also believe we need to get the community, parents and students back involved. I am open to hearing everyone's perspectives. I believe you are elected to a public office to represent the people who voted for you, not dictate them.

2. I have held positions on multiple boards and am currently on the Loyal Youth Football and Cheerleading board. I have also been a small business owner for over 10 years.

3. I want transparency in the policy and financial decisions the school is making. We need to get the parents, students and community back involved in our school. As

Please see Candidates, page 9

Dave Hansen

Jim Schecklman

Kirk Haslow

Jared Loos Candidates,

from p. 8 a community member and taxpayer, I feel our voices have not been heard and I am willing to help change that.

4. I have been a volunteer coach for the Junior Pee-Wee Football the last two years. The kids I have coached are from multiple school districts and I have developed great relationships with both the players and parents.

5. I have lived in Loyal my whole life. I have been married to my wife, Kim, for 13 years and have two sons, Hunter and Corbin. I am a Loyal graduate and have two sons enrolled in the elementary school. I firmly believe politics do not belong in our school. We need to bring the common sense aspect back to running the school. Our school needs to be run like a business with logical decisions being made financially. I want to be an advocate for the community to come to with questions or new ideas. The school is the heartbeat of the community and without our school, our community will slowly die.

Member representing the city of Loyal Matthew Kubista 1. I would like to be elected to the Loyal School Board because my four children have received an excellent education at Loyal Public Schools and had the opportunity to be involved in many extracurricular activities. So I want to ensure that Loyal maintains a strong school for current and future students.

Also, I am very torn on the issue of possible full consolidation of the Loyal and Greenwood schools. I have many questions that I hope will be answered during this process, whether I am on the school board or not. I feel this needs to be considered very judiciously, with full community involvement, as it definitely affects all of us.

2. I have worked for the City of Loyal in law enforcement for 27 years, with 23 years as police chief. In that role, I have gotten the opportunity to serve the community and work closely with the school. I have given classroom presentations, worked with school administration on various issues, spoke with students interested in criminal justice and given elementary students police department tours.

Three of our four children have graduated from Loyal High School and our last daughter is in middle school. This has given me a lot of insight into the various academic courses and extracurricular activities offered at school. So, I could offer valuable input in these areas.

3. I would like to focus on finding additional ways to recruit and retain teachers, and maintain or increase student numbers. I would like to work with staff, parents and students to find ways to encourage students interested in education to consider returning to Loyal to teach.

I would also like to get input from teachers and students to see if certain school coursework, along with Loyal community support, could allow students to develop plans to start businesses in our community.

I would be very supportive of administration and staff being given opportunities to meet with government representatives regarding the ongoing need for increased funding in rural schools.

I would like to further strengthen relationships between our school and community.

4. My community involvement includes being a current member of the Loyal Economic Development Committee. I was a past member of the Loyal Lions Club. I am an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Loyal. I was an assistant coach for Loyal varsity football for two years, coached Loyal American Youth Football for four years, and am currently an assistant coach for Loyal varsity track and field.

5. I believe smaller rural schools provide a strong, more personalized educational experience. I attended a rural school and have chosen to raise and educate our children in this same setting for that reason. I think Loyal has an amazing school and it belongs to every member of this community. The school and community depend on each other for survival. I would like to encourage anyone who has suggestions about how to further strengthen our school and community to please speak to a Loyal School Board, Loyal City Council or Economic Development Committee member. Please support our Loyal Public Schools!

Curtiss Lindner 1. With two children in the Loyal School District, I find it crucial to stay involved with the school and help support the people who are educating our children. After being asked to help with the referendum last year, I heard a lot from our community in regard to our school, good and bad. I listened to the comments and am taking the opportunity to help bridge the gap between the community and the administration as the community does not feel their voices are being heard.

2. I have served as a public employee for 15 years, roughly 10 as a law enforcement officer and public lands manager for the Wisconsin DNR, and roughly five years as a public lands manager for Clark County. I bring a well-rounded understanding of how public entities operate and the challenges that come along with the operation of them.

I understand the challenges public schools face with a broken funding system for rural schools in our state.

I hope to bring a collaborative decisionmaking approach to the board while being sure to involve our public.

3. Transparency and future efforts with other local school districts.

4. Since moving back to Loyal in 2018, I have been elected to serve on the city council, I am a member of the Loyal Lions Club and I am on the Loyal Splash Pad Committee, I have raised funds and developed the Bluebird Community Garden and also raised funds to plan and start the Loyal Community Walking Trail.

I also coached junior high and youth sports in this community and have been heavily involved in our schools as a volunteer.

5. The Loyal School District is one of the most important entities in our community. It has a bright future and if elected, I will work my best to help foster relationships needed to not only survive but thrive for our community again.

CLARK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS District 14 Supervisor (Town of Eaton Ward 1, Town of Longwood Ward 3, Town of Warner Ward 1) Jerome Krempasky (incumbent) 1. To serve the county and help improve it. It is a great county to live in. I believe that everyone should experience serving the public in one form or another. I want to be in on decision making that directly affects our local communities and the lives of its citizens.

2. Twelve years on county board. I have served on numerous committees. Currently chair of the personnel and affirmative action committees. Also on the highway, executive and broadband committees. Sixteen years as clerk for the Town of Warner. Nine years on Greenwood School Board (former president).

3. To get better internet access in the county, especially in the rural community. To keep Clark County moving in the right direction.

4. I am on the executive committee of Clark County Economic Development. Member of Wisconsin PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Commission and Revolving Loan Fund. Volunteer at Greenwood American Legion.

5. Anyone who knows me knows I can be trusted to do what is in the best interest of the people. I am committed to finding the best constructive answer to the problems or issues facing our county.

Luke Smith 1. To be involved in the decisions that our taxpayers are paying for. I was asked by several members in the community to run for office because we need some “young blood” on the county board.

2. I’m a current business owner, church chairman and father of three great kids. Every decision I make entails putting others first.

3. I don’t have one particular issue or policy that I have a focus on. More importantly, it is my goal to listen to the people of my district and see where their tax dollars are being spent.

4. Anything involving my kids. Sports, 4-H, church activities.

Matthew Kubista

Curtiss Lindner

Jerome Krempasky

Luke Smith Candidates,

from p. 9

5. Clark County has always been my home. I feel that we have some of the nicest county parks, a beautiful county fairground and some of the nicest communities in the state. It is my goal to keep it that way for generations to come. District 16 Supervisor (Town of Colby Ward 3, Town of Unity, Village of Unity) Scott Johnson 1. Local government is one of the most important levels of government we can be involved in. We need people with integrity and honesty helping to ensure we can live quiet and peaceful lives. I hope I can help Clark County to continue to be a safe place to live and raise families with strong work ethics and respect for the rule of law.

2. I am recently retired from a career in information technology and currently am a member of the Clark County broadband committee. I have been a member of a local school board, the Marathon County special education board and am currently a director for Clark Electric Cooperative in Greenwood.

3. I want Clark County to continue to be a family-friendly place to live and work. Obviously broadband access for all is a priority for me and I believe we could do a lot better in maintaining, improving and adding to our county road system. I also believe railroad safety and access for our county is very important and should not be overlooked.

4. I am currently an elder at Faith Journey Church in Spencer, where we host a children’s and youth ministry called Club 3:16. Our youth group is often called on to help deliver beds for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace organization. I volunteer with the Ruby’s Pantry organization to help distribute food on a monthly basis. I try to be cognizant of those in our community that might need a helping hand from time to time. 5. Clark County is a great place to live and I want to help make sure it continues to be that special rural county that is known for caring for our neighbors.

Larry Oehmichen 1. I enjoy doing public service work and feel I am well qualified.

2. Chairman, Town of Colby, 38 years; president, Central Fire Board, five years; business owner, Short Lane Ag Supply, 35 years; farmer, Town of Colby, 50 years.

3. I’m always interested in how tax dollars are being spent, and if we can improve on highway improvement.

4. I’ve been president of the Colby Memorial Cemetery for the past 20 years, and do volunteer work there for grave improvement and upkeep.

5. If elected, I would work hard to improve what needs improving and would look into ordinances on windmills in Clark County.

District 17 Supervisor (Town of Beaver, Town of Warner Ward 2, Town of Green Grove Ward 2) Tony Horvath 1. Events of the last five years show that the values of your local elected officials matter. I value a small government that provides basic services well but otherwise trusts that citizens can manage their own affairs without a politician’s “help.” Safe roads and keeping crime under control are some of those services. Politicians are tempted to spend other people’s money without considering the fact that people know better how to spend it themselves. I want an elected official who will resist that temptation. The best way to ensure we have such an elected official is to be that elected official.

2. Between being married for 25-plus years with four children and owning several small businesses, I have had plenty of firsthand encounters with government policies— state, federal and local. These have impacted my life and the life of my family, for good and for ill. These real-world interactions provide all the experience one needs if someone is paying attention and is a student of history, which I do and aim to be. If that is not experience enough, I was an elected official at one time. I understand how government works from the inside, as well as from the outside.

3. Having seen firsthand how intrusive laws and regulations and taxes make it difficult to be successful as a businessperson, I will work to ensure the county is “business friendly.” I will continue to raise pertinent issues with our state and federal representatives, as well.

We were fortunate to live in a county that handled COVID (relatively) reasonably. It is hard to imagine another pandemic, but should another occur, it would be a priority to ensure that common sense prevails.

I am concerned about the spread of fentanyl and meth in our communities. Addressing this would be a priority.

4. I have been a firefighter with the Greenwood Fire Department for about 10 years.

5. I am a strong believer in local self-government. However, for it to work effectively, citizens need to step up and take a turn on school boards, town boards and county boards. This keeps good people from becoming burnt out. It is also useful because it allows fresh eyes and new perspectives to look at old problems. Sometimes, people don’t step aside and let others have a turn. In cases like that, it is up to the voter to take action.

I am happy to meet with possible constituents and can be best reached by email at freedomhorvath@gmail.com.

Chuck Rueth (incumbent) 1. I have always had an interest for county, school board and township government. I feel that with 40-plus years of living in the district, I’ve gotten the feeling of what people are wanting out of county government. Clark County is a great place to live.

Scott Johnson

Larry Oehmichen

Tony Horvath

Chuck Rueth Candidates,

from p. 10

2. I have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge by participating on school board and town board, as well as county board. I believe that I have represented the district well, with the knowledge and experience that I have obtained to put forth toward this position.

3. If elected, my main focus would be to provide the people that are running our county government and the citizens of this district with fair and balanced representation. Primary issues would be law enforcement, highway, and health and human services, to provide a safe environment.

4. Past member of the Loyal Jaycees and FFA Alumni, Loyal School Board nine years, 20-plus years with the Loyal Lions, Town of Beaver Board four years, member of the Loyal Area Historical Society, chair of the 2005 and 2022 Farm Tech Days shows, past chair of Alice in Dairyland for Clark County, member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Loyal, member of St. Anthony Holy Name Society 5. Working relationship with the county officials; experienced, dependable, business owner, open-minded; have lived in District 17 for the past 44 years; honest, fair, community-minded. I appreciate your past support and ask for your vote on April 2.

District 18 Supervisor (Town of Loyal, Town of Sherman Ward 1, Town of York Ward 2) Leonard Stoecker and Lance Hahn are running for this seat (to replace William Rueth). Neither completed a survey.

District 19 Supervisor (City of Loyal) Tom Bobrofsky (incumbent) 1. I've always been interested in politics and how local government operates. Clark County has given me many opportunities and I would like to give back to my community by being the voice for Loyal and Clark County citizens.

2. I was appointed to the current board in January 2023 to fulfill the term of Gordon Haselow and serve on several committees. I have served on the common council of the City of Loyal for 20 years and am currently the president of the council. I also am the president of the Wisconsin Valley Library System Board of Trustees, so I have leadership experience. Over the years I have served on various boards and committees; thus I have a wide background in various topics that affect Clark County.

3. The Clark County Board will have a change in leadership in the next term. Following the resignation of Chairman Hendrickson and four other board members who have chosen not to run for reelection, I feel it is important to maintain some continuity with the board. As the incumbent, I feel that I can offer that for Loyal and Clark County residents. I feel the county is moving in a positive direction – I want to continue to be part of that action. I presently serve on law enforcement, emergency management and ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) committees.

4. I have lived in Clark County since 1969 and taught in the Loyal school system for 35 years. I am a member of the Loyal City Council, a past member of the Loyal Lions, have served on the Loyal Chamber of Commerce and Wisconsin Education Association, and was an EMT for many years. In the past, I volunteered for the 4-H program in Clark County and was secretary of the Clark County Fair Board. Currently I'm serving on the Loyal Housing Authority and the Loyal Public Library Board of Trustees. Volunteering has always been a huge part of my life.

5. I have enjoyed living in and serving the Loyal community for decades. Both of my children attended and graduated from Loyal. My daughter and her family are active residents of Clark County. This is my home. I am proud to live in Loyal - that is why my car license plate says “TO LOYAL.” I want to represent you – I want to hear your concerns. By serving on the Clark County Board, I can give back to a community that has given so much to me. I would take my role seriously and carry out the duties the best I can.

Sharon Rogers 1. I believe I can represent the City of Loyal. I ask questions such as: How does this improve the lives of our citizens? Will this provide a safer environment? Will this make our roads better for our business and agriculture professionals? Will this provide safer water, more recreation and more housing? How do we get high-speed internet available to all areas of our county? More questions need to be asked. I am able to ask these questions.

2. I previously served on the county board for 11 years. I served on the personnel, public property, executive, board of health, and aging committees. I served on the Greenwood School Board for 12 years, including one term as president. I served on the CESA Board of Control. I know how the committee structure works. I know the importance of researching items rather than just voting on whatever comes in front of you. I am willing to ask the tough questions.

3. Safety of our citizens with the courts and sheriff’s department. Infrastructure including roads and highspeed internet. Housing for the workers needed for our businesses. Tourism to contribute to our county’s growth through the fairgrounds, parks and recreational areas.

Policy changes are also needed at the board level. Some people have been on the same committees for 20-plus years. People should rotate committees every four to six years to familiarize everyone with the different departments. I also see a lot of turnover with employees. I would like to explore why this is happening, as it is very expensive to hire and train new employees.

4. I belong to the Loyal American Legion Auxiliary and volunteer at the blood bank through them. I just joined the Loyal Area Historical Society because I believe history is important and shouldn’t be forgotten.

5. I have lived in Clark County for 47 years. This is my home. We raised our three children here. Abby teaches middle school in Greenwood; Dan is starting his 22nd year in the Marine Corps and he and his family are in North Carolina. Our youngest, Laura, is a registered dietician for a school district in Minnesota. We have six wonderful grandchildren and I would like them and all our children to have the same safe, productive and fun environment that our children had. District 20 Supervisor (Town of Fremont Ward 2, Town of Sherman Ward 2) Riley Ashbeck 1. I was encouraged to run for county board by some members of the community. I’m interested in getting involved and having a voice for District 20.

2. I grew up in Clark County for the better part of my life. I have lived in District 20 since 2008. I grew up with family members that owned and operated small businesses in central Clark County, and I own/operate small businesses myself. This area revolves around agriculture in one way or another, and I share the same concerns as many in the direction our county is going. I grew up in the milk hauling/milk plant industries, and in that time have met and kept relationships with many throughout the county.

3. Being that I have not been in this position before, I want to help the county move forward and also be economical for the community. Being available for community members to express their concerns and being able to inform our townships of the issues being addressed at the county level are important to me.

4. Since moving to District 20 in 2008, my kids and businesses have taken up most of my time. I have volunteered in most of my kids’ sports such as youth football, wrestling and some baseball. I am one of the head coaches in Loyal youth trap (shooting), which includes participants from the Loyal, Greenwood and Spencer communities. Currently, I’m a member of the Loyal Sportsman’s Club and the Loyal SnowAngels.

5. (No response) Allen Krause (incumbent) 1. I think there’s more work to be done. We have done a lot of work in the departments that I’m in, and there are still some things that can be done to make things better for Clark County.

2. I serve on the forestry and parks and agriculture and extension committees. I’m also part of the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. I’m a director for the Clark County Farm Bureau and serve on the Clark County Fair Board. I’ve been very involved with the fair and the recent multipurpose barn project.

3. There are things we need to do up at the fairgrounds yet, and we have an issue with Bruce Mound right now as to what we should do with that. There’s opportunities that have arrived. We have not totally analyzed it yet, but it’s something that needs to be looked into further before we make a decision.

4. At the fairgrounds, I’ve volunteered the last three years on a regular basis. I’m a church member and do a lot with my church. I look at it this way — if someone needs some help with something, I go help them.

5. I am an open book. If you have an issue that you want discussed or taken up, my telephone number is in the directory. Give me a call.

I always like to look into things, take a little time and avoid making a knee-jerk decision.

Tom Bobrofsky

Sharon Rogers

Riley Ashbeck - no photo provided

Allen Krause