CASCO – Two of four seats on the Casco Village Board are being contested in the April 7 election with current trustees Tim Kinnard and Francis Gilson being challenged by Chad Cochart.

The Star-News asked candidates in contested races to respond to a short survey to let readers know who they are and why they're running for office. Their answers appear below.

Tim Kinnard (I)

Age: 49.

Current occupation: Funeral director and co-owner of Wiesner & Massart Funeral Homes and Wiesner & Massart Inc.

Family: Wife, Cindy; children, Rachel and Travis.

How long have you lived in your community? 25 years in Casco; entire life in Kewaunee County.

Political and community service experience: Luxemburg-Casco Board of Education for 18 years, president of the board for 14 years; Village of Casco trustee since 2003; first responder for the Casco-Lincoln First Responder Organization; past member of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Board, Casco Lions Club and Casco Fire Department.

Contact information: 920-255-7749.

Why are you running for office? I am currently the incumbent in this race.  I have always had a strong interest in local politics, and I have a vested interest in Casco. This is where I live, raise my family, and run our businesses.  I care about the people of Casco. I want to see our village grow and flourish. I believe the residents of Casco deserve to have a representative that is open-minded, approachable and will address their concerns when asked.

What are the main issues on which you plan to focus when in office? I have a strong interest in several issues facing our village including the upcoming State 54 resurfacing project and future upgrades to our Casco Sewer Plant due to state mandates. In addition, I would like to ensure the continued future use of the Luxemburg-Casco Middle School.

Francis Gilson (I)

Declined to respond to this survey.

Chad Cochart

Age: 46.

Current occupation: Mill worker and day care owner.

Family members: Wife, Lisa; stepchildren, Tyler, Vanessa and Matthew; three grandchildren.

How long have you lived in your community? 15 years in Casco, lifelong resident of Kewaunee County.

Political and community service experience: 15-year member of the Casco Fire Department; member of the Luxemburg Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Contact information: 920-493-6163 or [email protected]

Why are you running for office? The Village of Casco needs board members who are willing to be proactive and not reactive when dealing with issues that could impact the growth and development of our community. We need a plan for the future that has the collaboration of all the community stakeholders in mind. I want to see the Village of Casco thrive and prosper.

What are the main issues on which you plan to focus when in office? Some of the issues are promoting residential growth in Casco, wastewater management planning, finding solutions for environmental impact issues, long-range planning and attracting new businesses that would expand our horizons for the future.

Voting resources

To get a sample of your ballot, learn how to register to vote and how to vote absentee, please visit myvote.wi.gov/en-us/. 

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Meet the candidates: Casco Village Board