Posted: Nov. 23, 2009

Elm Grove residents interested in running for a seat on the Village Board can start collecting signatures Dec. 1.

Three trustee seats - currently held by George Haas, John Meser and Jan Schoenecker - will be on the April 6 ballot.

Trustees serve two-year terms and are unpaid. These are at-large positions, so candidates can live anywhere in the village.

Haas said he has not made an official decision on whether he'll seek re-election; however, he feels his experience on the board may be beneficial in the coming years.

"I think we're facing fiscal challenges with the economy and rising costs and decreasing revenues," he said. "My experience (on the finance committee) would be helpful in coming up with solutions."

Haas was appointed to the board in 1995 and has served on the finance committee since that time. He currently chairs the committee.

He has until Dec. 28 to file a statement of noncandidacy if he decides not to run.

Meser will seek a second term, he confirmed. He was first elected in 2008.

"Experience can only be gained by serving," he said, adding that he feels he has a good grasp of the issues.

Schoenecker has decided to seek re-election, citing one mission: the betterment of Elm Grove.

"A great deal is going to happen over the next two years," she said. "We may be faced with cutting services or rising taxes. Our community must examine these issues now, not wait until the next budget cycle."

Schoenecker was first elected in 2006.

Residents interested in running for trustee must complete three forms, Village Clerk Mary Stredni said.

Nominations papers with a minimum of 20 signatures must be filed. In addition, candidates need to file a declaration of candidacy and a campaign registration statement about whether they will take campaign contributions.

Candidates can start soliciting signatures Dec. 1. All papers must be returned to Village Hall by 5 p.m. Jan. 5.

Papers are available now at Village Hall, 13600 Juneau Blvd., or online at elections.state.wi.us.