Newly voted Fond du Lac County executive intends to build on Allen Buechel's legacy
FOND DU LAC – Sam Kaufman is the first new county executive in almost 30 years.
According to the unofficial results from Tuesday's election, Kaufman earned 5,447 votes, out of a total of 6,548 voters that took to the polls in an 11% voter turnout, according to County Clerk Lisa Freiberg.
Two registered write-in candidates vied for the seat: Tiffany Brault and Rick Gedemer. Across the county, Brault brought in 949 votes, and Gedemer brought in 66 votes.
Kaufman is a Waupun-based trial attorney and partner in the law firm of Vande Zande & Kaufman, LLP. He brings leadership experience from serving on the Fond du Lac County Board, Waupun Town Board and as vice president of the Fond du Lac County Town Association.
Allen Buechel, the longest-serving county executive in the state, died in March. He was first elected in 1993, and previously served on county board for 17 years, equipped to lead the county into the 21st century.
After working with Buechel, Kaufman wrote on his campaign website he intends to build on Buechel's legacy and work closely with the county municipalities and the community to solve any issues the county may face.
His priorities include economic and workforce development through present and possible future corporate relationships, and attracting families and workers to the county.
Kaufman will be sworn in 11 a.m. Thursday in the Legislative Chambers of the City County Government Center, 160 S. Macy St. He will fill the rest of Buechel's term, which expires April 15, 2025.
Contact Daphne Lemke at dlemke@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @daphlemke.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Sam Kaufman voted in to Fond du Lac County Executive seat
