ELECTION: Four candidates vie for Town of Richmond spots

Talk about it

Town of Richmond voters will elect two supervisors during the April 3 election. The four candidates and their answers to an election survey are listed below.

Name: Richard Berquist

Position seeking: Town of Richmond supervisor

Municipality of residence: Town of Richmond

Years living in community: I have lived and worked in the New Richmond area for 48 years.

Occupation: Insurance agency owner

Public service experience: I have served 15 years on the City Board of Appeals, four years on our Town Planning Commission and three years on the Town Board.

Top issues facing the council: In my opinion, the No. 1 concern is the city expansion into our town. The consequences to our residents would be increased city taxes at no benefit to them. The clever talk about a “boundary agreement” is designed and drafted to take away the individual landowners right under normal annexation laws and gives the decision to force annexation to the five-member town board. This is why it is important as to who you elect to the town board. The towns current four supervisors have kept their pledge not to support such an agreement.

The second issue is maintenance and upgrading of our town roads. Not so easy with our limited funds. It takes thoughtful planning.

The third issue is looking into the future, keeping a balance between rules and regulations by making ordinances sensible and not over regulating our rural way of life.

Why did you decide to run for office: I believe my history and experience gives me a unique insight to the issues facing the Town of Richmond.

Name: Shawn Demulling

Position seeking: Town of Richmond Supervisor

Age: 37

Family: Wife and two boys (2 years and 10 months)

Municipality of residence: Richmond Township

Years living in community: 37 years in the New Richmond area

Occupation: Investigator with the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office

Public Service experience: 20 years with New Richmond Ambulance and Rescue, 14 years with the sheriff’s office, current member Town of Richmond Planning Commission, Project Lifesaver of Pierce-St. Croix coordinator

Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: Keeping Richmond Township an affordable place to live is a top priority many residents mentioned to me when they heard I was running for the town board. Many residents are concerned about affording their house payments, utilities, and other bills, not to mention their taxes. We need to do what we can as a town to make sure we keep this area affordable. I want to make sure Richmond Township is a truly great place to live.

We also need to develop a long-term solution to the transportation issues facing Richmond Township. As a patrol deputy, I’ve traveled on nearly every road in Richmond Township. I’ve seen the good and the bad. Having a long-term plan for road improvements will lead to better, safer roads for township residents and the overall cost of maintaining these roads will be much easier on the wallet.

Why did you decide to run for office: A few years ago, I was approached about being a member of the Richmond Township Planning Commission. I truly enjoy being involved with Richmond Township. It has been a far better experience than I could have ever imagined. When I was nominated to run for town board, I couldn’t wait to get started. I have many new, exciting ideas that will make an immediate and positive impact on how the township operates. My position as a deputy allows me to get out and get involved in what is going on in the township. It is great to live in an area where people care not only about themselves, but about their neighbors as well. Keeping Richmond Township great for many years to come is my top priority. I am convinced I will have a positive impact on Richmond Township.

Name: Jeff Dionisopoulos

Position seeking: Richmond Township supervisor

Age: 34

Family: I live with my wife Ari and my son Ian.

Municipality or school district of residence: Richmond Township

Years living in community: Nine

Occupation: City of Stillwater Public Works

Public Service experience: I have worked for the City of Stillwater in the Public Works Department since July 1999. I have also been a part of the Town of Richmond’s Planning Commission since December 2010.

Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: The first issue facing the town board is the overall growth and expansion of the township. With the new Stillwater bridge that is going to be built we are going to be experiencing major changes within our community. We are going to want to promote growth but not at the expense of our current residents. The second issue facing the board is our deteriorating roads. I feel that without proper maintenance today we are going to incur greater costs in the future.

Why did you decide to run for office: I decided to run for office because Richmond Township has the second most buildable lots within St. Croix County and I have a plan that will promote home building, which in turn will reduce taxes and fix our deteriorating roads. I also decided to run for office because I love my community and I feel like it is my time to step up and be a leader.

Name: David Naser

Position seeking: Town of Richmond supervisor

Age: 62

Family: Wife Ardell and two daughters, Laurie and Jennifer, and four grandchildren

Municipality of residence: Town of Richmond

Years living in community: Lifelong resident of the Town of Richmond

Occupation: Retired farmer

Public service experience: 14 years as town supervisor

Top issues facing the council: The most important issue facing the town is maintenance and repair of town roads. Second issue is to deal with shared revenue cutbacks. To maintain quality services to the residents.

Why did you decide to run for office: To preserve township rural atmosphere.

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