Elkhorn candidates say they can help city
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Jerry J. Anderson
Age: 47
Address: 341 S. Stonefield Road
Jobs: Home remodeling and new construction
Education: Elkhorn Area High School
Community service: None
Elected posts: None
Photo
Eric K. Messerschmidt (I)
Age: 40
Address: 118 S. Wisconsin St.
Job: Owns the Reddroom, a tavern in Elkhorn.
Education: Elkhorn Area High School, attended classes at UW-La Crosse.
Community service: None
Elected posts: Appointed alderman in July 2010
ELKHORN — Political newcomer Jerry J. Anderson is campaigning to defeat Alderman Eric Messerschmidt, who says he’s beginning to get his political feet underneath him.
Messerschmidt was appointed by the city council last July to replace Howard Reynolds, who was elected mayor last spring. He had no experience in holding public office.
Anderson said he’s attracted to the office because he wants to “help out”
The men are running for a two-year term in District 1. The salary for this year is $3,840 with an expense account of $105 per month.
“I could make a difference,” Anderson said.
He offers to bring a fresh mind and common sense to the table.
Messerschmidt has a similar motive for campaigning to stay in office.
“I want what’s best for the city and its people,” Messerschmidt said.
That would be in the form of jobs, businesses and spending limits, he said.
“I’m just getting rolling,” Messerschmidt said.
The new state budget and its impact on local spending are among Anderson’s concerns. On the local level, Anderson said he wants the city to close the deteriorating swimming pool at Sunset Park. He suggested that Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park be reopened for swimming. Pool lifeguards should be reassigned to the lake, he said.
Mar 22, 2011 at 9:55 a.m.
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Actually Anderson has it right on. The pool is old and the life guard seats aren't secure to the deck. The city attorny is currently writing docs stating liabilities and it's not good. Other communities already use the lake. I read also that they only have $5000 to cover it this year and if something breaks they'll close it anyway. It's a when not what if. They do need better photo's but the Eric dude looks creepy..
Mar 21, 2011 at 10:17 p.m.
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I think they both need a better photographer.
Mar 21, 2011 at 8:15 p.m.
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I'm with Jerod. Well stated sir.
Mar 21, 2011 at 7:29 p.m.
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Anyone really believe anything a politician says? Thought not.
Mar 21, 2011 at 6:24 p.m.
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Close the pool & send the kids to the lake? Has Mr Anderson ever been a lifeguard? My child was - it can be very stressful. At least at the pool, a lifeguard has a better chance in seeing into the water to be able to watch for problems. They have been talking about replacing the pool for MANY years, but kept putting it off. It is time to make sure our kids have something safe to do during the summer months. One of the big reasons the lake was closed was due to many problems, including no one wanted to be a lifeguard at the lake. We have a beautiful park - used by families - and the pool is an intricate part of the whole picture.
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