Town of Waterford election offers three choices for two seats

Three candidates are seeking two Town of Waterford supervisor positions in the April 3 election.

Incumbents Dale Gauerke and Timothy Szeklinski face challenger Jeffrey Klyzub.

The two-year positions pay $7,375 annually.

Information provided by each candidate follows.

Dale Gauerke

Age: 65

Address: 5355 Northwest Highway, Waterford

Education: BSE, MSE, UW–Whitewater

Occupation: retired teacher

Reasons for seeking office: I enjoy working with citizens, employees and officials to help work on issues and solve problems. I retired in 2011 and have more time to spend serving the town.

Pressing issues: No. 1: keeping our town taxes down while maintaining essential services to citizens in a time of declining state revenues. No. 2: scrutinize town spending to keep our town on a fiscally conservative path. No. 3: Support continued efforts to improve the quality of Tichigan Lake and the Fox River by the WWMD and CAUSE group. No. 4: work with neighboring municipalities to share costs and equipment when practical.

Strengths and experience: I have experience working on a wide range of issues, having served on the town board for the past 20 years. I have a good working relationship with our town officials and employees as well as with neighboring municipal, county and state officials. I am open minded, listen to all sides of issues, do my own research and seek citizen input before reaching decisions.

Previous political experience: one year as a town planning commission member (1991-1992); town supervisor from 1992 to present.

Organizations: Caldwell food pantry volunteer; licensed real estate broker; retired reading/special education teacher; U.S. Army veteran.

Jeffrey A. Klyzub

Age: 55

Address: 4424 Sunset Road, Waterford

Education: Wm. Horlick High School and the UW system, no degree

Occupation: professional pilot and hold an airline transport license

Reasons for seeking office: I have enjoyed living in this community and feel that I could possibly give something back by serving. I did run for this position last go around, and did not make it out of the primary. I have run my own residential construction company, in the past.

Strengths and experience: My years of varied work experiences, from sales to construction to aviation, and the many various situations that present them selves in each realm, has given me the ability to see a broad view. I hope to use that panoramic vision when weighing out decisions for the town, if elected.

Organizations: I have been on a few local boards in the past, Diabetes, Harbor Fest; am currently involved with Variety The Children’s Charity.

Name: Timothy T. Szeklinski

Age: 41

Address: 29200 N. Lake Drive, Waterford

Education: 1988 high school diploma and then college

Occupation: regional supervisor for multifamily housing throughout Wisconsin

Reasons for seeking office: I am currently in office and wish to continue serving the people of Waterford. My spouse grew up in Waterford area and we decided to build a home and raise our family in the Town of Waterford. It’s a great area with a lot to do and I wanted to get active in the community. What better way than to serve as an elected officer of the town.

Pressing issues: I believe the most pressing issue at this time the township faces is financial. The State of Wisconsin has been mandating services, along with greatly regulating how they must be done but at the same time reducing state aid to local municipalities.

Strengths and experience: I believe my experiences will benefit the board and the citizens of the Town of Waterford by continuing “common sense”. I believe you should always do what is right and treat everyone fairly.

My work entitles and requires me to handle major finances (millions), new and existing construction issues, and resident issues both good and bad.  Over the years in Waterford, I’ve met many good people through my church, children’s sporting events and becoming a Lions member who have voiced their concerns about our community. I enjoy representing the people.

Previous political experience: Member of town Planning Commissions from May 2007 until May 2010; elected as Waterford Town Supervisor in April 2010

Organizations: Member of Tichigan Lake Lions – current president, Treasurer of St. Peters Lutheran Church Memorial and Bequest Fund, President Elect of Apartment Owners and Managers Association (AOMA), Member of Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)