On the April 3 general election ballot, Lincoln County voters will have a number of choices to make for city and county offices.
Candidates in contested races for local offices were asked to introduce themselves by filling out a questionnaire and making some comments about themselves and their views. This week we will hear from the candidates for Merrill Aldermanic District 4 and 5, Lincoln County Supervisor candidates for Districts 10 and 20 as well as the lone incumbent to the MAPS Board of Education and the candidates from the Merrill Mayoral race. Following are responses from the Merrill 5th Aldermanic District race.
John A. Burgener – Incumbent
-Candidate did not submit a photo-
Age: 74.
Family: Wife, Sharon; 5 children, 15 grandchildren.
Education: 12 years.
Occupation: Wausau Papers, 32 years, mostly in the warehouse; Wisconsin National Guard, 6 years (1964-1970).
Involvement: 12 years on the Merrill City Council, the last 4 as president; city resident since 1975; Trinity Church; was president of the former Moose Club of Merrill; was shop steward for 1381 Union at Wausau Papers.
Comments: “The great progress made recently by the city of Merrill has been due to a positive team effort by council members, various committees and commissions, our City Hall staff, Mayor, City Administrator, and generous contributions by private donors. We have worked very hard to be efficient and accountable to represent our present and future voters.
“As we look around our city, there is evidence everywhere of new development, blight removal, and planning for the future. It is critical that this generation of our community and its leadership prepare for the required labor force, educational needs, business and infrastructure that is necessary to position us well for the future.
“I hope I receive your vote as 5th District Alderman to keep Merrill moving forward. We still have work to do. Thank you for your support.”
John M. Van Lieshout – Challenger
Age: 43.
Family: Wife, Katie; children, Emma (10), Colton (6) & Piper (3).
Education: Merrill High School (Class of 1993), United States Marine Corps 1993-98
Education: NTC (Associate of Applied Science Information Technology – Network Specialist, 2003-2007).
Employment: Lincoln County, Network Engineer. Involvement: American Legion Post 46, Commander; Northwoods Veterans Post, Executive Committee; former member Merrill Evening Lions.
Comments: “I was raised in this community, after serving in the Marines for five years, I moved back. I worked at MAPS for 13 years in Information Technology before moving over to the county doing the same job. I would like the opportunity, if elected, to help keep Merrill a great place to live, work and raise a family.”