Area voters will have some decisions to make in the Nov. 6 general election. For District 35 State Assembly Representative, three-term incumbent Republican Mary Felzkowski of Irma is being challenged by Democrat Mark Martello of Tomahawk. The Foto News asked the candidates to introduce themselves by filling out a questionnaire and making some comments about themselves and their views. Their answers follow.
The 35th District Assembly seat represents all of Lincoln County, along with portions of Langlade, Marathon, Oneida and Shawano counties.
Mary Felzkowski – Republican
Incumbent
Residence: Irma. Age: 55. Family: Spouse, Jeff Felzkowski; children, Logan Czaja, Ashley Czaja; step-children, Ryan Czaja, Courtney, Czaja and Reggie Felzkowski. Education: Bachelors in Business Finance, Economics; minor in Animal Science. Employment: Owner of CIS Insurance Group. Involvement: Elected to State Assembly in 2012, running for fourth term; Grace Lutheran Church; Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce (vice president & secretary treasurer; Professional Insurance Agents (secretary-treasurer, vice president & president); New Beginnings Day Care (president); Northwoods Riders Snowmobile Club.
Comments: “Proud to be representing the people of the 35th Assembly District. We have made great strides in school funding, holding the line on property taxes, bringing better services to our seniors and disabled communities, and helping our businesses to grow and provide jobs.
“I am looking to continue that into my fourth term where I will be focusing on issues around health care and access in rural communities.”
Mark A. Martello – Democrat
Challenger
Residence: Tomahawk. Age: 54. Family: Spouse, Kelly J. Martello; daughter, Maddalena E. Martello. Education: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Master of Social Work, 1995; University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Bachelor of Science (psychology), 1993; Tomahawk High School, 1982. Employment: North Central Health Care, Clinical Social Worker, 2018 to present; Veterans Health Administration, Clinical Social Worker, 2016-2018; Department of the Army, Clinical Social Worker, 2015-2016; Veterans Health Administration, Clinical Social Worker, 2010-2015; AF Medical Operations Agency, Chief of In Garrison MH Treatment, 2008-2009; Tripler Army Medical Center, HI, Clinical Director, TRISARF, 2004-2008; Grand Forks AFB, ND, Mental Health Flight Commander, 2002-2004; Luke AFB, AZ, Chief of Social Work Services, 2000-2002; RAF Lakenheath, UK, Family Advocacy Officer, 1997-2000; Keesler AFB, MS, Clinical Social Worker, 1995-1997; B Co. 1-632d Armor, Antigo, WI, Platoon Leader, 1989-1995; USS Swordfish, Pearl Harbor, HI, Fire Control Division LPO, 1982-1988. Involvement: Life Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Comments: “Mark Martello was raised in Tomahawk, Wisconsin and graduated from Tomahawk High School. He entered active duty in the Navy shortly after graduation. Mark left the Navy after six years to pursue an education. He returned to Wisconsin, started college, and joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard where he attended the Wisconsin Military Academy and earned a commission. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and a Master of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. After grad school he returned to active duty in the Air Force where he served almost 15 more years as a clinical social worker. He retired at the end of 2009 and again returned to Wisconsin. After he retired he went to work for the VA specializing in the treatment of PTSD and depression. When he decided to run for office he left his federal job and went to work for North Central Health Care as a mental health and AODA therapist. Mark has been married to his wife Kelly for over 23 years, they have one daughter, Maddalena. Mark is a life member of the VFW and serves on the steering committee for the Citizens Action North Central Organizing Cooperative.”