On the April 3 general election ballot, Lincoln County voters will have a number of choices to make for city and county offices.
Candidates in contested races for local offices were asked to introduce themselves by filling out a questionnaire and making some comments about themselves and their views. This week we will hear from the candidates for Merrill Aldermanic District 4 and 5, Lincoln County Supervisor candidates for Districts 10 and 20 as well as the lone incumbent to the MAPS Board of Education and the candidates from the Merrill Mayoral race. Following are responses from the Merrill 4th Aldermanic District race.
Steve Osness
Age: 40.
Family: Wife, Kendra, daughters Payge (7) and Raya (4).
Education: Associates in Business Mat Marketing/HVAC.
Employment: Maintenance Technician, Church Mutual Insurance Company.
Involvement: St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, member; Kate Goodrich PTO; coach for girls/boys elementary school.
Comments: “My wife, Kendra, and I have been raising two beautiful girls in the 4th District for several years. I would like to continue to see positive change and serve our community. I would like to to make a difference in the community for all that live here now and for those in the years to come.”
Ronald D. McAllister
Age: 55.
Family: Wife, Lori; daughters, Morgan and Casie.
Education: Tomahawk High School.
Employment: Retired from 34 years with the Department of Corrections.
Involvement: Past president of Northern Correctional Employees Union Local 6 (AFSCME) for 25 years, security and public safety bargaining unit for state employees; St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church; Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 584.
Comments: “I chose to run for District 4 alderman after representing state employees in the Department of Corrections for over 25 years. In talking to those in my district and around the city of Merrill, I found that many citizens no longer feel they have a voice in decisions being made in their community. If elected, I will be a voice for Merrill residents, all while being professional, holding the line on taxes, and keeping their best interest in mind. There are big decisions facing this community, and I want to take part in coming up with what is best for District 4 voters as well as the entire city of Merrill.”