Two candidates interested were both ‘well qualified’
By Kellen Olshefski
Correspondent
The City of Elkhorn Common Council voted in favor of appointing Ken Meinel to fill the vacant District 5 alderman seat at its meeting Monday night.
The seat was left vacant after Alderman Tom Myrin recently resigned from the position. Mayor Bruce Lechner explained that Myrin has accepted a new position, and as a result, is moving to northern Wisconsin.
Meinel and Jim Boardman – both former council members – submitted letters expressing interest in filling the vacant seat. Both men were in attendance at Monday’s meeting.
At the meeting, Meinel told the council he’s held several positions over the years, owned a couple of small businesses in town, meaning he knows what it’s like to own a small business in Elkhorn, and that he’s now retired and has the time available to serve.
“So, it’s time to give back to the city,” he said.
Meinel, also a current and longtime member of the City of Elkhorn Plan Commission, said growth of Elkhorn is one of his main concerns and is something he thinks the city has handled well thus far.
He also noted that he believes it’s important to stand behind small, local businesses in the city in an effort to help them continue to grow as well.
“I think the other thing important is the small businesses in town (and) making sure that we stay behind them and give them the tools to survive and grow,” Meinel said.
Prior to the tally of the Council ballots, Alderman Tim Shiroda noted that both candidates – Meinel and Boardmand – were two of the “most well qualified candidates” the council could possibly have to choose from.
Councilmembers ultimately voted in favor of appointing Meinel, who was sworn in as District 5 Alderman during the meeting Monday night.
For more coverage from the June 7 meeting, pick up a copy of the June 10 Elkhorn Independent.
