Three other incumbent aldermen plan to run
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
Four-term City of Burlington Alderman Bob Prailes will not seek a fifth term in the spring election.
Prailes said last week the amount of time he puts into his work as an alderman has cut into his career and his family time.
“I just need some time to get caught back up with my work,” said Prailes, who owns a home remodeling company. “I just had too much going.”
He said his decision has nothing to do with the recent controversy over City Administrator Kevin Lahner’s departure and contract re-negotiation.
Prailes, who also runs the local Kiwanis soccer program and volunteers for ChocolateFest, said he invests a significant amount of time talking to people regarding city issues.
“I spend as much time as any alderman and maybe even the mayor talking to people,” he said. “It just got overwhelming and I needed a break.”
City Clerk Diahnn Halbach said Prailes has filed his statement of non-candidacy with her office.
Prailes, who represents the First District, has served since 2008. His current term expires in April.
Prailes’ seat is one of four aldermanic positions that are up for election on April 7.
The others held by Peter Hintz (Second District), Jon Schultz (Third District) and Todd Bauman (Fourth District).
Halbach said Hintz, Bauman and Schultz have returned their nomination papers to seek re-election.
Hintz is one of the longest-serving members of the City Council, having served from 1996 to 2006 and again from 2008 to present.
Schultz and Bauman are completing their first terms in office.
Halbach said no other potential candidates had come forward as of Dec. 16.
“I had one inquiry so far, but no one has taken out (nomination) papers,” she said.
Burlington aldermen are paid $3,600 per year.
Anyone who is interested in seeking a seat on the City Council may pick up the required paperwork at City Hall, 300 N. Pine Street, or call Halbach for additional information at (262) 342-1161.
The required paperwork to file for office is also available on the state Government Accountability Board website at gab.wi.gov.
Potential candidates have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, to file their paperwork to have their name appear on the ballot for the April 7 election. Incumbents have until Friday, Dec. 26, to publicly declare if they will not seek another term.
If an incumbent fails to file a declaration of non-candidacy by that deadline, the date for potential candidates to file their nomination papers will be extended beyond Jan. 6.
If more than two candidates file for any one of the four available seats, a primary election will be held Feb. 17 to narrow the field prior to the April election.
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Bob,
I’d like to commend you for sacrificing so much of your time and energy toward the residents of Burlington.
You were always a good alderman for the press to deal with, as whenever I interviewed you, you were very forthright and willing to explain things in great detail.
The Burlington City Council will miss you, as you were a valuable asset. I hope the person who succeeds you in this role will be comparable and has learned from the example you set in the position.
Enjoy the time with your family, our most valuable asset, and I wish you well with your business.
At least your have your priorities right.
Kind regards,
Mark Dudzik
Enjoyed working with you Bob, on the council. I wish you the best in the future.
Katie Simenson
Katie, it would be nice to have you or someone ethical to be on the council or as mayor to be a watchdog again.
Word is Miller may resign over the Lahner debacle – maybe that someone would be interested??
Too bad and a true loss for Burlington residents.