Former Union Grove Village Board Trustee Adam Graf is challenging 14-year incumbent Timothy Mallach for his seat in the April 7 election.
As of Friday morning, the April 7 election was still scheduled to proceed despite challenges posed by the spread of coronavirus. For the past three weeks election officials have been urging residents to vote by absentee ballot. The deadline to turn in absentee ballots was extended Thursday by a federal judge until April 13. The last day to request absentee ballots is Friday, April 3.
Voters may cast in-person absentee ballots at the Union Grove Municipal Center, 925 15th Ave., until 5 p.m. Friday, April 3. Residents are advised to check with the municipal clerk’s office regarding any potential changes to plans.
Baring any last-minute changes or postponements, polls for Tuesday’s election will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Graf, 28, who served on the board from April 2013 to April 2017, said he is a fiscal conservative who gives the voters a “reliable and fair” choice for the trustee seat.
Mallach, 58, who has been on the board since 2006, said he believes his experience and willingness to listen to constituents sets him apart from his opponent.
The candidates provided the following answers to questions posed by the Westine Report:
Adam Graf
Address: 1839 Selma Dr., Union Grove
Age: 28
Resident of village: 28 years
Occupation: Small business owner
Education: Studied business management at Gateway Technical College
Political experience: Former Village Board Trustee from April 2013 until April 2017 (lost April 2017)
Organizations: Union Grove Lion’s Club President, Grove SnoHawks Board Member, Racine County Human Services Board Member, Zion Lutheran Church Council Member
Family: Single
Reason for seeking the position?
I am seeking this position because I have served on the board in the past, and I care deeply for the residents and the community. I believe I can be a reliable and fair trustee and I feel it is important to offer village residents a choice in who they would like to represent them.
What do you believe you bring to the position that sets you apart from your opponent?
I feel that because I am not a longstanding community politician, I can bring new perspectives and ideas to the board. Also, the fact that I currently hold leadership positions in several organizations helps to make me a very well rounded candidate who understands the needs of the people.
What you do see as the three major issues facing the village and how would you go about addressing them?
(These) include moving forward carefully planning for the future of Union Grove while keeping in mind that the growth needs to be responsible.
I consider myself a fiscal conservative. For this reason, the board needs to ensure we closely examine the budget annually in order to find ways to save money while still maintaining the services the village residents currently enjoy.
Village trustees also need to guarantee transparency in government while listening to constituents and voting on their behalf. I am willing to challenge the status quo if it means doing the right thing for the community.
Timothy Mallach, Inc
Address: 739 Main St., Union Grove
Age: 59
Resident of village: 27 years
Occupation: Custodian for the Union Grove Elementary School for 10 years
Education: Graduate of Racine Park High School, MATC diploma in printing
Political experience: Current incumbent and trustee for 14 years
Organizations: none listed
Family: Married to Marie Mallach; two stepchildren; three grandchildren; one great grandchild
Reason for seeking the position?
I wish to continue serving the residents of the Village of Union Grove as trustee, as there are numerous projects I have been involved with and desire to see them continued to fruition. I care about our village.
What do you believe you bring to the position that sets you apart from your opponent?
My leadership experience, my hands on community participation, coupled with my willingness to listen to my constituents, I believe, enables me to be actively involved in grant writing, problem solving, event planning and in exploration of new ideas. My efforts have resulted in recycling program grants bestowed by Recycle Bank and S.C. Johnson. Another grant I secured for the village was from Walmart for park equipment and a village beautification program.
I have personally organized and conducted yearly recycling and electronic waste drives, pet vaccination clinics and Cans for Kids. My wife and I plant and maintain the flowers at Legion Park and Village Square.
What do you see as the three major issues facing the village and how would you go about addressing them?
The safety and well being of the Village of Union Grove residents is of utmost importance. Keeping in mind budgetary constraints, I would continue working with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department to provide public safety in an economical and efficient manner.
Growth in residential and business development is a major issue which needs to carefully planned and implemented. I will continue my involvement in this issue to ensure that our quality of life and small-town atmosphere is maintained. A recent Wisconsin State Grant was awarded to our village for improvement of our Business Park.
The adequacy of our Fire Station needs to be addressed, as we consider future development. The Fire Department serves two villages and must be large enough and strategically located to accomplish its purpose. I will continue to support this issue.
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