Three county board seats contested

Just three Trempealeau County board seats are being contested this year, three others will change hands and a supervisor who initially decided against running has registered as a write-in.

Voters Tuesday will select a winner in contested seats in District One where incumbent Bridgette Turner faces Sara Olson, both of Trempealeau; District Three where Ryker Todd is challenging incumbent Richard Sacia, both of Galesville; and District 16, where incumbent Jeanne Nutter of Strum is being challenged by James Franks of Osseo.

District Eight’s Dick Miller initially filed non-candidacy papers but has now registered as a write-in and only candidate for the seat.

Other board changes will be in District Six where former sheriff Richard Anderson is running unopposed for the seat held by Emory Palmer; District Nine, where Kevin Whalen of Arcadia will replace incumbent David Orsch; and District 13, where Renee Lyon of Whitehall will replace retiring supervisor Daniel Schreiner.

In District One, Turner described her tenure as an “honor.” 

“I have no hidden agenda,” she said. “I listen to my constituents and I am thoughtful and prepared.” She said she is very supportive of public libraries as the “cornerstone of literacy, socialization and being a safe place for kids of any age.”

Olson could not be reached for comment.

Incumbent Sacia in District Three said he is excited about a fourth term to see how the recently hired county administrator shapes government. “To me it was the most important thing,” Sacia. “We had to have an administrator.”

He added that he considers himself “kind of the conservative voice” within the county. “I want to treat our employees well, but I also speak for the majority of county residents who make just $15 or $20 an hour. County staff does way better than that.”

Todd said he would like to bring the perspective of a young person raising a family to the board.

“I am trying to look at Trempealeau County in a new way, and hopefully come up with some different and better solutions that will help everybody,” Todd said.

Incumbent Nutter in the District 16 vows to “fight for all citizens of Trempealeau County and support fair wages for all employees.” She intends to work to keep parks available for children and families and endorses programs for the elderly, including those trying to combat loneliness among the elderly.

“I will always make sure no one goes hungry in our county,” Nutter said. She was a social worker for 40 years and taught at the University of Wisconsin campuses in Madison and Eau Claire.

Nutter’s challenger, Franks, earned his degree in industrial technology and manufacturing engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Stout. He worked for Badger Mining in Taylor for 27 years and started Badger State Realty in 2017.

He said he believes the county “could save thousands” if it could better prioritize roads repairs using highway department staff. Also on his list of priorities is “attracting businesses with high-paying jobs and working with families to get youth involved with activities to help reduce crime and drug addiction.”

“I believe my experience in farming, construction, mining, manufacturing and real estate could help Trempealeau County remain the best place to live and raise a family,” Franks said.