Politics & Government

Port Mayor, School Board President Not Running for Re-Election in April

Local elections in spring will see lots of open spots for Port Washington, Saukville and School Board positions.

After nine years in office, Port Washington Mayor Scott Huebner has decided it's time to pass the baton to a new city leader when his position goes up for election next spring.

While he said he thinks the city is headed in a good direction, he feels it's only fair to give someone else a turn.

"Basically, it came down to my political beliefs that people shouldn’t be in political office forever," Huebner said. Huebner is also raising four boys, two teenagers and two younger boys also quickly closing in on that age — something that will require more of his time.

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"I really think there will be (interest in running)," he said. "If not one of the aldermen, there’s definitely plenty of talented people in this community that would want to."

Ald. Dan Becker said he is considering the mayor's spot — but that move would require sacrifices elsewhere.

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"I am split, and ... (for) several reasons," Becker said, explaining becoming mayor would involve a strategic balance of family, work and extracurricular activities, which includes other government roles, such as his seat on the Ozaukee County Board.

"I grew up in Port, I love the city," Becker said. "I don’t want to potentionally overload my plate. If I do decide to run for mayor, and if I would win — I want to make sure that I would have the time available to do the job well."

Becker also is the Common Council preisdent, and he moved into that role just earlier this year.

"That’s another thing that is weighing on my decision, I am currently already very involved and, you know, I might just want to keep my positions where they are currently," he said.

Becker, who said he would leave his position on the County Board if elected as mayor, said he will make a decision in the next week or two.

While not all aldermen were immediately available for comment on the opening mayoral spot, Ald. Jim Vollmar told the Ozaukee Press he has an interest in the position. Vollmar was re-elected to his 3rd District position in April.

Thursday is the first day candidates can begin circulating nominations papers, which are due by Jan. 3. The election, which is April 3, will include several other positions on the ballot for the Port Washington Common Council, Saukville Village Board and the Port Washington-Saukville School Board.

If a primary election is needed it will take place Feb. 21.

Council incumbents may battle it out
Because of , incumbents Paul Neumyer of the former 2nd District and Burt Babcock of the former 4th District both would now be up for election in the 2nd District. The 4th District is wide open for a new candidate.

Neumyer said he fully intends to run for re-election, but has no interest in the mayor's spot. Whether Babcock plans to run in the 2nd District is still unknown.

Ald. David Larson's spot in the 6th District is also up for election. Larson did not immediately return phone messages asking if he were planning to run again.

Port Washington aldermen make $3,750 annually and serve two-year terms. The mayor earns $7,500 and serves three-year terms.

Vacant spots on Saukville Village Board
Three trustee positions will be up for election on the Saukville Village Board. Two of those positions are currently held by Bob Hamann and Dan Sauer; the third position was left vacant when former trustee Jen Schoenfeldt moved out of the village, officials said.

Hamann said he plans to run for re-election.

"I enjoy doing it," he said. Hamann anticipates the toughest issue facing the board will be, "trying to live within levy limits."

Sauer did not immediately return phone messages asking if he was planning to run again.

Saukville trustee positions do not represent specific districts within the village, as is done in Port, but rather represent the village as a whole.

Trustees are paid a $1,000 stipend and also earn $2,280 stiped for meeting attendance. All members are allowed an excused absence from one regular meeting as well as a Finance Committee meeting before seeing deductions in pay of $85 per regular meeting missed, and $10 per finance meeting missed. Positions are two-year terms.

School Board spots opening up
Two Port Washington-Saukville School Board members told the Ozaukee Press they plan not to run election in April, while a third hopes to hold her spot.

Board President Patty Ruth will not seek re-election after 14 years in the position. Myron Praeger, who represents the city of Port Washington on the board, will also not run again. Carey Gremminger, who represents the village of Saukville, does plan to run.

School Board members serve three-year terms, and are paid $1,200 annually for attending one regular monthly meeting as well as one monthly committee meeting. The members are paid extra for attending extra meetings, at a rate of $25 for meetings less than two hours, and $50 for meetings that go longer.


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