December 21, 2020 – West Bend, Wi – The West Bend Common Council will address filling the vacant seat of Steve Hoogester; early indications are the seat will be left open until the April 2021 election.
Dist. 1 alderman John Butschlick said, ““We would be better off waiting until the elections and let the residents vote who they feel would represent them and their district. Rather than appoint someone and give them that edge.”
Dist. 2 alderman Mark Allen said he doesn’t believe an interim appointment should be made.
“We needed more time to collect applications and then we needed to fill it before the filing deadline [for the April 2021 election.] If we ask for applications now, we would be filling it after the filing deadline, January 5, 2021.”
Allen said the “only reasonable thing to do is refrain from putting the thumb on the scales of justice.”
“We make it known that rather than make a recess appointment we let the people of Dist. 6 know they can come to any aldermen to deal with issues or concerns and do what can be done.”
“I was a little surprised there was so much reluctance to allow us to have an interim appointment completed ahead of the filing deadline but now that’s not even possible.”
The filing deadline to apply to be on the April 2021 ballot for the Spring Election is January 5, 2021.
In West Bend Dist. 4 alderman Randy Koehler turned in the required signatures and candidacy papers on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 to run for office again in April 2021.
Koehler was appointed to fill the seat on the common council in Dist. 4 this past April 2020; he was sworn in in May 2020.
District 8 – Cliff Van Beek took out papers. Click HERE for a map of District 8. Van Beek submitted paperwork in February 2020 to fill the seat left open following the resignation of alderman Roger Kist.
District 8 alderwoman Meghann Kennedy turned in all the required paperwork, including signatures, on Thursday, December 17.
District 6 – Josh McCutcheon, 37, has served on many boards and committees but this is his first foray into public office. “I’ve always been interested in local communities and working towards the greater good,” said McCutcheon. “I’ve been considering running for alderman for a few years; the timing now just works out good for my family.”
District 6 – Tracy Ahrens turned in declaration of candidacy papers and the required signatures.
District 6 is currently an open seat on the West Bend Common Council following the passing of alderman Steve Hoogester.
The council Monday will also read another resolution honoring Hoogester and a resolution honoring Fire Lieutenant Andrew Whitmore.
