MAYORS WEIGH IN ON WINS
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 -- 11:56 AM
There were a number of mayoral races in the area Tuesday.In Greenwood, Jim Schecklman defeated Jim Mildbrand 268 to 73, taking 78% of the vote. Schecklman will replace Robert Moseley, who decided not to seek reelection.
This is the computer analyst/programmer's first attempt at public office. He says he wants to modernize Greenwood, make government more transparent and ready for business.
"A lot of people I talked to going door-to-door weren't aware of all the things going on in the city," Schecklman said. "That's one thing we need to do: we need to be more public with what's going on."
Specifically, he said water/sewer rates and taxes were major concerns. "It's going to be a hard job, by all means," Schecklman admitted.
Diane Murphy had no trouble defeating challenger Greg Hahn for the Neillsville job. She garnered 370 votes to 109 for Hahn.
With the exception of one two-year term, Murphy has been mayor since 1994.
"I'm very thankful for the people who got out to the polls and voted yesterday," Murphy said Wednesday morning.
While the Nelson Muffler plant closing and the announced closing of Leeson Electric are set-backs, officials are working on more industrial park development.
"We have a couple of very positive things happening out in the Industrial Park that we can't talk about yet, but I'm hopeful that in the near future, some of the announcements can be made and it will be to the benefit of everyone," Murphy said.
The City of Marshfield was assured a new mayor, as Mike Meyers decided not to seek reelection. In a close race, Chris Meyer defeated Tim Kraus 3,389 to 2,994. Meyer had about 53% of the vote.
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