Baileys Harbor Town Board

Paul Kordon is challenging the incumbents, Terry McArdle and Sue Tishler, for one of the two seats that are up for re-election on the Baileys Harbor town board.  

Terry McArdle (incumbent), 78, is a retired attorney who did his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Seattle University School of Law in 1979. He was elected three years ago into his current seat on the town board to fill a vacant position. He also was elected to the Stoughton, Wisconsin school board, serving one three-year term before moving full time to Baileys Harbor. He is married to Ally and has two adult children and four grandchildren. He is an active member of the Stella Maris Parish in Northern Door County, and also the Knights of Columbus. In addition, he is a member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is running for his second, two-year term.

Terry McArdle. Submitted.

Why are you running? I have spent the majority of my adult life in public service, most of it in the military. Since high school, I have been of the opinion that all of us as citizens of the United States owe a duty back to the rest of our citizens to defend and stand up for the freedoms we all enjoy under our constitution. Thus, when Ally and I decided to retire here in Baileys Harbor I wanted to continue with public service.  

What is your town doing right? I really appreciate the number of our town citizens who appear before the town board in support of those things they believe we need. One of those is a better broadband system. The town has now entered into a new contract to get that accomplished starting this fall and hopefully completing it in late 2025. I also appreciate that our town citizens care about the future of our town and actively support keeping our local economy strong.  

What needs improvement?  We have great parks and recreation facilities. However, some of them are showing their age and need an investment in new equipment, landscaping work, and such.  

What are the town’s top priorities for the next five years? The primary one is to see to the completion of the new town-wide broadband system. My second priority would be to continue to cooperate with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the rebuilding of state Highway 57 through our vital and lively downtown. Rebuilding this highway will help maintain the flow of seasonal guests into Baileys Harbor and in turn help all the local businesses be more successful.

Susan Tishler (incumbent), 61, works as the business office assistant at Gibraltar Area Schools. She has a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Loyola University in Chicago. She is married to Timothy and has three adult children. She has been a volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America and for various committees at several school districts. She currently serves as a math tutor at Gibraltar Area Schools and is on the Baileys Harbor Nelson Property Ad Hoc Committee. She was elected to her current town board seat as an uncontested candidate in April 2022.

Susan Tishler. Submitted.

Why are you running? I care about Baileys Harbor. My family has had a home in Baileys Harbor since 1940. I’ve been visiting Baileys Harbor my whole life and lived here full-time for 12 years. I have served as an effective board member over the last two-and-a-half years. I hope to help guide the progress of the town while maintaining its character and beauty, and keeping Baileys Harbor a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

What is your town doing right? We are currently working on several projects that will improve the town for those who live, work and visit here. Those include development of the Nelson property, bringing broadband internet access to every residence, and improving our town marina. We have a dedicated and conscientious group of town employees. The board tries to make decisions that are fiscally responsible and represent the electors and the best interests of the town.

What needs improvement? I would like to see more public engagement. As an elected official, I represent the electors and the best interests of the town. With more public input, better decisions can be made. Baileys Harbor faces challenges that are common in our county.  Increasing development and tourism pressures result in challenges including housing affordability, traffic congestion and labor and child-care insufficiencies. All municipalities must work together to make decisions with these common challenges in mind.

What are the town’s top priorities for the next five years? Always be an active listener to the needs of the electors and the best interests of the town, including residents, part-time residents, visitors and business owners. Complete former Nelson/Larsen property development. Bring broadband access availability to every household and business. Complete the town marina study and decide implementation strategy.

Kordon, Paul.jpg

Paul Kordon, 56, is a plumbing contractor with a B.S. in Business Management and Economics from Bethel College. He has been a licensed Master Plumber with the state of Wisconsin since 2004. He is married to Juli Anderson-Kordon. He chairs the Baileys Harbor Wastewater Committee and is a volunteer for the Baileys Harbor Athletic Club and the Jacksonport Parade Committee. This is his first run for a public office.

Paul Kordon. Submitted.

Why are you running? I am running because I believe citizens need to be involved with their community, and this is the next step for me.

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement? The town has worked hard on maintaining its charm and connection with outdoor activities. However, our focus must turn toward  maintaining and improving our infrastructure long-term. Successful town government places function and logic over emotion, identifying wants versus needs.

What are the town’s top priorities for the next five years? Priorities are roads, marina, wastewater plant and sidewalks.