Jeremy Ratliff
Editor
Tuesday, Aug. 11, will showcase a partisan primary election face-off in the state’s 35th Assembly District, as Republican challengers Calvin Callahan and Don Nelson-both of Tomahawk-vie for the seat. The victor from tomorrow’s primary will face Democratic challenger Tyler Ruprecht of Merrill, in the Tuesday, November 3 General Election.
Current 35th District Assemblywoman Mary Felzkowski is a candidate for the state’s 12th District Senate seat, formerly held by current 7th District Congressman Tom Tiffany. Felzkowski will face Ed Vocke of Minocqua on Nov. 3.
Meet the Candidates:
Full Name: Calvin Callahan
Age: 21
City/Town of Residence: Tomahawk
Family (spouse, children, grandchildren): Not Relevant
Current Employment/position: Business Owner
Past or present elected office(s) held, dates served:
• Lincoln County Supervisor
• Town of Wilson Supervisor
• Board Member of North Central Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
• Lincoln County Republican Party Chairman
Why have you chosen to run for the 35th District Assembly seat?
“I am running because we need new, fresh ideas in Madison. We need to continue to build on the economy we have, continue to create new jobs, and continue to create opportunities for the businesses we have now to grow. There should be no reason why your kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren can’t raise their families here at home, in Northern Wisconsin.
“It’s time for fresh ideas and fresh faces in Madison! As a Supervisor on the Lincoln County Board, Town of Wilson Supervisor, and a business owner, I have the experience and tools needed to build a better Wisconsin, a Wisconsin that will promote job growth and raising families here at home in Northern Wisconsin.
“We have been endorsed by former 35th State Rep. Don Friske, Gov. Tommy Thompson, and three local Sheriffs, they have seen the determination and work ethic I put into serving the people.
“It is time for more opportunities! High-paying new industry jobs should be at the forefront of any economic plan. We live in an environment that should attract small industry and technology firms, but until we can have ample internet access to tie us in with the rest of the world, these companies won’t move here. Bringing the 35th up to speed is necessary to the success and prosperity of our local business, attracting new businesses and the ability to raise a family here at home in Northern Wisconsin.
“Together with your vote we can make the 35th Assembly District a better place to work, live, but most importantly, raise your families.”
Full Name: Donald Joseph Nelson
Age: 62
City/Town of Residence: City of Tomahawk
Family (spouse, children, grandchildren): Wife Jackie, two adult girls; Kate, Facilities supervisor for City of Stevens Point Parks and Recreation. Kendall, Firefighter City of Tomahawk and City of Mosinee, Paramedic Lincoln County.
Current Employment/position: Fiber Procurement Manager, Domtar Papers Rothschild, WI
Past or present elected office(s) held, dates served:
* Tomahawk City Council: 1989 – 2015
* Council President, several committee chairs.
* Lincoln County Board: 2011-2015; served on Zoning board, Forestry and Parks, Personnel, and Health.
Membership in religious, service, fraternal, etc., clubs or organizations, and offices held, dates served:
• St. Mary’s Catholic Church: volunteer, usher.
• Tomahawk Boy Scout Troop: Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, 1984-1995
• Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce: 1990-2000, board of directors. Chairman
• FISTA- Forest Industry Safety Training Alliance: 1995-2015 / 2016-present, Treasurer
• GLTPA-Great Lakes Timber Producers Association: communications chairman , board of directors.
• Trees for Tomorrow: volunteer, board of directors, presently as board chair.
• Wisconsin Paper Council: Transportation chair.
• Somo fish and Game club- life member
Why have you chosen to run for the 35th District Assembly seat?
“My greatest concern is that I see the opportunities I have had as a life-long resident here disappearing, to the point my children need to move away for good paying jobs and to raise families. I want to go to Madison to continue the momentum set forth by my predecessors, to preserve what we have in the north, and to create good paying jobs and the necessary components needed for business and industry to thrive in the north.
“I will take to Madison, the need for small conservative government, sensible and fair taxation, and working together with a coalition of state legislators and local officials to solve issues, not create them.
“I believe we need a lot more northwoods common sense in Madison. I am a firm believer in standing up for the north, defending liberty and securing a bright future for our families. As a Christian conservative Republican, who believes in promoting faith, freedom and economic opportunity, I can take my deep community roots, experience in industry and natural resources, experience serving in local government, and the common sense learned; to Madison and work hard for all of us in the north.”