By Al Stanek
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

Residents of the City of Whitewater have an opportunity to have a positive impact on their community as candidates are being sought for three Common Council positions.

The seven-member Common Council has three seats up for election in April with nomination papers due by January 4.

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 2 and 4. 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 District 4 member Lynn Binnie. Binnie, the current Common Council president, indicated in November that he had decided not to seek reelection. To date only one potential candidate for District 4, Jill Gerber, has taken out nomination paperwork, which she has completed.

At-large member Jim Allen has taken out nomination paperwork, as has Lukas Scrieber, who was appointed in July to fill a vacancy in District 2. As of December 17, City Clerk Michele Smith indicated that no one else had taken out paperwork for either of those positions.

Any resident interested in serving on the Common Council is encouraged to contact the City Clerk’s office well in advance of the January 4 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.