Monday, April 5, 2010
2:21 PM
Some local races of note
There's no statewide races or referendums on Tuesday's ballot. But insiders are keeping an eye on a few local races of note.
Here are a few worth watching:
--Waukesha mayor.
Incumbent Larry Nelson won four years ago during the Democratic wave, and conservative critics have been after him since. He finished second in the primary to real estate developer Jeff Scrima. The two have tussled over the issue of Waukesha's future water supply, with Nelson advocating using Great Lakes and Scrima warning that such a move would be costly and could allow Milwaukee control over Waukesha growth.
See WISN-TV video:
http://www.wisn.com/video/23028713/index.html
--Pewaukee mayor.
Incumbent Scott Klein and Ald. H. Roger Hathaway have argued over a proposed merger with the neighboring Village of Pewaukee and the disbanding of the city's police department. Klein says abolishing the police department and contracting with the Waukesha Co. Sheriff's Department saved taxpayer money and suggests a merger might do the same. Hathaway wants to rebuild the police department and suspend a merger study.
The advisory committee is hoping to have a merger referendum in June.
-- Waukesha Co. judge.
State Rep. Mark Gundrum, R-New Berlin, is running against Waukesha Co. Circuit Court Judge Richard Congdon, who was appointed to the post by Dem Gov. Jim Doyle. Gundrum has outspent Congdon this year by better than 6-to-1.
-- Dane Co. board.
The board in Democrat-dominated Dane Co. totals 37, and of those only 20 are contested.
But insiders are watching to see whether progressives take a hit, given the general political environment, the involvement of the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce and the Regional Transit Authority tax issue.
The Madison chamber for the first time ever has endorsed County Board candidates -- something Board Chair Scott McDonell earlier said was action on behalf of the Republican Party.
The RTA could charge up to a half-cent local sales tax to finance transportation projects.
-- Manitowoc Co. exec
Dem state Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer is seeking re-election to his post as Manitowoc County executive, a post he's held since 2006. Ziegelbauer faces small business owner Carla Halvorson.
-- By WisPolitics staff
Labels: 2010_spring_election
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