Two Gillett aldermen say they will not run for re-election because they are unhappy with the workings of the City Council.
Rick Raatz, Ward 1, and Tod Anderson, Ward 2, submitted noncandidacy forms in December. Anderson served on the council from 2006-2008, lost the election in 2008 and returned in 2010. Raatz joined the council in 2010. They will complete their terms in April.
Their departure follows the resignation of alderman Greg Rudie one year ago. Rudie said he was troubled by the lack of trust that developed when Mayor Irene Drake took office in 2012, saying it hindered progress within the council and city.
Anderson said he felt ineffective in office and was inhibited by the action of other council members.
“It’s becoming too strenuous, too frustrating, too stressful to try to keep up with what needs to be done and is not being done,” he said.
Both alderman said the 2014 budget process contributed to their decision to leave office; they voted against the proposed $392,627 tax levy in November. They said they were dissatisfied with the use of taxes and garbage fees to pay for a full-time police officer, saying it diverted money from funding the garbage service and public works budget. The police officer position was previously funded by a grant.
Raatz said city leaders must do what’s best for the community as a whole, not base decisions on the views of a few outspoken residents who attend a public hearing. He also chastised council members for following the advice of others, without questioning the facts and searching for other options.
“I have a difference of opinion on how the city should move forward in a positive direction,” he said.
Raatz was criticized for the lackluster opening of Nicolet Trails Campground, developed in the city by the Community Development Authority. Raatz served on a CDA subcommittee that spearheaded the project.
“I’m fine with that,” he said of the criticism. “I think it was something the community needed to do. I still believe that with advertising, I think we will do well with it.”
He said he was uncertain if he will continue to serve on the Tourism and Marketing Committee, which, along with the CDA, is promoting the campground and working on other projects.
Raatz served as the chairman of the Planning Committee and Park and Cemetery Committee during his tenure.
Anderson was chairman of the Utility Committee during his six years as alderman and helped to oversee renovations at the waste water treatment plant, a project he said was one of his major accomplishments as alderman.
Anderson also served on the CDA; he was appointed by Drake as the council representative.
The mayor acknowledged that council members disagreed on some issues but said they were working through them.
“In the last two years, I think the council has evolved. I think we’re working together better,” she said.
She said she appreciated the service Raatz and Anderson provided for the city.
“I think both had some really good ideas when they’ve been on council,” she said.
Raatz and Anderson, along with alderperson Kurt Darrow and Mayor Brandon Miller, were elected in 2010 on the strength of their proactive platform for city leadership. Raatz defeated Drake, an alderperson for 24 years.
Drake ran for mayor in 2012, defeating Miller and returning to the council.
Raatz and Anderson ran unopposed in 2012.
Alderperson Nanette Mohr, of Ward 3, announced she will run for another term. Mohr had been an alderperson for 21 years before losing to Greg Rudie in 2011. She returned to the council in 2012 by defeating Debbie Rudie.
According to Deputy Clerk Leone Christensen, several residents expressed interest in running for office in the April 1 election, but as of Friday, none had filed as candidates.
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