MONROE — Local elections which generally see few names in opposition to incumbents on the ballot now have more candidates than open seats for the April 2 election.

A notable change is the presence of opposition on the Sylvester Town Board ballot. Not only is longtime chair Anna Anderson being contested for the first time in 18 years, but fellow supervisor of 18 years, Terry Reed, also has a challenger. Anderson said representing a group of people means “not listening to the bullies” and holding on to honesty and integrity.

“I have literally gone out and walked fence lines, walked through pastures … I think they know I’m willing to listen,” Anderson said. “It’s very important for elected officials to listen to the people they represent.”

The candidates on both sides have summarized it as a division between those who have overseen the township for nearly two decades and those who wish to see different people take over and evaluate how to move forward.

Mike Witt is running for the first supervisor position. The road conditions near his home and that of his neighbors have been part of why he decided to run. He said the budget may need “new eyes” to see how the township can fix its crumbling infrastructure.

“Everyone on our road pays taxes and they deserve to have their potholes filled,” he said.

There is also the fire protection arrangement within the township. Sylvester left a previous partnership with the Monroe Fire Department due to disagreements over funds, and has since been relying on Juda firefighters to respond to emergencies within the township. Monroe Fire Chief Dan Smits has undertaken the possibility of a new Rural Fire District arrangement this year and negotiations are ongoing.

Anderson concedes that fire response is an issue within the township and noted that it was likely a reason there is a “small group” of supporters for change. 

Dan Moehn, a longtime citizen of the township, said he was running because his work schedule allows for it. 

“I’ve been a communicator my entire life,” Moehn said, adding that he has been a township resident for 25 years. “I’m very willing to listen. … I thought it was time to give something back.”

He did not have any specific issues he looked to change in running, other than to turn over the keys to the local governing body to new people. Both candidates looking to unseat their opponents have agriculture backgrounds, but neither said the recent division among residents over the newly constructed large-scale farm, Pinnacle Dairy, had any bearing on their choice to run. 

“I do work with Pinnacle, but it’s not a reason I’m running,” Witt said.

In nearby Jefferson Township, where citizens are currently embattled over the planned Sugar River Wind Project, longtime board chair Harvey Mandel is running unopposed. But there is plenty of competition for majority control of the board, with both supervisor positions locked between two candidates. Incumbent Lyle Sampson stepped down. His seat is being vied for by two candidates, Kurt Jordan and Douglas Mayer. Rick Nusbaum, a more recent addition to the town board, has his own challenger in Rudy Ammon.

In Monroe, the city council race is the most crowded it has been in years. In a race usually filled with last minute write-ins and post-election appointments, there are more people running than seats available. While three incumbents — Aldermen Ron Marsh, Jeff Newcomer and Chris Beer — have decided to step down, five candidates are vying for four seats. 

Alderwoman Brooke Bauman is the sole incumbent fighting for her position on council, which she was first elected to in 2011. While she has had supporters express incredulity at the idea of anyone else taking her spot, she said she never assumes she’s the “shoe-in” candidate, and works hard to listen to people in her public position.

“I am passionate about the city of Monroe,” Bauman said. “I really love this city. I think we’re a great city, but I think we could be better. … I’ve proven that I’m knowledgeable on city issues. I’m not afraid to ask questions.”

Candidates include Tammy Fetterolf, Kelly Hermanson, Josh Binger, Airport Supervisor Rob Driver and Bauman. 

The senior council member of the group said she enjoys being involved in public office and serving on boards as she had in the past, between Monroe Main Street, the Monroe Historical Society and others. Bauman also said as an employee of the Monroe Public Library, she has a heightened insight into how public entities have to balance budgets.

Binger recently moved back to the city after graduating from Monroe High School in 2002. He said in following the council budget process in the fall, he was troubled by the consideration of cutting police officer positions and the parks supervisor job. He is focused on public safety, schools and parks, and wants to ensure his children have the same safe experience he did while growing up. 

Binger said he was enthused to see a crowded race for council.

“There seems to be more public engagement,” he said. “It seems to me, more people want to be involved, which is a good thing. … Getting older helps you realize a lot of good that can be done by a council that wants to work for the people.”

In Brodhead, the pool is also a bit crowded. The ballot will boast one name belonging to a candidate who no longer wishes to serve on the city council. Richard Peach announced he will step down, Deputy Clerk Keri Miller said. Though he decided after he had filed for candidacy, which means he will be listed for voters to choose despite no longer seeking the seat. Incumbent Lisa Huntington will not seek re-election.

There are three seats open in the city, with five people actively seeking to join council. Sole incumbent Deb Fox is seeking re-election. Others looking to take the remaining two seats are Paul Huffman, Erin Menzel, Tim Stocks and Thomas Simpson. 

Simpson, who owns Sugar River Veterinary Services, spoke to a common point of contention within the city when explaining why he wishes to secure a councilman seat; the community center project.

A referendum question asking whether the city should pursue borrowing to match a state Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 to establish a community and senior center was recently rendered useless. The state Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources rescinded the funding after the dimensions of the plans changed once the grant was approved.

Menzel said “it’s a shame” that planning and work to establish a useful community center wasn’t better handled. As someone who’s worked and lived in Brodhead her entire adult life, she said the divisive and “very negative” political climate of the city was a reason for her to run for council now. Menzel was glad to see others were also interested.

“I think it’s a great thing,” she said. “The more people interested in the civil service of public office, the better.”

Also concerned over roads, Simpson said the city has not been dependable in its spending whiles taxes “continue to go up.” He wants to see a majority council which does not support the community center project. Simpson said he isn’t against a senior center. But, he said, the population of the city is shifting toward an older demographic and those in the retirement portion of their lives are living on a fixed income. Their restricted budgets should be considered by local lawmakers, he said.

“I’d like to see (Brodhead) maintained and continue on for the next generation,” Simpson said.

A planned candidate forum was scheduled for 7 p.m. March 26 at the Brodhead Public Library.

Other area races include:

●  Albany: Three open seats with three incumbents running to keep their spots on the village board, including Ilene Althaus, Michelle Monson and Larry Nipple. Current Village President Kim Blumer is also looking to keep his seat unopposed.

●  Argyle: Three open seats with three incumbents, Tim Olmstead, Halie Helfvogt and Brenda Bredeson, running for re-election.

●  Blanchardville: Three open seats with four candidates running for village board, including Nick Crooks, Lili Cary and incumbents Karen Garthwaite and Michele Curran.

●  Darlington: Three open seats with one ballot position completely empty. In District 1, incumbent David Gough is being challenged by Bernard Biraki. District 3 incumbent Erin Gallasher is running unopposed. District 2 has no one listed on the ballot to replace Don Osterday, who is not seeking re-election.  

●  Monticello: Three open trustee seats with one incumbent, Rene Nicholson, running for re-election. Tony Strenz and Bob LaBarre are also running for seats on the village board. Village President Tere Dunlap is stepping down and current trustee Leaora Miller is seeking the position unopposed. Incumbents John Teasdale and Dan Pederson are also stepping down.

●  New Glarus: Three open village trustee seats with incumbent Peggy Kruse looking to secure her spot again. Fellow incumbents Anthony Edge and Barbara Anderson are stepping down. There is one registered write-in candidate, Michael Ganshert. Incumbent Village President Roger Truttman is running opposed by candidate Mark Hawley.

●  South Wayne: Two open seats with three candidates running to secure a spot as village trustee, including Mindy Stauffacher, Nicole Lincicum and incumbent Allen Melland. Current Trustee Dale C. Carolan is running for village president, the only candidate for the spot currently held by Melodie Hawkins.