'It's just good to have a change'
Photo 
Tom Chesmore
Photo
Nathan W. Bruce
MILTON — "It's just good to have a change."
That was the response of one Milton woman to challenger Tom Chesmore's victory in Tuesday's mayoral election, but it summarized the feelings of many residents interviewed Wednesday.
Chesmore, a three-year city council member, defeated 10-year Mayor Nate Bruce by 15 votes. It was Bruce's first challenge since he ran a write-in campaign to win office in 1999.
Though the vote was close, most of the people interviewed Wednesday said they were excited to see a new mayor. Several said Bruce did a good job but the city needs new blood.
"We just need some fresh ideas," said Becky, a 54-year-old woman.
This being a small town, few were willing to be fully identified when talking of local politics, so some people will be identified by first name only.
Chesmore and Bruce offer contrasting characters. Bruce, 74, is a retired principal with a calm, scholarly manner. Chesmore, 50, is a mechanic and former firefighter who speaks passionately and directly.
Carla Herbst, 49, owner of Books & Brew, said it will be interesting to see a younger mayor in action.
"It's kind of nice to have a ...younger person with new ideas," she said.
A few people mentioned specific qualms they had with Bruce. Some said they were upset about the city's handling of the United Ethanol plant. An appeals court ruled the city violated Wisconsin's Open Meetings Law when it met in closed session with plant officials in 2004 and 2005.
"If that had not occurred, if things had been done properly … I think he'd still be sitting in the mayoral seat," said John, 57.
Others said Bruce relied too much on city staff, particularly City Administrator Todd Schmidt.
But many listed no specific issues, just a desire for change.
"I think we need to change, and I think we need to support whoever's in the office," said Joan, a senior citizen. "(Bruce) has been in for quite a while."
That doesn't surprise Dan Thompson, executive director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
"Typically folks don't engage in mathematical calculations when it comes time to cast a vote," he said. "They trust their sense of feeling. It's more of an intuitive judgment."
He estimated local elected officials stay in office an average of five years, whether that's by choice or by election results.
He said after carefully watching municipal politics for 35 years, he still doesn't know why people vote the way they do in most cases.
"It's democracy," he said. "People don't have to explain why they vote the way they do."
Of course, 49 percent of the voters Tuesday chose Bruce. Barbara Johnson, 83, said Wednesday she was sorry to see Bruce leave office.
"He just seems like a nice guy," she said.
Apr 12, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.
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I remember Nate Bruce when he was principal at my daughter's school. Between he and Mr. Ban... It seemed they had no time for parental concerns. I recall trying to set up a 15 minute appointment with Mr. Bruce, then when I came in before school started, I saw him walk into his office behind the secretarial front office and close his door. I asked to see him for a few minutes, the gal had the gall to tell me he wasn't in yet. I walked behind to counter and tapped on his door. A minute or so went by, then he opened the door. We had a productive discussion, but it was ridiculous trying to get a few minutes of his time.
He insisted I talk to a guidance counselor. The guidance counselor was the one I had issues with! He seemed to run the local city government much the same way. He was unattainable. City council ran the meetings, city council made the decisions... he just signed his name to documents.
I look forward to a change here in town. We don't need a "yes" man. We need someone in charge. In our present economy - we need a fresh start. Good for you, Mr. Chesmore... I look forward to an open government style. No more status-quo... Mix it up some, and get things done!
Apr 11, 2009 at 11:28 p.m.
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I think Nate cared a lot for the community; however, there were several issues where he needed to stand up to, if not directly overrule Todd--but he didn't, and that cost him some credibility....
Apr 11, 2009 at 11:19 a.m.
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Classic- You misunderstood me. I know Nate cared for the city a lot and I do not think he did it for himself. I also believe Chesmore loves the city as well. I still believe he ran, in part, for personal pride. Neither of us know for sure but we both have our opinions.
Apr 11, 2009 at 9:33 a.m.
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Happypants--For someone that you think doesn't care about the city as much Nate did and you think he did it for himself rather than for the city YOUR WRONG, You must have missed have missed something, Chesmore served on the Milton Fire department and EMS for many many years caring for others and saving lifes, tell me how that doesn't show he cared about the city, Hands down! He did a wonderful job at what he did and I know for a fact I am not the only person who will say that, so check out the facts before you speak and say he only did it for himself and not for the city because that little comment just made you look like a complete moron! If you think you can care for the city and do such a better job, step up and we will see your name on the ballot in 2 years!
Apr 11, 2009 at 8:38 a.m.
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Change just for the sake of change? Come on! The truth is that the Mayor of Milton only have so much power. Bruce did a good job and was a great Ambassador for the city. He loved the job because he loved the city. While I am not implying Chesmore doesn't love the city (because I'm sure he does) but I think he did this more for himself than the good of the city.
Apr 10, 2009 at 9:47 p.m.
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The mayor faces many challenges in these times. The citizens of Metromilton need to get involved too. No one person can do it all....
Apr 10, 2009 at 5:12 p.m.
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Congrats Ches! I'm sure you'll do a great job, just too bad I couldn't vote for you. CF
Apr 10, 2009 at 4:33 p.m.
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This will be a learning process for both the new mayor and for the city of milton, dont expect big changes, just hope for better changes
Apr 10, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
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It is obvious that the new President likes to spend money in a time when we are all having to save money. If that means he's doing a good job, then he's GREAT. Good luck to the Mayor in Milton, even though he looks an awful lot like the old one.
Apr 10, 2009 at 2:50 p.m.
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I'm a bit disturbed that people think it's so obvious that the new President is doing a bad job. He was left with a mess, fellas. As for Bruce, he's a good guy, and he did the best he could. It's just time for a new person with hopefully new ideas. I hope Chesmore is not, for example, obsessed with government spending as the old guard was. We need to be more frugal around here.
Apr 10, 2009 at 12:49 p.m.
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Hmmm, let me see, when was the last time people were all warm and fuzzy over "change", and how's that workin' out so far, I mean for us working taxpayers, not those of you who are looking to be on the dole.
Apr 10, 2009 at 11:37 a.m.
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It's just good to have change? Perhaps in this case, yes. Elections have consequences, however. The same headline rang throughout America when our new President took over as well....Be careful what you wish for.
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