ELECTION: Three incumbents seek re-election in Somerset
Three candidates will be on the ballot in the Village of Somerset for three open seats on the village board. The three incumbents are the only ones who have filed for the election.
Three candidates will be on the ballot in the Village of Somerset for three open seats on the village board. The three incumbents are the only ones who have filed for the election. Following is a list of the candidates and their responses to a survey that was sent to them.
Name: David Carufel
Position seeking: Village Board trustee, Somerset
(Did not return survey.)
Name: Bartt Palmer
Position seeking: Village Board trustee, Somerset
Age: 50
Family: Catherine Cranston (wife), Abby Dalzell (daughter), Patrick Cranston (son)
Municipality of residence: Somerset
Years living in community: 16 years
Occupation: Freight transportation broker
Public Service experience: Four years as a village trustee. Two years on the Public Works Committee. Two years on the Public Safety committee. Two years on the Board of Review. Eight years on the Fire/Rescue Commission (currently chairman of the Fire/Rescue committee). Currently vice president of the Somerset Lions Club. Volunteer for the St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program.
Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: One of the main issues facing the village board has been the economic slowdown. I am fiscally conservative and it has been a challenge to maintain the quality of life for the residents of Somerset while staying within our budget. While working on the Public Safety and Fire / Rescue committees, we have made great strides in maintaining our budgets without increases. We are able to do this by making some cuts, yet adding necessary projects and equipment to maintain a quality standard for our community.
Another issue facing Somerset is future growth. Up until 2008, Somerset was growing at a steady pace. Since 2008, growth has slowed considerably. All economic indicators are showing that the economy is starting to grow again at a slow but steady pace. With the passage of the bill in Congress for the new bridge in Stillwater, we should expect the growth of Somerset to pick up once again in the future. The Somerset Village Board needs to be prepared for these new challenges and growth.
Why have you decided to run for office: I am running for village trustee again because I enjoy giving back to my community. I am prepared to meet these challenges and would appreciate your vote.
Name: Ryan S. Sicard
Position seeking: Village trustee
Age: 33
Municipality or school district of residence: Village of Somerset
Years living in community: Life-long resident
Occupation: Information Technology Manager, School District of Somerset
Public Service experience: St. Croix County Board, Appointed 2009, Re-elected 2010 (Administration and Transportation Committees); Village of Somerset, elected 2002, continuously since (Chair Public Works/Parks Committee for 10 years); St. Croix Economic Development Corp., Board Director since 2008, President 2011-2012; Coalition for the New River Crossing, member; Somerset Youth Athletic Association, past director; Somerset Lions Club, Charter Member, Currently Secretary and Membership Director.
Two top issues facing the board or council you are running for: The Village of Somerset, one of the fastest growing communities in the county during the past decade, has faced many challenges which will continue into the future. It is important we be planful as we implement quality services for our community as well as build the infrastructure for future growth. I have served as chairman of Public Works Committee (including Parks) for the past 10 years and we have completed many projects during that time and will continue to, as fiscally appropriate.
Why did you decide to run for office: I first ran for office 10 years ago, I want to serve my community. There is a saying: decisions are made by those who show up, so I choose to show up and get involved. These are important times and steady experienced leadership is required for our community, I urge you to support my re-election to the village board and county board (District 1).
Tags: local government, communities, wisconsin, politics, somerset
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