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Joe Schaller, elected to his first term on the Onalaska Town Board two years ago, faces a challenge for the job this spring from Steve Michaels, an area native and longtime radio disc jockey.
In an effort to help voters get to know the candidates in contested races better, we sent them questionnaires on their background and views on issues the board will deal with. Here are the responses from Michaels. Schaller did not respond by the response deadline.
Why do you want to serve on the Onalaska Town Board?
MICHAELS: I want to provide accountability to the town residents. Also, I want to be available to listen to the ideas and views of the residents, always knowing it’s about them, not me. Making the best decisions as a majority with the other members of the town board, is a priority for me, knowing it is the best decision for the town of Onalaska residents.
What personal qualities and experiences make you the best qualified candidate for the job?
MICHAELS: First and foremost, I have owned my own business for 20-plus years and know what it takes to work with people and to be successful. I have also worked in the La Crosse radio market for over 25 years networking with many people of the community. I have served as a PTO president in the Holmen School District and am involved in my children’s school as a parent. I am the current president of my BNI group. This is Business Networking International. I am a part of an excellent group of business owners who want to improve their businesses by exchanging referrals. Last, but not least, I am a father and husband who is committed to family first. If there is nothing you do in this life besides be a good husband and father to your family, you have done everything! I feel I am a good communicator and an excellent candidate. I will serve the town of Onalaska the best I can.
What are the three most important issues facing the Onalaska Town Board and what would your approach to dealing with those issues be?
MICHAELS: The first issue is to hear and listen to the people. Currently, the board is making decisions without really listening to the citizens. Decisions have been made improperly without opening the meetings to the public.
Second is accountability. If elected I would bring back accountability to the board by not being absent without an excuse. My opponent has missed more meetings than the entire board as a whole.
Third is economics. The town needs to figure out what can be done to help fund the town without digging deeper into the tax rate. Better management of the town will bring stronger financial futures for the town.
THE CANDIDATES AT A GLANCE
Steve Michaels
AGE: 44
FAMILY: Wife, Wendi; daughter Eryn; son Elijah
EDUCATION: La Crosse Central High School; restaurant management program, Western Technical College
PROFESSION: Entertainment Specialists: owner/manager/disc jockey for 20 years; La Crosse Radio Group on-air disc jockey for 25 years
PREVIOUS PUBLIC ELECTED OFFICES HELD: None
Joseph Schaller
AGE: 53
FAMILY: Wife Susan; children Jessica, Jedadiah, Jenna, Jordan, Spencer and James
EDUCATION: Holmen High School graduate; Western Technical College, finance (2007)
PROFESSION: Former semi-truck driver, now disabled; foster-parent and respite provider for special needs children for the past 17 years.
PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICES: None
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fred wrote on Mar 31, 2009 7:21 AM:
Steve Michaels // Steve Ruoff will the real candidate please step forward. It appears Steve Ruoff prefers to be called Steve Michaels. Not a problem, many people go by a nickname. What is the real reason for being incognito? Could it be because of what shows up on the Wisconsin Court System web site under Steve Ruoff? Or could be because he lives on ZB? "