By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Four of Whitewater’s seven seats on the Common Council are up for grabs in this spring’s general election, and all of the candidates are familiar with running for office at the municipal level.
The city’s council positions run for two years. During even-numbered years, aldermanic districts 2 and 4 are up for grabs, as is one of the two at-large positions. In an anomaly this year, however, the remaining year of the aldermanic district 1 seat is also on the ballot because of a prior vacancy.
In all, five candidates are vying for the four open positions, meaning only one race is contested this spring.
Aldermanic District 1
A year ago, resident Craig Stauffer ran unopposed for the aldermanic position. But he relinquished his seat on the council, several months into his term, because of a job opportunity that required he move outside the state.
In September, Patrick Wellnitz was appointed by the council to keep the seat warm through this spring. Wellnitz was one of three hopefuls.
One of his challengers in the fall appointment, Ken Kienbaum, also is throwing his hat in the ring in this spring’s official election. Kienbaum’s name appeared on the ballot a year ago when he ran unsuccessfully for the District 3 seat. He has since moved within the first aldermanic district.
Aldermanic District 2
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student James Langnes III is running unopposed for a spot on the council. Historically, District 2 has mostly represented the school’s students — particularly those living off-campus.
Langnes in May was appointed to serve the second district and fill the remaining year on the seat. Veteran council member Stephanie Abbott formerly represented District 2, but she has since transitioned to represent the city’s fifth aldermanic district because of a move she made within the community.
Aldermanic District 4
Council member Lynn Binnie is running for re-election, unopposed, in the fourth aldermanic district. Binnie has served on the council, representing District 4, since 2008. This is his fifth consecutive go-around for elected office.
Binnie’s loan bid this spring is in stark contrast to the last election in 2014. At the time, Binnie ran against two hopefuls — Gregory Meyer and Paul Yvarra — who offered varying philosophies on what was important in the fourth aldermanic district, and the city as a whole.
Council member At-Large
Council member Ken Kidd’s at-large seat on the Common Council is up for grabs this spring. Last month, Kidd announced he would not be seeking re-election.
One resident, James Allen, has filed his candidacy papers and is running unopposed. Allen has served on the council in the past, including a three-month appointment in 2009 as a representative of the first aldermanic district.
Before his 2009 appointment, however, Allen served on the council for multiple terms, including one year as the elected body’s president. More recently, he has served on appointed boards, committees and commissions.
A primary election is not needed for any of the four positions. The general election will take place Tuesday, April 5.
Members of the Whitewater Common Council earn $300 per month. Regular meetings are held twice monthly.
