MONROE — Jobs, local taxes, and housing are some of the biggest issues facing the Monroe Common Council, and the candidates for open seats have plenty to say about all of it.
Eight candidates are running for five open, at large seats on the Common Council, in ballot order: Lynne Kleven, Heidi Treuthardt, Carson Eddy, Christopher Vestin, Robert Thoman, Darlene Voelkli, Matt Sheaffer and Maxwell Brooks. (Questionnaires were sent out to all candidates via email, but not all responded by the deadline).
Kleven, 61, an incumbent, has served on the council for four years and has lived in the city 39 years. She has served for 25 years as an occupational therapist for the School District of Monroe.
“I am a common-sense candidate who is fiscally conservative, values honesty and transparency, and cares greatly about Monroe and its citizens. I openly listen to people’s perspectives and have consistently brought constituents’ concerns to committee/council for discussion,” Kleven said, in her election questionnaire.
Affordable housing, economic development and creating an environment that encourages young families to move to Monroe are her top issues.
Heidi Treuthardt, 62, has served on the council for four years.
“I am motivated by a desire to give back to the community that has supported my family and my business for decades. Monroe is my home, and I care deeply about its long-term health and stability,” she said. “I bring extensive board experience, long-term business ownership, and proven involvement in city government and I understand the importance of responsible budgeting and long-term planning.”
Treuthardt, a business owner for 40 years, moved to the city from her nearby dairy farm in 1975. Her other experience includes service with Green County Humane Society, Monroe Main Street, Monroe Theater Guild, and SSM Hospice (current). In addition to housing and economic development, she also lists aging infrastructure and utilities as critical issues facing Monroe.
At 25 Carson Eddy is among the younger candidates for the office.
“I am qualified to serve on Common Council because I am a longtime resident of Monroe and a local business owner. I am a barber, which allows me to meet a variety of people from all walks of life who live and work in our community,” he said.
A 24-year resident of the city, Eddy cites fiscal responsibility, affordability, and economic growth, as the top issues facing the community.
Married for 43 years with five children, Richard Thoman, 65, also spent two decades on the Green County Board, in addition to 15 on the council. The top issues facing the council and the city, he said, are housing, high property taxes, and attracting young professionals to work and raise families here.
“I have deep roots and a love for Monroe and want to see it grow and be a good community to live in,” he said. “My many years of public service have helped me learn to be attentive to the needs of people.”
A lifelong resident of Monroe, Darlene Voelkli, 68, worked for 20 years at Monroe Clinic. She also has served the community as a volunteer with Jaycees, as a Monroe Woman’s Club Board member, St. Vincent de Paul Board member, and Christian Education Board member.
“I have worked in this community (Retired RN), raised my children here,” she said. “I listen to people. I am not afraid to speak up and share my opinion.”
Housing, especially seniors and families, public safety and supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones are the critical issues, she adds.
Vestin ran for election in the spring 2025 common council race, and was nearly elected at that time. He was later appointed in July 2025 to serve the remainder of the term for Mary Jane Grenzow, the former newspaper editor who died in office and whose term runs through mid-April 2026. Vestin is a local businessman, the co-owner of Payne’s Family CoffeeHaus & Oddities just off the downtown square.