TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Two Republican candidates are running for the position of Lincoln County Clerk in the Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, Partisan Primary Election. Steve Osness is challenging incumbent Chris Marlowe. Learn more about them to inform your voting decision here:
Name: Christopher J. Marlowe
Age: 55
Family: Three Children: Megan, 28 (UW-La Crosse – Bio-Chemistry) Pharmaceutical Researcher in Madison; Emma, 20 (Junior at UW-La Crosse –Special Education); and Ty, 18 (Recent MADA Graduate and Owner, Ty’s Lawn Care Service). Pets: One dog and three cats
Employment/position: Lincoln County Clerk since January 2013. Before that I spent 23 years in the paper industry gaining project management and supervision experience which has translated well to this office.
Past or present elected offices held, dates served: I won the 2012 County Clerk race and have been uncontested until now. I have not aspired for other offices since then and do not intend to aspire for other offices while serving as our Clerk. This position commands my full attention and is not a 9-5 job like people might think. I cannot just leave my work at the office. I am always on the clock, which is not easy. I attend many evening meetings and work some very long days, whether it is an election or we are training our election inspectors.
Membership in religious, service, fraternal, etc., clubs or organizations, and offices held, dates served: I have been involved with community organizations since moving back to Merrill from college in 1989. I became the assistant high school hockey coach and have been coaching pretty much since. I was the program’s head coach on two different occasions and coached regional and state hockey teams where I earned a bronze medal at the USA Hockey’s U17 Girls National Tournament. I was a board member for the Merrill Youth Hockey Association and served as vice president, president, and player development coordinator. In 2012 I was elected to the Silver “M” Board of Directors and served on our executive committee as both the secretary and then president guiding the program’s investment changes which has accelerated the clubs proceeds from our investments. I was a member of the St. John School Board when my children were attending.
Professionally and while in the Clerk’s office, I became the District 7 Chair of the Wisconsin County Clerks Association (WCCA). I am currently the treasurer for the Wisconsin County Constitutional Officers (WCCO) which all county constitutional officers are eligible for membership. I am also the president of the WCCO Legal Defense Fund. I have a strong voice at the state level and am regarded as a leader amongst my state peers whom have been very supportive as well as outside election integrity groups. I am not the only election official being targeted in the state.
Why have you chosen to run for the office you seek and what makes you qualified to fill the office you seek: I really didn’t know what I was getting into when I first answered the call to run for the office. It has changed my life and career path immensely. I do not ever regret the fact that I became an elected official and take great pride in being the Lincoln County Clerk. I fully respect the position, the people I serve, and even my opponent and his right to run against me. The Clerk’s office is an integral part of our local government. The almost 12 years now has allowed me the time to fully learn the position and hone my professional management skills which I believe the County benefits from. I have a new Deputy who is still learning the position, but is doing great. I hired her last year and owe it to her to fight for my job. It would be less than ideal to change our County Clerk at this time. I feel I have done a good job in office and there is not a reason to make a change.
In office I have drastically affected the delinquent tax totals that in 2008 began to climb and then climaxed in 2014 at $2.1 M. I have worked very hard to determine which of our delinquent properties needed to be taken by the County. I take pride in the fact that I work with our delinquent property owners to find ways to manage their debt, offering payment plans and/or identifying state and federal aid available to them. This has allowed me to positively affect the lives of others, which is something that I focus on in all aspects of my life. I can honestly say that since 2014 that the total delinquent tax amount at the end of 2023 is down roughly 70% from where it was then. The 2013 number is roughly $650 K which still sounds high but it is the best place we have been in at least 23 years. I only have the number from 2001 forward but would be willing to say we are in the best place we have been in 50 years. Our delinquent tax amounts are now at a manageable state, and I will continue my efforts in hopes of lowering that number even more. The Tax Delinquent Collection Process involves many county offices and is a group effort that I am tasked with leading.
Our election integrity is second to none in my opinion. We have great municipal clerks and election inspectors who diligently adhere to state law and are very detailed in their work on Election Day. We train face to face here at the Lincoln County Service Center. On July 30 we held two election refresher trainings and had roughly 130 of our 200 election workers in attendance.
Many of the things that I have cited are centered on the Merrill area where I have lived almost my whole life. I have many friends in the Tomahawk and rural towns. For many years I coached against Tomahawk Youth Hockey and High School Teams. I have the utmost respect for their hockey program and the people involved. I will be at the State Tournament when they win the high school state championship, which they are poised to do this year or in the near future. I also played old-time pick-up hockey with the boys for years at Sara Park. I have made a lot friends that way and in the past 12 years have made a ton more working with our local town governments and the Tomahawk School District on their Re-Apportionment Project.
I feel I have worked hard for all my constituents and now I need your help. I am asking for your vote on August 13 at the Partisan Primary. There is not a democratic candidate, so this election will determine who our Lincoln County Clerk will be for the next four years.
For more about me, please check out my Facebook page at “Marlowe for County Clerk.”
Name: Steve Osness
Age: 46
Family: Wife – Kendra Osness, and two daughters – Payge and Raya Osness
Employment/position: Work in Maintenance for the Merrill Area Public Schools
Past or present elected offices held, dates served: —
Membership in religious, service, fraternal, etc., clubs or organizations, and offices held, dates served: —
Why have you chosen to run for the office you seek and what makes you qualified to fill the office you seek: I’ve chosen to run for Lincoln County Clerk because I value transparent and efficient government. The Clerk’s office is essential in maintaining public records, overseeing elections, and upholding the integrity of County operations. I care deeply about ensuring these processes are fair and transparent. If elected, I look forward to bringing a fresh perspective to the office.
My goal is to provide exceptional service while making information and services more accessible to all residents and those we partner with.
I bring a unique combination of experience and skills that make me well-suited for the role of Lincoln County Clerk. I have had the privilege of serving on the Lincoln County Board from April 2022 to April 2024 as well as on the Merrill City Council from April 2018 to April 2022. I was Chairperson of the City Sewer and Water Committee while on Common Council, and Co- Chair of Emergency Management Committee for Lincoln County. Currently, I sit on Merrill Park and Rec Committee. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of our community’s needs and how to address them in a responsible and effective way.
Not only do I have experience on County and City positions, I hold a Business Management Marketing Degree which has helped in my past work experience as an Auditor for WPS Health insurance Customer service and, combined with working at Church Mutual Insurance as a National Customer Service Agent, will be a great combination for the Clerk’s position.
During the summer months when I am not at work, I spend my time on the softball field coaching my youngest daughter’s softball team or spending time with my family planning for our next sporting event.
All these past and current roles have afforded me the knowledge, motivation, and dedication I would bring, if elected as your Lincoln County Clerk.