MONROE — Hoping to help lead the city of Monroe into the future, five people are vying for four at-large seats on the Monroe Common Council April 3.

The vacancies for two-year terms are due in part to the decision of two incumbents, Brooke Bauman and Josh Binger, not to seek re-election.

Those on the ballot include incumbents Tom Miller and Andrew Kranig. Joining them are newcomers Kyle Knoll, Corrine Wartenweiler and Kevin Lollock. Voters will be asked to vote for four of the five candidates appearing on the ballot.

Miller is a retired engineer who has lived in Monroe since 1995. He first served on the council for three terms from 2012 to 2018. He was initially appointed in 2022 to the council to fill the spot vacated when then Alder Donna Douglas took over as mayor.

“I have worked on both sides of the fence to help make Monroe a better place to live,” said Miller. “Even though Monroe is a great place to live, we need to maintain what we have and address any issues to improve life in Monroe as needed.  Some of the issues that need to be worked on at this time are housing, employment/businesses, city staffing, and public services.”

Knoll, 38, is a lifelong resident of Monroe and an automotive technician. He initially trained to be a member of the Monroe Fire Department but later transitioned to the Monroe Rural Fire Department — with a combined membership of over 15 years between the two departments. 

“My interest in becoming a Common Council Alderperson has been brewing in my mind for some time,” he said. “I am very dedicated to the City of Monroe and helping the community thrive as we move forward into the future.”

Knoll, who serves on Board of Directors for the Highland Community College Automotive Program, said he wants the city he loves continue to grow. 

“With being a multi-property owner, I have a good understanding of the effect that local government has on residents of Monroe,” he said.

Lollock works in Wisconsin for Zebra Technologies, and he and his family live just off the square in downtown Monroe. He says he wants, most of all, to be able to give back to the community.

He is “committed to supporting local businesses, and is supportive of growth that will stimulate long-term health and economic development in Monroe, while preserving its heritage and tight-knit culture,” Lollock said, adding that “a sustainable community manages its human, natural, and financial capital to meet current needs while ensuring that adequate resources and a cultural legacy are available for future generations.”

Wartenweiler could not be reached for comment at press time, but in a recent letter to the editor of the newspaper, she praised the existing council for its work in creating a “friendly” and “safe” city.

“I’ve lived here all my adult life and I think Monroe is a good-hearted community,” she said. “I’d like to keep it that way.”

Alder Andrew Kranig, who also could not be immediately reached for comment by phone or email, was first elected in April of 2021 and is vying for his second term. He owns a small motorcycle-related business in downtown Monroe.

Bauman was first elected in April of 2011 and is currently serving her fifth term on the council. Schindler is currently serving his second term as Alderperson.