Port Washington, Saukville See Steady Flow of Voters

Evelyn Comerfod and her husband Ken made their way to the polls in Saukville on Tuesday because they said this election is a little different than years past.

"I don't usually come out to these elections," Evelyn said.

But, as Ken Comerfod pointed out, the Democratic party has a choice of candidates in the primary election for the 60th Assembly District — something that hasn't happened in several election years — and that's important, he said.

Ken said he also felt it was important to vote because, after Gov. Scott Walker's election, he saw the governor "take advantage (of) the power given to him."

Jen DeBroux, who also voted at the polls in Saukville, said she always comes out to vote because "it's important for the democratic process."

It's especially important this election, she said, in order to indicate to the governor what the people want.

Saukville village officials expected a 20 to 25 percent voter turnout; Mary Kay Baumann, the Saukville's deputy clerk, said by 2:30 p.m. the village already had over 20 percent — a total of 595 voters.

"It's been steady all day," she said.

Mark Grams, city administrator for Port Washington, said polling places in the city have been pretty steady, but voters hadn't been faced with much of a line.

The city expected to get a 30 percent voter turnout, and is on pace to end at that rate, he said. Voting was going "smoothly," and no problems had been indicated at any of the polling places.

Outside the Port Washington City Hall, Milwaukee resident Christine Culligan collected signatures for recall efforts against Sen. Glenn Grothman.

Recall efforts have been ongoing against several Democratic and Republican senators since the beginning of the protests against Gov. Scott Walker's bill, which eliminates most collective bargaining rights for many public unions. Protests on both sides of the bill kept Madison streets and Wisconsin cities busy for weeks, stalling the passage of any fiscal items.

The Republicans removed the fiscal items and passed the bill, which was then signed by the governor, and is now being challenged in court.

"It's just what I believe in," Culligan said, who was happy to be volunteering her time to the cause.

Michelle Welch of Saukville said the political climate wasn't necessarily her reason for coming to the polls.

"I always come out and vote," she said.

More about the candidates:
In Port Washington, four alderman positions are up for election, including the 1st District, where is the only name on the ballot; Incumbent Jim Vollmar faces newcomer Peter A. Oglevie for the 3rd District spot; will replace Ald. Tom Hudson in 5th District; and incumbent Dan Becker faces newcomer John Sigwart for the .

In Saukville, three board trustee spots are up for election — but the only names on the ballot for those spots are : Joseph Caban, David Maglio and Mike Krocka. Saukville Village Board Members are considered "at large" members, representing the entire village. Saukville Village President Barb Dickmann faces newcomer Mike Rintelman in .

Candidates for the 60th Assembly District spot include: Republicans , , , Jake Curtis, , Duey Stroebel and Gary Wickert; and Democrats and Perry Duman. The candidates face a primary election on Tuesday, and the winning candidates will then move forward to the on May 3. Messages left for Stroebel and Wickert have not yet been returned.

The school board won't see any change, as the three incumbents for positions opening up on that board are the only candidates who filed as well. Those include: board member Sarah McCutcheon, board member Brian McCutcheon and Treasurer Kim Wood.

Where to vote:
There are three polling locations available for voting in Port Washington, pending which ward you live in: Wards 1 and 11 vote at , 1403 N. Holden St.; Wards 6, 7 and 8 vote at , 1243 W. Lincoln Ave.; and Wards 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and vote at , 100 W. Grand Ave. If you are not sure which ward you belong to, call the City Hall at 262-284-5585.

In Saukville, voters from all 8 wards can cast their ballot at American Legion, 601 W. Dekora St.