By Kim McDarison
Three candidates — including two incumbents and one challenger — have submitted declarations of candidacy and are collecting signatures to run for seats on the Fort Atkinson City Council, according to information released Thursday by Fort Atkinson City Clerk Michelle Ebbert.
Seats held by three incumbents, Chris Scherer, Mason Becker and Megan Hartwick, will be decided during the April, 2023 election.
Earlier this week, Scherer filed a notification of non-candidacy with the clerk’s office, Ebbert noted.
Candidates running for office this spring include incumbents Mason Becker and Megan Hartwick, and challenger Kyle Jaeckel, 715 Messner St.
Council members serve at large and for two-year terms.
Earlier this month, Becker announced his intention to run with Fort Atkinson Online. He is seeking a fifth term.
Hartwick is seeking a second term in office.
Those interested in running for one of the three council seats up for reelection in April must file a Declaration of Candidacy Form (EL-162) and a Nomination Papers for Nonpartisan Office form (EL-169) with the Fort Atkinson city clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2023. Filing by the deadline ensures that the candidates’ name will be placed on the general election printed ballot.
Candidates must also complete and submit a Registration Statement Form (CF-1) prior to raising or spending any funds. The deadline for the submittal of the form is Jan. 3.
For new candidates, the registration statement must be filed before collection or spending of funds and before submitting nomination papers.
Fort Atkinson is designated by the state of Wisconsin as a Third Class city. Candidates running for at-large aldermanic seats in Third Class cities, a designation given according to population, must collect between 100 and 200 signatures from eligible voters within the city on nomination papers.
An explanation of the state’s designation by class for cities is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_Wisconsin#:~:text=Cities%20in%20Wisconsin%20are%20divided%20into%20four%20classes%3A,Fourth%20class%3A%20Cities%20with%209%2C999%20or%20fewer%20residents.
Candidates may not begin collecting signatures on nomination papers before Dec. 1, 2022.
A primary election is required if more than six candidates come forward to run for the three at-large seats. If a primary election becomes necessary, it will be held on Feb. 21, 2023.
For further information about running for a city council seat, and obtaining and submitting required papers, contact Ebbert.
The Fort Atkinson Municipal Building is located at 101 N. Main Street.
Contact information and hours of operation for the city clerk’s office can be found here: http://www.fortatkinsonwi.net/departments/clerk_treasurer/index.php.
Information provided by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for candidates is here: https://elections.wi.gov/candidates.
Fort Atkinson City Council members Mason Becker, from left, Chris Scherer and Megan Hartwick hold seats that will be decided in April, 2023. Scherer has filed a notification of non-candidacy with the city clerk’s office, signifying he will not seek another term. Becker and Hartwick have indicated that they will each seek another term in office. File photos/contributed.
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