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Meet the Candidates: Gibraltar and Nasewaupee

This is the second of three weeks of coverage we’ll have on candidates running in the April 4 election for seats on their town or village boards. The candidates for this week are in the Gibraltar and Nasewaupee races. Next week will be Sister Bay, Gardner and Washington. To review last week’s candidates – Baileys Harbor, Forestville and Liberty Grove – go to doorcountypulse.com.

On our website, you can also find profiles of the two candidates running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat – Daniel Kelly, supported by conservative voters, and Janet Protasiewicz, supported by liberal voters – courtesy of Peter Cameron with The Badger Project.

Absentee and Early Voting

Election Day is April 4, but absentee ballots are already circulating and can be requested from your municipal clerk’s office. Absentee ballots must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 8 pm on Election Day.

Another option is in-person early voting, which began March 21. Hours vary by municipality, so check with yours to learn when you can stop by to cast an early vote.

Town of Gibraltar

Four candidates are running for two supervisor seats. In addition, incumbent town board supervisor Bill Johnson is challenging incumbent town board chair Steve Sohns for his seat. 

Board Chair Candidates

Bill Johnson.

Bill Johnson, 77, is semi-retired and works part time in IT. He has a B.S. in business administration and economics from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He is a widower; his wife was Cathy Johnson, and they have one adult child. He has been an elected Gibraltar Town Board supervisor for the past five years. 

Why are you running for the town chair instead of a supervisor seat?

I’m running as a current supervisor for the chair position to improve meeting efficiency, reduce meeting length, ask electors to reduce the chairman’s compensation, increase constituent input and allow board input on meeting agendas. Per state statutes, the entire board directs administrator and staff through its decisions, not the chair. 

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement?

The current budget didn’t increase, despite a 38% consumable increase. Tax increase was solely from electors’ lakefront property purchase approval. Upper-bluff development will increase revenues, create workforce housing with little town financial impact. There’s a solid road-replacement financial plan in place. Workforce housing is planned.

What do you believe should be the top priorities for the town to address during the next five years?

Repair the failing Cedar Court storm sewer. Complete the Hill and Bluff Road updates. Complete road repairs identified and required. Support the upper-bluff development and sewer installation, along with the multimodal trails creating alternate pedestrian routes to the downtown north and south of the town.

Steve Sohns.

Steve Sohns, 56, is a member/manager of Hammersmith TV Sales and Service in Sister Bay. He’s a graduate of Gibraltar High School and has a two-year A.S. degree in electronics from Lakeshore Technical College. He is married to Sara Sohns, and they have a 17-year-old daughter. He’s been the town’s chair for the past two and a half years, was a town board supervisor for 16 years and was a county board supervisor for two and a half years.

Why are you running for the town chair instead of a supervisor seat?

As chairman for the past two and a half years, and steering the town through COVID, a major highway project, parking lot construction and the town beach renovation, I would like to continue leading the town through future growth – weighing the wants, needs and ongoing costs, while protecting the town’s charm and heritage.

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement?

Having a great administrator and staff is most important! Improvements: More discussion, more compromise in meetings. Remembering everyone, including those struggling, when deciding fees, project costs and department budgeting. Improving public outreach. Appreciating a town of both rural and downtown charm and what makes it special to locals and visitors.

What do you believe should be the top priorities for the town to address during the next five years?

Paying down debt and controlling spending. Manage speed of change and protect our charm and history when updating infrastructure. Plan the new shore property with public input, shared visions and wise spending. Make Gibraltar an affordable place to live, work and raise a family. Town-wide, affordable high-speed internet.

Supervisor Candidates

Thomas M. Birmingham.

Thomas M. Birmingham, 71, is the owner of Great Northern Construction. He has three years of college at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, is married to Linda and has three adult children. He was appointed to the Gibraltar School Board in November 1992, then elected to three successive terms, for a total of nine years.

Why are you running?

Having lived here all my life and witnessed how it’s changed, I’m alarmed by initiatives the board has taken, the direction it’s headed and its sidestepping of the state revenue limit with a fee. It’s time for change, and I can lead. If elected, I will work to stop the Traffic Utility Fee and further fee funding of common services, curtail growth of town government, effect downtown municipal improvement without impervious-surface increase, and preserve rural character.

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement?

With few exceptions, keeping it simple and maintaining scale is what our town has managed best thus far, and the basis on which the contentment of both living and visiting here will continue to thrive. Variety is welcome. Familiarity is key. Improvement and redevelopment should follow accordingly.

What do you believe should be the top priorities for the town to address during the next five years?

Stop the Traffic Utility Fee and further fee funding of common service. Curtail growth of town government. Effect downtown municipal improvement without impervious-surface increase. Maintain rural character. Redevelop the former Kinsey and Chambers Island retreat parcels. Reconsider design standards to prevent inappropriate development. Universal broadband access.

Vinni Chomeau.

Vinni Chomeau, 46, is the Friends of Gibraltar project coordinator. She has a B.S. in environmental experiential education from Northland College, an M.S. in environmental science and policy from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and an environmental education certification from Hamline University. She is married to Jay Chomeau and has one child. She was first elected to the Door County Board of Supervisors representing the Town of Gibraltar and the Village of Ephraim in 2018, and she has been reelected twice. She’s currently serving her third two-year term in that position.

Why are you running?

To find creative solutions that enhance the aesthetics and unique character of the town, while promoting environmental health, success of local businesses and quality of life for residents. I would like to apply the experience I have gained from being on the Door County Board of Supervisors and from having served on various county committees, including the Door County Resource Planning Committee that deals with zoning. I am also interested in saving some trees in town.

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement?

One thing the Town of Gibraltar is doing right is having a town administrator position so professional focus can be given to public projects and infrastructure that require ongoing planning, financing and maintenance. The town could put more value on the aesthetics and environmental health of the town.

What do you believe should be the top priorities for the town to address during the next five years?

The top priority should be developing creative solutions that enhance natural beauty and environmental health as related to parking, traffic, stormwater management, septic systems, use of public shorelines, replacing trees in town parks and investing in town amenities. 

Brian Merkel.

Brian Merkel is the owner of Nor Door Sport and Cyclery. He is married to Melissa Merkel and has one son. He is an incumbent town board supervisor and has 20 years of town board experience, three of those years as chair.

Why are you running?

Reason to rerun is to continue the smart growth of our township while maintaining and improving the quality of life here while keeping the inviting, small-town charm that our community is known for.

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement? 

Since realignment of staff, there’s been better management of resources, tax dollars and project completion. Improvements follow the smart-growth plan adopted by town residents. A long-term look at projects, expenses, income and funding will protect future generations. We need to maintain and improve quality of life so it won’t be a financial burden to reside here. 

What do you believe should be the top priorities for the town to address during the next five years?

Continue to control taxes to equal expenses. Maintain and improve the quality of roads, parks and infrastructure. The development of the waterfront property to increase access and views of the water as stated in the master plan. Finish infrastructure improvements to the downtown area that follow the waterfront master plan.

John Selenica.

John Selenica, 60, is retired. He has a B.S. in technical management from DeVry University. He is married to Jody Selenica, and they have one child living at home. This is his first run for public office.

Why are you running?

I am invested in Gibraltar and would like to contribute my experience in growing it into a vibrant community. I have 35 years’ experience in the public utilities and have assisted municipalities with public-improvement projects. I volunteer at Door Community Auditorium, Northern Sky Theater and Gibraltar Fire & Rescue. I feel I could be a strong and diverse advocate for the community, given my current commitment to Gibraltar and my prior experience with municipal infrastructure.

What is your town doing right? What needs improvement?

What the town is doing right is the availability of outdoor activities, a sense of community and small-town charm. What needs improvement is congestion and traffic flow during peak season for pedestrians, bikers and cars; and improved communication and transparency with stakeholders.

What do you believe should be the top priorities for the town to address during the next five years?

Pedestrian and bike-friendly routes are needed, as well as collaboration with business owners for seasonal housing opportunities.

Town of Nasewaupee

Nasewaupee’s decision to expand its board from three to five members opened up a couple of seats and drew numerous candidates to run. All five seats are upf or election. Three of those are contested races. Jill Lau, who will remain the town’s clerk until April 18, is running uncontested for the Supervisor 4 seat (Dennis Rimert is not running for reelection). Incumbent town board chair Steve Sullivan is also running uncontested for his seat.
The public may also hear more from the candidates by watching the recording at lwvdoorcounty.org from the Door County League of Women Voters’ Nasewaupee Town Board candidate forum, held March 7.
Below are the candidates for the contested supervisor races.

Supervisor 1 Candidates

Mark Hilsabeck.

Mark Hilsabeck, 57, is a real estate agent with Action Realty. He has a B.A. in criminal justice from the Community College of the Air Force. He and his wife, Cyndi Hilsabeck, have two adult children. This is his first run for public office.

Why are you running for office?

As a local veteran who recently retired from the Door County Sheriff’s Office, I would like to continue my service to the community and be a part of Nasewaupee’s future. With my past experiences, I feel I have a lot to offer the residents of Nasewaupee in the upcoming challenges. 

What would you like to work on if elected?

Getting grants to bring fiber optics to residents at an affordable price. I would also look into the chain of events that caused the separation of the fire department and work hard to ensure that the new fire department is implemented responsibly – both fiscally and its personnel relationships – to avoid future and/or similar issues.

Why are you uniquely positioned to help make your community a better place to live and work?

I have devoted 20 years to helping the community be a better place as a law-enforcement officer. I have an open mind, am level headed and will always treat others with respect. I am easy to talk to and will work hard to make Nasewaupee one of the best towns in Door County.

Bill Krueger.

Bill Krueger, 79, is a valet at Door County Medical Center. He was educated at Menomonee Falls High School. He and his wife, Mary Krueger, have three adult children. This is his first run for public office. 

Why are you running for office?

I decided to run for town supervisor to continue working toward the successful launch of our new fire department, which can be run for less than what we pay to the Southern Door Fire Department now. I want to use my experience to keep watch on how we spend money on infrastructure and work toward better technology options such as fiber optics.

What would you like to work on if elected?

Getting the new fire department ready for the Oct. 1, 2023, launch. Infrastructure needs. Getting permit rights for Nasewaupee to use Sturgeon Bay’s grass and brush disposal. See whether grant money is available for fiber optics [broadband], and have the citizens vote if they want it or not.

Why are you uniquely positioned to help make your community a better place to live and work?

My vast experience in leadership positions can help me represent Nasewaupee, help identify needs, seek solutions and help move the town forward. I would appreciate your vote on April 4 so I can put this experience to use.

Supervisor 2 Candidates

Mark Feuerstein.

Mark Feuerstein, 60, is a crop-insurance agent/owner and crop consultant. He has a B.S. in soil and crop science, with a minor in turf-grass management, from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, as well as an M.B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He is married to Teri Feuerstein, and they have one adult son. He was elected to serve as a county board supervisor in 2012 for the southern half of Nasewaupee and a portion of Gardner. He served for one two-year term and chose not to run for reelection due to career demands. 

Why are you running for office?

I am now able to travel less and can devote more time to the local town board. I have been a resident of Nasewaupee since 1988 and own a 206-acre farm that was owned in the past by two previous relatives: Melvin Hoffman and George Whitford, who were also Nasewaupee Town Board members.

What would you like to work on if elected?

I’m going in with an open mind on the disbanding of the Southern Door Fire Department but feel my role as a volunteer firefighter for the department from 1990 to 1998 will help guide some discussions and actions. It is my hope the town can do something to improve broadband for the residents of Nasewaupee. 

Why are you uniquely positioned to help make your community a better place to live and work?

A full-time resident of Nasewaupee since 1988, I have planted more than 50 acres of wildlife habitat on our 206-acre farm. We’ve made water-quality improvements and have used cover crops since 2004. I can be of guidance to residents interested in improving habitat. My background in agriculture will help the board on issues related to agriculture.

Don Sixel Jr.

Don Sixel Jr., 72, is an incumbent Nasewaupee Town Board supervisor, farmer and graduate of Southern Door High School. He served as a supervisor for the town from 1989 to 1994, and again from 2015 to the present time. He is married to Betty Sixel, and they have five adult children.

Why are you running for office?

I decided to run for local office as I have always had the desire to be part of local government and see the positive impacts it has on the residents.

What would you like to work on if elected?

If elected, I would like to work on fiber optics, infrastructure, fire services and short-term rentals.

Why are you uniquely positioned to help make your community a better place to live and work?

As a longtime resident of Nasewaupee, I have seen the positive effects of the local government on our residents, and as a current supervisor, I have the insight to navigate the ever-changing issues our town faces. 

Supervisor 3 Candidates

Gene LaPlante.

Gene LaPlante, 69, is a general construction contractor and graduate of Preble High School in Green Bay. He is married to Gloria LaPlante, and they have three adult daughters. This is his first run for public office. 

Why are you running for office?

I’ve been a resident of the Town of Nasewaupee since 1973. There have been many misconceptions about Nasewaupee forming our own fire department. Currently, we are paying 71% of the total costs. We can do a better job, while paying far fewer operating costs, while having enough staff to cover.

What would you like to work on if elected?

Currently, there are concerns surrounding zoning, Nasewaupee being part of the Southern Door Fire Department and opportunities for broadband options. As a town board member, I would make my vote in the best interest for the people in the Town of Nasewaupee by taking into account budgets and responsible spending.

Why are you uniquely positioned to help make your community a better place to live and work?

I have always been concerned about the livelihood, financial well-being, land-use restrictions and safety and beautification of our community. I am eager to serve as a resource and be available for the people who live in the Town of Nasewaupee and look forward to having the opportunity to serve.

Tim Smith.

Tim Smith, 63, is retired from Dominion Energy following a 35-year career at the Kewaunee Power Station, working in the operations and engineering organizations. He also served for six years in the U.S. Navy. He has a B.S. in nuclear science and engineering from the University of Maryland University College. He is married to Judy Smith, and they have two adult daughters. Prior to moving to Door County, he served as District 19 supervisor on the Kewaunee County Board from December 1995 through January 2000. He ran for the Door County Board District 5 supervisor seat in 2022 and was defeated.

Why are you running for office?

To become more involved in the community and serve the town, which has been a wonderful place to live and raise our daughters.   

What would you like to work on if elected?

Transitioning to a town fire department is a very important issue that will require support from the board and the public. The lines of communication will need to remain open. Additionally, the broadband project needs to be implemented in a cost-effective manner.

Why are you uniquely positioned to help make your community a better place to live and work?My experience with the Nasewaupee Board of Review, Kewaunee County Board, City of Kewaunee Zoning Board of Appeals and Kewaunee Comprehensive Plan Committee enables me to approach issues from the voter and government perspectives. Additionally, during my career, I worked with people from various backgrounds to attain common goals. 

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