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Lake Geneva council hopes for fresh start

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Frank V. Marsala

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William Mott

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Todd Krause

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Thomas Hartz

Lake Geneva City Council members Todd Krause and Frank Marsala are ready for a fresh start.

The men for much of the last year have dealt with a bitter political battle between the mayor and several council members that made accomplishing city business a chore. But they now have a renewed purpose and are prepared to move forward.

“We have ongoing issues,” Marsala said. “But between the new faces (on the city council) and our history … I think everybody is coming in a lot more open-minded. I’m anxious to make headway.”

“I think we can do it, but I think we should try to establish some ground rules to make this council an exemplary council,” Krause said. “I’m looking forward to getting things going.”

Voters on Tuesday chose three incumbents and two newcomers to fill five open seats on the council:

-- Krause defeated challenger Spyro “Speedo” Condos in District 1.

Krause said the first order of business will be to keep an eye on spending and find new sources of revenue.

-- Thomas Hartz defeated Barbara Hartke in District 2.

He said the council soon will receive a petition calling for an independent and comprehensive audit of city finances and must decide how best to handle the request.

“The idea of a new audit and some of the things that are part of that I think are a little bit extreme,” he said. “We need to look at not quite such a radical option to make sure everybody is happy with the financial status” of the city.

-- Alderman William Mott defeated challenger Peg Esposito in District 3.

He said the council should work to better its relationship with city staff to accomplish goals that improve the city.

He acknowledged a divide between the council and staff recently, “and I want to work to create more cooperation,” he said.

-- Marsala defeated challenger Terry O’Neill in District 4.

He said the first order of business would be to resolve ongoing issues, such as the fate of Hillmoor Golf Course.

-- Ellyn Kehoe defeated Bill Cousino to fill a vacant seat in District 1 for one year.

She said the council must create an environment at meetings in which residents feel comfortable bringing their concerns.

“We’re only 7,000 people,” she said. “We should be able to get together in a strong way.”