Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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Two in bid for Kewaunee mayor seat

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Jelinek/Vollenweider, Sr.

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor-in-chief

KEWAUNEE – Two candidates are seeking the mayor’s seat for the city of Kewaunee during the spring 2024 election.

Following are the responses to the questions posed to each of them ahead of the April 2 contest:

Jason Jelinek

Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:

I am a lifelong Kewaunee resident. I have an associate degree in accounting and have been a tax adviser for the last 10 years. I’m also a licensed contractor in my carpentry business. And for fun, I have been a musician in the Johnny Wad Band for the last 25 years. I don’t accept the “jack of all trades” slogan, you can do anything you put your mind to. I have four years of being on the city council and two more years as the mayor of Kewaunee in the past. In my time at the city, I focused on finding ways to bring revenue in that did not impact tax payers while making noticeable improvements. The CDBG blight elimination grants we received are testament to that.

What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:

We need more people that want to be involved with the process and work it takes to keep a city running smooth and financially viable for the future and affordability of its citizens. Seats that are uncontested or simply vacant are not a good sign of community involvement. That said, the next two top items are intertwined. We need affordable housing and to grow the tax base to aid in the ability to keep services and property taxes affordable.

What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:

I find the best way is to be out in your community. I go to public functions and patron many local businesses and talk with people. A recurring spot in the paper I think would be very helpful. (hint) I always encourage attendance at public meetings and that constituents talk to their alderpersons. Come with an open mind and listen to one another.

Jeffrey L Vollenweider, Sr. (Incumbent)

Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:

I have been a business owner/operator in Kewaunee for over 30 years.  I am an Army veteran.  I have served and continue to serve on/with many boards and organizations in Kewaunee.  Examples include: past president Kewaunee Chamber of Commerce, Current Holy Rosary School Board president, adjutant American Legion Post 29 Kewaunee, city of Kewaunee Emergency Management director (volunteer)  nearly 20 years, and District 18 County Board representative.  Prior to being mayor, I had previously served on the city council for eight terms. I have served a role completing many large projects in the city. Some key projects and experiences include construction of the new (at the time) wastewater treatment facility, the acquisition of a $4.2 million grant for the harbor seawall project, acquiring the Army Reserve building and renovating it into the current City Hall, Police Department and West Fire Department to name a few.  My past and present service and dedication to the city of Kewaunee is my passion.  I feel my ability to work well with others, welcoming differing opinions, and leading by example have served me well in my past and present roles.

What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:

I would like to see the rehabilitation of our city marina.  The docks are extremely aged and need replacing.  We are currently getting designs and pricing for the replacement.  The scope and cost of this project will likely exceed the ability for the City to self-fund the project.  We have been in the process of seeking grant opportunities, as well as a phased approach to the replacement.  We also have the Fisherman’s Point property that is ready for development after being cleared of the blighted buildings as well as elevating the site above floodway level to protect any future development.  There are other sites we are also looking for development which include the Klockner waterfront as well as the former Marquette school property.  Another development I would like to see completed, is the new senior center.  This has been a project much needed since the seniors were relocated from the fire station.  There are many people involved with the planning of a new site and construction development as well as very generous funding support from the Jean and Don Smith foundation. The city is very willing to work with the seniors to see this new development soon become a reality.

What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:

Since becoming mayor, we have gone back to the previously long time format of having four standing committees: finance, public works, personnel and public property.  This is instead of the one committee of the whole (COW).  This has given the council members an opportunity to become more engaged with staff and implementing more effective policies.  At a committee level, members will address and research the topics at hand, then after their work is completed, they will make a recommendation to the full city council for approval.  We are fortunate to have a city council that is very active within the community.  Being involved in the community gives citizens great exposure and accessibility to their representatives. Citizens are able to share their ideas and concerns with a council representative and in turn, the council representatives are able to bring forward these ideas and concerns back to a committee and in some cases on to the full city council for direction or approval.  We have a city website and Facebook page where information is published, as well as a YouTube channel that all city council meetings are broadcast live, and then archived on the website for later viewing.   While social media and online sources may not be accessible to some citizens, we encourage attendance at our public meetings as well.  Having effective and orderly meetings is what our citizens expect and deserve.

2024 election, Kewaunee County, news

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