By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
Elkhorn residents will head to the polls next week Tuesday to determine what two names will appear on the April ballot for the mayoral seat in Elkhorn.
Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Recreation Center Building, 200 Devendorf St., near Sunset Park and the new pool. For information on voter registration and to see everything that will be on Tuesday’s ballot, visit myvote.wi.gov.
When it comes to Tuesday’s ballot, voters will see some familiar faces.
Mayor Brian Olson is nearing the end of his first term and will face off against former Mayor Howie Reynolds and Alderman Tom Myrin for the two slots on the April ballot.
Reynolds served as the city’s mayor prior to Olson being elected to the position in 2014, at which time, Reynolds did not run for re-election.
Olson served as an Alderman in District 6 and also as the Council President prior to being elected to mayor.
Myrin stepped up and took over the Alderman District 5 position after Kim DeHaan resigned. Myrin was officially elected to the position last April and is mid-way through his first term.
Here is what the candidates had to say about the city and their desire to lead the council:
What do you see as the biggest issues facing the city/reason for running?
Myrin: “I think we need a change in leadership. The mayor is the leader … leaders treat with people with dignity, respect, encourage all voices to be heard and communicate effectively with city staff. I bring a unique skill set to that as a branch manager.
“We don’t have a lot of big pending issues, but for me, it’s really the development of small business and helping to revitalize our downtown. I think it’s so important to have a small business community here in town. It just brings so much to the city itself.”
Olson: “Under my administration we have set in place policies that work bringing business and jobs to the community. We have also brought the proper amenities to Elkhorn for the citizens. We have to take the next step in downtown revitalization planning, smart business planning and control spending.
Downtown revitalization planning is a major issue for many communities. We as a city need to take the lead and address our costly city hall by committing to the downtown. I would propose we rebuild city hall downtown making a statement that we are committed there for the next 50 years. We can accomplish this without raising taxes and working closely with the Elkhorn Economic Development Alliance and support their efforts.
“My successful record is proof we get things done: Sunset pool, Sunset Park ball fields, Improved programming, over a dozen street repairs, an aggressive street maintenance program, re-engineering the northeast water treatment plant to save millions, capping pay structures and engaging all groups in the community as a partner.”
Reynolds: “Talking to the people of the city that I talk to, I know it’s supposed to go to bid, but making sure that water plant gets done, trying to fix up as many roads as we can while being financially responsible. Also, most of the people just don’t like the leaf pick-up.”
For the full story, see the Feb. 11 edition of the Elkhorn Independent.
