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 3, 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 City of Merrill Mayoral Race
Bill Bialecki – Incumbent
Age: 72
Family: Spouse, Judy; 7 children, 2 step children, 3 grandchildren.
Education: Graduated from Northcentral Technical College Electrical Apprentice program.
Employment: State certified master electrician; state certified commercial electrical inspector; 40 years working as a project manager in the electrical field.
Involvement: Merrill mayor, 2010-present; Zoning Appeals Board, 1999-2000; Merrill City Council, 2000-2002; Lincoln County Board, October 2015-present; U.S. Army, 6 years (2 years in Vietnam); 1 year Army National Guard; retired member International Brotherhood Electrical Workers; member Lincoln County Sports Club (president 8 years); member Ducks Unlimited (fund raising local chair 21 years); 50-year member VFW Post 1638 (past commander); member Merrill Optimist Club; life member St. Francis Parish.
Comments: “As your mayor I will continue to use my background in both government and the construction field to promote positive growth and development in Merrill.
“I will work with the council, support staff and key committees to bring more family supporting jobs to Merrill. Along with this, we’ll continue to promote positive growth of our tax base.
“We’ve had much success in working with local businesses and will continue to do so, keeping them a strong and vital part of our community.
“We will continue to showcase and expand the many fine amenities Merrill has to offer – our parks, pool and now the Festival Grounds.
“To continue our city’s success I will work with the many positive thinking people who call Merrill their home, young and old alike.
“Strong leadership is key to our future success. I will continue to provide that.
“Having retired 10 years ago, I have the time and flexibility to continue giving a full time effort to a part time job.”
Derek R. Woellner – Challenger
Age: 25.
Family: Dad – Steve Woellner; Mom – Rhonda Woellner; Sisters – Willow Woellner, Heather Kzranowski, Maria Winter. Education: B.S. Professional Communication and Emerging Media from UW-Stout.
Employment: Digital Designer at Merrill Steel. Involvement: Lincoln County Supervisor for District 4, January 2018 – present
Involvement: Founder of Merrill Disc Golf; member of the Young People Action Committee.
Comments: “I’m running because I think Merrill could use some more energy and fresh ideas. With my background in communication, technology, and marketing I will make our government more transparent and will promote our city to attract new residents and businesses.”