KEWAUNEE - Three candidates to represent District 2 on the Kewaunee Common Council are facing off in the Feb. 16 primary election.
Jeremy John Robillard, Wendy Shelton and Evan Gibbs filed candidacy papers to run for the seat currently held by Jeff Dworak, who is not seeking re-election. The top two vote-getters in the primary will have their names on the ballot in the April 6 general election.
Also on the primary ballot is a statewide race for Superintendent of Public Instruction, which has seven candidates vying to replace Carolyn Stanford Taylor, who was appointed in January 2019 to replace then-superintendent Tony Evers upon Evers' inauguration as governor but is not running to retain the position.
Common Council candidates were sent questions by the Kewaunee County Star-News and limited to 100-word responses. Their following answers have been lightly edited for clarity and grammar.
Wendy Shelton
Age: 56
Current occupation: No answer given.
Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology, master's degree in social work
Family: Husband, John; five grown children.
How long have you lived in Kewaunee? In District 2 since 2015
Public service experience: Volunteer with numerous organizations, including Friends of the Library Used Bookstore, Farm Technology Days, Kewaunee County Fair, Christkindlmarkt, Holy Rosary Church (children’s choir, marketing committee, rummage sale)
Contact information: wendykewaunee@gmail.com or wendykewaunee.com
Why are you running for office?
Shelton: I have a strong belief in community involvement and I would like to forge a better partnership between the community and the council to make decisions for the city.
What makes you the better candidate for this office?
Shelton: I’ve been in leadership positions in many local not-for-profit organizations. I am currently the president-elect for Kewaunee Rotary Club; have served as a board member and secretary for the Marquette Historic District; have been on the marketing committee for Holy Rosary School; and served as treasurer for a private school. Given my experience, I feel my skills are well-suited to work for the community as an alderperson.
Is there a specific issue on which you plan to focus when in office?
Shelton: I would like to promise the citizens of (District 2) that their tax dollars are being spent wisely. I’ll also strive to maintain a safe, family-friendly community that ensures Kewaunee stays a great place to live.
Is there anything on which you would work with the council to better address the COVID-19 pandemic locally?
Shelton: We have wonderful first responders in this town and they need our support. Police, firemen, ambulance and health care workers regularly help us through troubled times, on both a community and personal level. These people should feel confident and secure that the city supports them as they help us through this difficult COVID-19 pandemic.
