Six candidates are running for the village of Kronenwetter Board
Three will be chosen on April 1
One thing is for certain - there will be a new village president in Kronenwetter starting in April after voters chose two challengers - David Baker and Aaron Myszka - to compete in April, knocking out incumbent Chris Voll. You can read The Wausonian’s write up based on interviews with the two candidates here.
But what about the Kronenwetter Village Board? Six candidates took out papers to run for three seats on the village board, not enough for a primary. Only one of those is an incumbent, so that means the village board will see some new faces as well.
The Wausonian asked each to respond to a candidate questionnaire - here are their responses:
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Ryan Leff
Age: 33
Occupation (or principal occupation if retired):
Purchase and Store Room Manager
As a Purchase and Store Room Manager, I have developed a strong sense of organization, budgeting, and resource management. These skills are directly transferable to managing the village’s resources, overseeing procurement, and ensuring that the village’s operations run efficiently. In my role, I’m used to making decisions that maximize both cost-efficiency and operational effectiveness, which will help improve the village's budget and financial planning processes. My experience will allow me to collaborate effectively with village staff, contractors, and residents to ensure we are using our resources wisely to benefit the community.
What prompted you to run, or if you’re an incumbent, run again?
I have been actively involved with the village as a citizen member of the CLIPP committee for the past 3 years, and during that time, I've seen both the strengths and challenges within the village’s operations. Unfortunately, I have witnessed good employees leave due to poor management and mistreatment, leading to a toxic work environment and low morale. As someone who values collaboration and teamwork, I want to help restore a positive environment within the village and ensure that every individual—whether staff or resident—feels valued and heard.
Additionally, I have observed inconsistencies in decision-making within the board. Trustees have sometimes advocated for one position in committee meetings, only to reverse those decisions in board meetings, which creates confusion and undermines trust in the process. This kind of discord can be detrimental to the village's progress and unity. My goal in running is to help foster unity, transparency, and collaboration within the board. I want to work together to align on the village’s strategic goals and ensure we take actions that positively impact our residents. By building better relationships and stronger processes, we can move forward with confidence and clarity.
What are the biggest challenges Kronenwetter faces right now? What will be your top priorities?
Trustee and Resident Agendas: A major challenge Kronenwetter faces is the conflict created when trustees and residents push their own agendas. This not only creates unnecessary work for village staff but also increases the village’s attorney fees, which ultimately strains the budget. To tackle this, I will focus on fostering open dialogue and creating a more cohesive, cooperative approach to decision-making. It’s important that we prioritize the collective interests of the community rather than personal agendas, to avoid wasting valuable resources and energy on conflicts that don’t move us forward.
Village Budget and Finances: Another key challenge is the village's budget and financial management. I believe the village would benefit from implementing better budget methodologies, including more transparent processes for Request for Proposals (RFPs). This will ensure that we’re getting the best prices for services and making the most of our financial resources. By drawing on my background in procurement and resource management, I will work to streamline these processes and introduce more effective financial oversight to ensure the village remains fiscally responsible while meeting the needs of its residents.
What do you see the role of a board member to be? How should that board member interact with the public and with village staff?
As a board member, I see my role as serving the residents and acting as a steward of the village’s resources. This involves making decisions that are in the best interests of the community, fostering transparency, and ensuring that the village’s strategic goals are being executed in a way that aligns with the needs and desires of our residents. I also believe that a board member must be a strong advocate for the village staff, helping to create an environment that supports them in doing their best work.
I think it’s essential that board members maintain open, respectful communication with both the public and village staff. Regular engagement with residents allows us to hear directly about their concerns and ideas, while also helping to keep them informed on board decisions. When interacting with village staff, it’s important to listen to their insights and ensure they feel supported in their roles. By working together, we can create a culture of collaboration, trust, and progress that will move the village forward. My experience in managing both people and processes has prepared me to foster this type of environment, and I’m committed to ensuring that both residents and staff are valued in the decision-making process.
Dan Joling
Age: 69
Occupation (or principal occupation if retired):
Retired law enforcement (42 years) and U.S. Army Guard and Reserve (31 years)
What prompted you to run, or if you’re an incumbent, run again?
After living in the village for nearly 20 years, my wife and I enjoy living in Kronenwetter. We have also become concerned as to the direction of the board and the status of the village’s financial wellness.
What are the biggest challenges Kronenwetter faces right now? What will be your top priorities?
Stabilization of our human resources and constructively fill key open positions, especially that of administrator and finance director on a permanent basis. Then common-sense development along with the maintenance and upgrading of development along with the maintenance and upgrading of our village roads and infrastructure as economically and feasibly as possible.
What do you see the role of a board member to be? How should that board member interact with the public and with village staff?
Hopefully we will be able to reinstitute mutual respect for both employees as well as the citizens. Enduring respect is that which is earned not given by position, especially that of an elected official. Respect is a two-way street and I will do my best to support that in the boardroom along with decorum and civility. I understand different people have different opinions but we need to bring back listening as a prerequisite to collectively moving the village forward.
Christopher Eiden
Age: 61
Occupation (or principal occupation if retired):
Sr. Test Engineer
What prompted you to run, or if you’re an incumbent, run again?
I decided to run again because I feel we need to keep making the right decisions to hold our taxes low. When I started on the Village Board, we were $36 million in debt and a huge majority of our taxes went to paying off interest. I’m happy to say that has significantly been reduced. When I hear one of my challengers supporting a million-dollar splash pad that only has a 12-year lifespan with taxpayer money, to me that isn’t even practical for Kronenwetter.
What are the biggest challenges Kronenwetter faces right now? What will be your top priorities?
Currently whether Kronenwetter starts its own ambulance service or not and filling the absent roles of Administrator and Finance Director are a few of the bigger challenges in our Village. When the ambulance service first became a topic, it was approved then came back for a re-vote and then was denied. I recommended a feasibility study and supported a sub committee to study it. With all we hear on the news how ambulance services are struggling all over the country, the Trustees that ultimately decides this in the future need to get this one correct. I personally have not supported it to date, as in my opinion, the evidence that was presented to the board just wasn’t there financially and most importantly if it will be safer for our residents.
If reelected these issues need to be a top priority. We had a subcommittee studying this ambulance service for closing in on almost a year, and to date have not had one report or correspondence to the Village Board on what they have learned. This committee has some good knowledgeable people on, but the Board and this Committee need to get together and work this out.
I will also support any avenue it takes to get our Administrator/Finance Director roles filled. Obviously, there are a plethora of other issues that need attention, but hopefully when we get back up to full staff it will make solving these easier.
What do you see the role of a board member to be? How should that board member interact with the public and with village staff?
The role of the board member needs to be a person that clearly has the best interest of the public in mind and not theirs. They need to be aware that tax money isn’t a free-for-all as we are obligated to the resident to use it wisely.
Resident and staff interaction needs to be handled with utmost respect which they deserve. Dealing with an angry resident can be quite challenging at times and I feel you cannot let emotions get in the way. In my time as a Trustee, I have always treated staff fair and have worked with them. With the current and past staff, I would welcome anyone to interview them to verify this.
Sandra (Sandi) Sorensen
Occupation:
Retired
What prompted you to run, or if you’re an incumbent, run again?
I decided to run for office after attending several meetings where current board members behaved as if they had no regard for the public; the people they were elected to serve.
After witnessing members verbally abusing and attacking other members I realized the community I live in needed some level headed listeners representing them. I hope to be a voice for the people who live in this community. I think civility and a willingness to listen to others is a requirement for everyone serving the community.
What do you see the role of a board member to be? How should that board member interact with the public and with village staff?
I believe respect, appreciation and the willingness to listen and work with the public and village staff is imperative to a successful board. “Treat others the way you would like others to treat you” is a good rule to live by.
What are the biggest challenges Kronenwetter faces right now? What will be your top priorities?
In my opinion the top priority for the board should be to fill staff vacancies and get a handle on the financial position of Kronenwetter. We must reestablish the reserve which has been spent to dangerous levels, pay down debt and keep services up while holding taxes steady. The village is facing serious problems in the near future due in part by lack of staffing.
Jessica Stowell
Age: 53
Occupation (or principal occupation if retired):
Hospitality
What prompted you to run, or if you’re an incumbent, run again?
I was prompted to run to help get some resolution on issues with an expedited process and harmony within the village board. Too much embarrassing publicity for Kronenwetter.
What are the biggest challenges Kronenwetter faces right now?
Currently one of the biggest challenges for Kronenwetter is the bad publicity of all the positions at the village that can’t be filled or there is no longevity in these positions. Along with the bickering that seems to go on. What will be your top priorities? Trying to get to the bottom of what prevents progress at the board meetings and what is the common denominator with not being able to keep positions filled.
What do you see the role of a board member to be?
To listen, help facilitate the board meetings in a positive fashion along with making progress; not waste everyone’s time by not having resolution.
How should that board member interact with the public and with village staff?
The board member is there to work with everyone in a respectful manner regardless of anyone’s position. Everyone needs to work together in tandem for the greater good of the Village of Kronenwetter; both vital elements.
Terry Lewis-Birkett
Age: 56
Occupation (or principal occupation if retired):
CFO of a non-profit
What prompted you to run, or if you’re an incumbent, run again?
This is my first time running for any office. I decided to run because I am disappointed in what I have read and heard about Kronenwetter and how it is being managed.
What are the biggest challenges Kronenwetter faces right now?
Kronenwetter needs to have a stable Village staff. Turnover in any organization is not desirable especially when it has occurred so frequently that there isn't anyone with much tenure left. I would also like to see the Board work together in a respectful manner to solve issues. There will certainly be a difference of opinions at times but it shouldn't result in online bullying, name calling, or threats.
What will be your top priorities?
One of my top priorities will be to understand why so many staff members have left the Village in a few years and see what can be done to stop the turnover. Another is to get a complete analysis of Kronenwetter's current financial position.
What do you see the role of a board member to be?
The big picture duties are to set policy, manage village affairs such as property, finances, utilities, public services, and roads, approving the budget, and addressing the concerns of residents.
How should that board member interact with the public and with village staff?
Board members should be respectful to the public, village staff, and each other. Disagreements should be worked out civilly amongst the parties involved.
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