Meet the candidates running for a seat on the Plymouth city council this April
PLYMOUTH - Of the four seats up for election on the eight-person Plymouth city council, one is a toss-up and one is contested.
No candidates will appear on the ballot for District 3, which means the race could be won by a write-in candidate. If that does not happen, the city council will vote to appoint a new councilmember when incumbent Amy Odekirk's term expires, since Odekirk is not seeking re-election.
The District 2 race is contested, with incumbent John Nelson facing challenger Carole O'Malley.
District 1 incumbent Diane Gilson is running for re-election unopposed, as is District 4 candidate David Hermann. District 4 incumbent Charles Hansen is not seeking re-election.
City council members serve a two-year term and receive $3,600 per year.
In February, the Sheboygan Press asked the District 2 candidates about their priorities if elected. Here's what they said.
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Meet the candidates
Name: John Nelson
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired fisheries biologist and operations supervisor with Wisconsin DNR (1981-2011), project manager with The Nature Conservancy (2011-2017)
Education: Master's degree in biology from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee, in 1981
Have you previously served in public office? Yes, as District 2 alderperson in Plymouth from 2015 to present, and as District 15 Sheboygan County District Supervisor from April 2022 to present.
Name: Carole O'Malley
Age: 73
Occupation: By age, I am officially retired, but I have been in the hospitality industry for 40 years and still do part-time work in it.
Education: My highest formal education was from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc. Over the years, I have gained certificates for bookkeeping, food safety, accounting software and have attended many seminars for business ownership and management.
Have you previously served in public office? I have never served in elected public office. However, I have served, or currently serve, on the Chamber of Commerce board, the Downtown Business Association, the Redevelopment Authority, the Board of Appeals of city property ordinances and variances, the tax Board of Review and the City Planning Commission.
Website: Right now, I just have a personal Facebook page, but if elected, I will set up a FB page for constituents to use for concerns.
Why are you running for city council?
Nelson: It is my desire to continue serving the City of Plymouth in a way that makes it a better community for all of its residents and businesses. Serving on the council gives me the direct ability to develop and take action on ways to resolve issues that face the community. It is important to me to make wise decisions and to contain the budget so that property tax levies remain as low as possible while providing the services that are expected by residents and businesses.
O'Malley: As a long-term resident and former owner of DeO'Malley's Pizza Pub and Carole's Café, I have had the privilege of seeing Plymouth grow and prosper over many years. If elected, my plan is to use my experiences and insights and full energy to assist Plymouth to continue moving forward.
What makes you a good candidate in this race?
Nelson: I have a good track record on supporting local businesses and working on budget issues. I have served as the chairperson of the Finance and Personnel Committee for several years. I initiated the idea of the “Cheese Capital” arch, was instrumental in the development of the “Maple Festival,” and initiated the ad hoc committee on affordable housing. I serve on the Redevelopment Authority and am a member of the Plymouth Lions. Also, serving on the Sheboygan County Board gives me the ability to better mesh actions between the two entities.
O'Malley: I am familiar some of the city government workings. I have the time and experiences and willingness/readiness to learn more.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues? If elected, how will you address them?
Nelson: The most important issues of residents include budget constraint, affordable housing and the Millpond dam. I will continue to be conservative on budget issues. I initiated the affordable housing committee and will work to direct efforts to provide affordable housing for industry workers and elderly or disabled people. I will do my best to look at all alternatives regarding the Millpond dam as the final decision will affect the community for the next 100 years.
O'Malley: In general conversation with residents, there is always a concern about the maintenance of the streets, timing for city projects and general questions a member of city council may be able to answer.
Local government budgets are tight across Wisconsin. What do you feel are top priorities for the city budget?
Nelson: Probably the top budget issue facing Plymouth will be the reconstruction or removal of the Millpond dam. Reconstruction may cost up to $2 million.
O'Malley: As a long-time observer of city spending, if elected I plan to be fiscally conservative and a budget hawk.
How to vote
To vote, you must be registered and present a photo ID. You can register to vote in advance or at the polling place the day of the election. For more information about registration or early voting hours, call the city clerk's office at 920-893-1271. Polls will be open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on April 4.
Find your voting location and a sample ballot at myvote.wi.gov.
Reach Maya Hilty at 920-400-7485 or MHilty@sheboygan.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Plymouth city council candidates share priorities before election
