By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
Three veterans of local politics are vying for two Waterford Town Board supervisor positions in the April 7 spring election.
Incumbent supervisors Lisa Jeschke and Nick Draskovich are hoping to retain their current positions on the Town Board.
Dale Gauerke hopes to unseat one of the two and again serve as a Town Board Supervisor. He lost his position as Town Supervisor last year to then-newcomer Jan Alvey.
Information provided by each candidate, in alphabetical order, follows. Additional biography information for each candidate appears in the March 6 print edition.
• Nick Draskovich said he hopes to continue being involved in the community he grew up in. “I have a good background and knowledge of the area. I want to see the integrity of the Town maintained and want residents to stay here for many years and raise their family,” he said in his candidate statement.
Among the most pressing issues to be addressed, Draskovivch said the Town Board needs to continue working hard to keep taxes as low as it can while maintaining Town services and assist in keeping the DPW, police and fire departments active, productive and efficient in day-to-day operations – while keeping in mind “we are all here to serve the Town residents,” said Draskovich.
Also, board members need to be involved with the Waterford Waterway Management District’s plans for the waterways, said Draskovich.
Draskovich said with his engineering and environmental background, he can bring many years of experience that can benefit the Town’s planning and development and, through the DPW and WWMD, with the roads and waterways.
• Dale Gauerke said he hopes to be elected for the opportunity, once again, to better serve his community.
Gauerke, a 32-year resident, said he cares deeply about Waterford township and its future, and enjoys being an integral part of keeping the Town running smoothly for his neighbors and fellow citizens.
Among the most pressing issues he will address if elected, Gauerke said for the 22 years he served on the Town Board, the Board was known for its fiscally conservative spending policies.
“I will continue to work to keep taxes as low as possible in the face of reduced state funding, while maintaining the high quality of services that the citizens of our Town expect and deserve.”
Improving the waterways and keeping Town parks beautiful and enjoyable are also priorities, he said, as is paying down Town debt.
Having recently retired, Gauerke said he has more time to spend in whatever capacity he is needed, as Town Supervisor will be his only job. Gauerke said he welcomes the chance to work closely and amicably with the other Town Board members.
His prior experience on the Town Board and Planning Commission and his knowledge of the Town’s Use Plan make him very familiar with the needs of the Town, said Gauerke. “I want to use that experience for the benefit of the citizens of the Town of Waterford.”
Having been born and raised on a dairy farm, Gauerke said he has a strong work ethic and uses a common sense approach to resolving Town issues. “I seek citizen input, listen to all sides, do my own research and strive to make decisions that are fair to everyone,” said Gauerke. “I love the Town of Waterford. Our great schools, parks, recreation lands, and waterways make it a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”
Gauerke pledged continue support for the Town’s Police Department, the DPW, Fire and Rescue, and the town clerks, making “the protection and operation of the Town a cohesive and cooperative experience for all.”
• Lisa Jeschke said she is humbled and honored to currently serve as a Town Board Supervisor. “I am seeking re-election because I want my town to continue to remain fiscally responsible,” said Jeschke in her candidate’s statement.
Jeschke said she understands the importance of limited government and free enterprise. “Sound business decisions continue to be made while I have been in office reflecting the spirit behind Wisconsin law and the protection of our tax levy,” said Jeschke
Ongoing issues to be addressed include maintaining a balanced budget with decreased state revenue, limited regulation on homeowners and their property and improving community safety, said Jeschke.
As a hard-working mother of four, Jeschke said she brings a consistent conservative voice representing the residents and their families in the Town of Waterford.
Jeschke said she is currently responsible in her job for ethically, independently and efficiently managing a $6 million budget for her area within the state Department of Corrections.
“I am committed to the safety and future of our community,” said Jeschke.
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