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Second candidate joins write-in race

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Jeremy Hoff

MILTON — A Milton native with a strong interest in public safety has joined the race for Milton City Council.

Jeremy Hoff, 739 Ansley Ave., is running a write-in campaign. Hoff, 28, is a corrections officer and member of the gang intelligence unit at the Rock County Jail.

Hoff likes Milton's small town atmosphere and says it should be a community where residents can feel safe leaving their doors unlocked.

"I want to see that funds are allotted for police, fire and EMS," Hoff said. "Obviously we've got a lot of breaks-ins. People are scared. I don't want them to have to look over their shoulders."

Milton has suffered a rash of thefts from vehicles in the last few months, but it's not the only community where the thefts happen, local police officials said.

Hoff challenges write-in candidate Brett Frazier, 423 Rogers St., and incumbents Dave Schumacher and Maxine Striegl.

Council President Sharon Rozelle chose not to seek re-election. The council could have an additional open spot after the April election if member Tom Chesmore wins his bid for mayor against incumbent Nate Bruce.

Hoff, a 1998 graduate of Milton High School, was an active member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1998 to 2003, serving overseas in a special boat unit, he said. He took classes at UW-Whitewater before starting work as a corrections officer for Rock County in 2004.

He has twice been named corrections officer of the year, Hoff said. This would be his first public office.

The role of elected officials is especially important in these difficult economic times, Hoff said.

"Retaining pride in your community and protecting citizens is important," Hoff said. "In these trying times, we need to see what we can do to help out ...to make people's lives better."

Hoff's strong leadership skills set him apart from other candidates, he said.

"I've always been a strong leader," Hoff said. "I've got that drive. What people ask of me, I'll push for it."