Most seats in spring election uncontested; primary set for Waterford Graded board

By Dave Fidlin

 correspondent

      The deadline for filing candidacy paperwork in this spring’s general election has passed, and many of the municipal and school races across the Union Grove and Waterford areas are not being contested.       Of the 16 local races in the area, four have challengers. There is only one primary race, and that is on the Waterford Graded School Board, where three residents are vying for one open spot.

      The Washington-Caldwell School District is in a unique situation this spring as two incumbents are stepping down. The district received paperwork for one of the open positions, but a second spot will only be filled if a write-in candidate emerges in the months ahead.

      The following is a rundown, by municipality and school district, of who is throwing their hats in the ring this spring:

      • Village of Rochester: Incumbent trustees Christopher Bennett, Chris Johnson and Russ Kumbier are running uncontested. The two-year terms pay $4,000 per year, plus $25 per meeting.

      • Village of Union Grove: Incumbent Trustee Gordon Svendsen is facing off against challenger Diane Bogard for Seat No. 2. Incumbent trustees Timothy Mallach and Michael Younglove are running uncontested for Seats No. 4 and 6, respectively. The two-year terms pay $425 per month.

      • Village of Waterford: Incumbent trustees Stephen Denman, Donald Houston and Ronald Kluth are running uncontested. The two-year terms pay $5,400 per year, plus $40 per meeting.

      • Town of Dover: No positions are up for re-election this spring. Dover holds municipal elections on odd-numbered years.

       • Town of Norway: Incumbent supervisors Ralph Schopp (Seat No. 3) and Tim Hansen (Seat No. 4) are running uncontested. The two-year terms pay $6,000 per year.

      • Town of Raymond: Incumbent Supervisor Paul E. Ryan (Seat No. 3) and resident Wayne Loppnow (Seat No. 4) are running uncontested. James Phillips, incumbent Seat No. 4 supervisor, is not seeking re-election. The two-year terms pay $3,800 per year.

      • Town of Waterford: Incumbent supervisors Dale Gauerke and Timothy Szeklinski are running against challenger Jan Alvey. The two-year terms pay $7,375 per year.

      • Town of Yorkville: No positions are up for re-election this spring. Yorkville holds municipal elections on odd-numbered years.

       • Drought Elementary School: Incumbent School Board members Tim Kling and Deanna Stever are running uncontested. The three-year terms pay $830 per year.

     • Kansasville Graded School: Incumbent School Board member Darlene Van Swol is running uncontested. The three-year term pays $1,500 per year.

       • North Cape School: Incumbent School Board members Howard Dahl and Thomas Halter are running uncontested. The three-year terms pay $850 per year.

       • Raymond School District 14 (Raymond Elementary School): Resident Jim Wolter is running uncontested. Incumbent School Board member Jim Linstroth is not seeking re-election. The three-year terms pay $2,200 annually and $2,300 for the board clerk.

      • Union Grove Joint School District 1 (Union Grove Elementary School): Incumbent School Board members Julie Ostrowski and Linton Skewes are running uncontested. The three-year terms pay $1,900.

       • Union Grove Union High School: Incumbent School Board members Marcia Colsmith and Diane Skewes (current board president) are running against challenger Randall Henderson. The three-year terms pay $3,500 for president and $3,000 for all other positions.

      • Washington-Caldwell School District: Resident Yvonne McGilvary is running uncontested for one of two open seats this spring. The district did not receive paperwork for the second open seat. A write-in candidate could be selected for the position, or the board could appoint a resident after the election. Incumbent School Board members Tim Baker (current board president) and Dan Theriault are not seeking re-election. The three-year terms pay $1,450 for president and clerk, $1,350 for treasurer and $1,250 for vice president and director.

      • Waterford Graded School District: Residents Dan Bowser, Thomas Hoffman and Jordan Karweik are running for one open position. Incumbent School Board member Paul Beyerl is not seeking re-election. A primary election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 18, to narrow the field of candidates to two. The three-year terms pay $3,900.

       • Waterford Union High School: Incumbent School Board member Jeff Santaga is running uncontested. The three-year term pays $3,900 per year.

     • Yorkville Elementary School: Incumbent School Board members Jeffrey Gruhn and Sarah Jamison are running uncontested. The three-year terms pay $1,700 for board clerk and $1,600 for all other positions.