By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Residents of the City of Whitewater or Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) have an opportunity to have a positive impact on their community as candidates are being sought for four Common Council positions and two School Board positions.
The seven-member Common Council has four seats up for election in April with nomination papers due by January 5. Two of the WUSD seven seats are open with the same filing deadline. The process for submitting an interest is slightly different for each body. This article will concentrate on Common Council seats and a separate ‘WW Banner’ article will detail with WUSD seats.
Common Council representation is designed with one individual representing each of five different geographic areas that are elected by just residents of that individual area as well as two “at-large” council members that are elected by a citywide vote. In April voters will elect one of the two at-large members and council representatives for District 1, 3 and 5. Information on district boundaries is available from the City Clerk’s office at (262) 473-0102 or at msmith@whitewater-wi.gov . The City Clerk’s office can also explain the paperwork and circulation of signature requirements which are slightly different for the citywide at-large position than for the individual numbered district spots.
A name that will NOT be appearing on the ballot in April for the first time in 14 years is that of current at-large member Patrick Singer. Singer, a former Common Council President for 12 of his 14 years, indicated in November that the increasing demands of a growing young family have led him to decide to not seek reelection. To date only one potential candidate, Lisa Dawsey Smith, has taken out nomination paperwork for Singer’s at-large position.
Incumbents in Districts 1, 3 and 5 are reportedly running for reelection. District 1 incumbent Carol McCormick, District 3 incumbent Brienne Brown and District 5 incumbent Greg Majrkzak (pronounced my shock) have all reportedly filed or intend to file candidacy paperwork.
In District 5, Majrkzak, who was recently appointed to fill a vacancy will potentially have opposition from Neil Hicks who reportedly is circulating nomination papers as well.
Any resident interested in serving on the Common Council is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office well in advance of the January 5 deadline for submitting nomination papers. Council members are elected for two-year terms beginning in April. Evening meetings are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month and Common Council members also serve on various city boards and commissions that meet less frequently. A stipend of $300 per month is provided to council members.
Banner note: The Banner is pleased to welcome Al Stanek as a new staff member. Al’s primary beat will be the Common Council. He joins our all-volunteer team of Lynn Binnie, Laura Masbruch, Lisa Dawsey Smith, and Marjorie Stoneman.
