EDITORIAL: Area voters head to polls Tuesday, April 3

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Next Tuesday’s spring election has plenty of excitement and will hopefully attract a large number of voters.

The state Government Accountability Board predicts that 35 percent of voters across Wisconsin will head to the polls April 3. The turnout could be even higher in these parts.

In the New Richmond, Somerset, Hammond and Roberts areas there are a number of local races and a county referendum that are drawing plenty of attention.

On the ballot is a nursing home referendum in St. Croix County and several races for various county board districts. The advisory referendum will again send a message to the county board as to whether or not the county should be involved in the nursing home business (partially subsidized by taxpayers).

The race for mayor in New Richmond is shaping up to be an interesting one. Current Mayor Fred Horne is being challenged by former mayor David Schnitzler. It’s difficult to determine which candidate will gain the most votes in the contest, and there is plenty of political heat being generated behind the scenes as the election draws near.

There are also several contested races in Hammond and Roberts, as well as township races in Star Prairie, Somerset and Richmond. School board races also add to the mix.

Next week’s election also includes a presidential preference race, which could have an impact on national politics.

As is often the case, some local candidates in the area are unopposed. It is still important, however, that unopposed candidates earn voter support.

Local candidates all have invested a lot of time, effort and money in seeking positions of service. The least we can do is vote and determine who should be elected.

Remember, national elections have the media glamour, but it’s usually the local elections that will have the biggest impact on your life. Local municipalities generally have the most influence on the level of service citizens receive and the amount of property taxes that will be paid.

Vote on Tuesday. Polls open Tuesday at 7 a.m. in all municipalities and close at 8 p.m.

Tags: opinion, editorials