Owen’s 1st Ward has two candidates for city council on the ballot in the April 2 election. Both candidates have responded to our questions. Incumbent Bob Wilczek is running inn the 2nd Ward with no opponent. There are two write-in candidates in the 3rd Ward, incumbent Matt Riihinen and Ray Kilty. Neither responded to our questions in time for this week’s publication.
Charlie Milliren
1. Briefly tell us about yourself (e.g. marital status, children, education, etc.)
Lived here most of my life other than college days and active military service. Know most residents and they know me. Boys grown up and on their own. Youngest son got married this past summer, finished law school and now attending military law school (JAG).
2. Why have you decided to run for Owen City Council?
Because I have 8 years under my belt already with 6 as Mayor and wanting to get back involved.
3. What qualities about yourself do you feel would make you a good Council member?
2 years experience as council member and 6 years as Mayor. Was not on the election ballot last April for some strange reason.
4. What will you do to insure that the City of Owen is fiscally responsible in spending the tax dollars it collects?
Same as previous years. Costs keep going up for just about everything. Will not be doing any major projects again this year as we know we will have some in the future. Unfortunately we have to borrow some funds this year to pay off a citizen frivolous lawsuit expense. Talk about wasted taxpayer dollars. Three down, one to go.
5. What do you believe is the best way(s) to keep citizens informed of what city government is doing?
Basically, they have to open a paper and read it, attend meetings or talk to council members or mayor.
6. If elected, is there anything you would like to see changed about how the City of Owen is run?
Don't see changing much of anything. Continue updating policies and ordinances. Continue making improvements to better the city and provide opportunities. Major project on the table is the redoing and upgrading of the bike trail which is mostly paid for by grant monies.
7. What do you feel is the first priority for the coming year in the City of Owen?
Water tower painting, bike trail upgrade and improvements; dog park and small playground in the campground and keeping Mr. Bohl going on his projects. Avoid sue happy people.
Jason Thorton
1. Briefly tell us about yourself (e.g. marital status, children, education, etc.)
My name is Jason Thornton. I am 46 years old. I am married to my wife Samantha, we have one daughter Ashlynn who is 15. I was born and raised in Stanley, WI, and graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 1996. After high school I went to CVTC and graduated with an Associate’s Degree. I have lived in the City of Owen for about the last 20 years. I currently work for Clark County as the Emergency Management Director. Prior to working for Clark County, I was the Fire Chief of the Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire & EMS District.
2. Why have you decided to run for Owen City Council?
I have decided to run for City Council because I believe that as a community, we need to have some younger people more involved in our local government. While having the same members that have been historically on the Council is great, it may be a time for some fresh viewpoints and perspectives to possibly better our community.
3. What qualities about yourself do you feel would make you a good Council member?
I feel I am a caring, calm, and compassionate person who is willing to listen to the people’s concerns and not jump to conclusions right away. I have always been one that if I don’t know the answer, I will do my best to get the answer.
4. What will you do to insure that the City of Owen is fiscally responsible in spending the tax dollars it collects?
If I am elected, I would first need to learn the budget process, all budgets are done a little bit differently. Second the City Council needs to make sure that the city departments (DPW, Police etc., etc.) are spending these funds within the means of their budgets. If they are not then there should be a good explanation on why. Taxes are a touchy subject and everyone wants a slice of them from schools, county, and city, but unfortunately if we want to continue to maintain or improve our city’s infrastructure, we need tax money to do this. The City is like a business and needs to be treated that way.
5. What do you believe is the best way(s) to keep citizens informed of what city government is doing?
Maybe put the minutes on the City of Owen social media outlets, continue to place in the newspaper, post in different places throughout the community (high traffic areas). Possibly offer the community an option to sign-up for email of minutes and other important documents. We are in an era of some people read the paper, some are only social media and others are simply reading a posting at a local business. I would hope that community members would take some initiative to stay informed.
6. If elected, is there anything you would like to see changed about how the City of Owen is run?
If I am elected this would be the first time ever holding an elected position. I would need to learn and understand how the city operates and how things are done before I could really pick what I would like to see changed.
7. What do you feel is the first priority for the coming year in the City of Owen?
I feel the first priority should be getting all of our available real estate listed for sale somewhere other than the city’s website. We have all of this property available but no one knows about it. The city should contract with a realtor or a developer to be pushing the lots in the Countryside Estates. If no one knows about these lots, the city can’t collect any taxes on unsold/undeveloped property.
