Hammond appoints new trustee

Mark Benton was appointed the Village of Hammond’s new trustee at the last village board meeting, Oct. 8, filling the vacancy left by Brenda Monroe, who resigned last month.

Benton was runner-up for trustee in the last election, losing to Vince Trudell in a coin-toss tie-breaker.

Benton is a quality manager at an injection molding firm. He has been a quality engineer for many years, and he said his work experience has given him attributes that will help him in his new role as trustee.

“I try to be that impartial reviewer,” Benton said, ”not making emotional or irrational decision but trying to look at the numbers and what we can do and what makes sense at the time.”

Benton said he would like to see Hammond make its wastewater treatment plant operate more efficiently. He said he would also like Hammond to make more use of its fiber optic cable.

“It would be nice to see if we could somehow sell that to the businesses close to the Cities, but far enough away,” Benton said. “Your Wisconsin Gateway.”

Benton and his wife Kari have four cats, Prince, Malcolm, Honey and Conner.

“I like animals,” Benton said. “I try to do what I can to help shelter animals or donate time or money.”

Benton said he also enjoys “tinkering” and being a “fix- it guy” as well as his latest hobby, amateur photography.

Benton said his hobbies have given him an attention to detail that will help him in his role as trustee. He was appointed and will serve as trustee for the duration Monroe’s term.

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