By Kim McDarison
While Wisconsin’s next general election will be held this spring, a deadline for seated incumbents to declare whether they plan to run again is Dec. 24.
In advance of that deadline, two incumbents on the School District of Fort Atkinson Board of Education — Mark Chaney and Adam Paul — have each filed Notification of Non-Candidacy forms with the district, signaling they will not be seeking another term. Both filed notifications on Nov. 18, according to the school district’s website.
Two incumbents holding seats on the Fort Atkinson City Council must also declare by the Dec. 24 deadline. They are Brandon Housley and Bruce Johnson.
Responding through text on Saturday, Housley told Fort Atkinson Online that he does not intend to seek another term.
Responding by email on Saturday, Johnson noted that he is undecided about whether he will run again.
Seats held by each of the incumbents, representing two on the school board and two on the city council, will come due for reelection on April 5, 2022.
A process and filing deadlines for those interested in running for the open seats are as follows.
Fort Atkinson City Council seats
Those interested in running for two open seats on the Fort Atkinson City Council 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. 4, 2022. 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. 4.
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 signature on nomination papers before Dec. 1, 2021.
A primary election is required if more than four candidates come forward to run for the two at-large seats. If a primary election becomes necessary, it will be held on Feb. 15, 2022.
The Fort Atkinson City Council is a five-member board, with each member elected to a two-year term. Of the five members, two are elected in even-numbered years and three in odd-numbered years.
In 2021, council members Mason Becker and Megan Hartwick, and council President Chris Scherer were elected as officeholders. Those seats will come due for reelection in 2023.
For further information about running for a city council seat, and obtaining and submitting required papers, contact Fort Atkinson City Clerk Michelle 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 about running for elected office as supplied on the city’s website is here: http://www.fortatkinsonwi.net/departments/clerk_treasurer/elections/candidate_information.php.
Board of Education seats
School District of Fort Atkinson Board of Education member Amy Reynolds noted Thursday, during the most recent school board meeting, that some deadlines for those wishing to run for two open school board seats are approaching.
Those interested in running for the two open seats are required to fill out a Declaration of Candidacy School Board Candidates form (EL-162sd), a copy, which can be filled out online, is available on the district’s website at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/130HFnBredu8aK0_5Fo4yO2785RSnhwrw/view.
A Campaign Finance Registration Statement form (CF-1), which can be printed from the district’s website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-UZE-pNJWlDBbJ7GVAzyVgN728gqx_FJ/view, also must be filled out and submitted.
Both forms must be completed and returned to Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board Lisa Haas by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.
The district office is located at 201 Park Street.
Those looking for additional information about forms and the submittal process can contact Haas by phone: 920-563-7807, or email: haasl@fortschools.org.
A link to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards Guide for Candidates 2022 Spring Election Edition is also available on the school district’s website, and found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JywU70XLnFyUgtOT47d1YF4-maFWoCUk/view.
School district offices will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 23, 24, 30 and 31, according to the website.
During the November school board meeting, Reynolds reminded those in attendance that while the election will be held on April 5, should a primary election become necessary, it will be held on Feb. 15, 2022.
A primary election becomes necessary when more than four candidates come forward for the two open at-large seats.
The Fort Atkinson board of education is a five-member body with each member serving a three-year term.
In 2021, school board member Rhona Buchta was elected.
Seats held by school board members Amy Reynolds and Kory Knickrehm will come due for reelection in 2023.
Information provided on the school district’s website is here: https://www.fortschools.org/domain/4789.
Information provided by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for candidates is here: https://elections.wi.gov/candidates.
Seats held by School District of Fort Atkinson Board of Education members Mark Chaney, at left, and Adam Paul will both come due for reelection in April. Both incumbents have filed Notification of Non-Candidacy forms with the district, making known their intentions not to seek another term in office.
Seats held by Fort Atkinson City Council members Brandon Housley, at left, and Bruce Johnson will both come due for reelection in April. A filing deadline for incumbents announcing a decision not to run for reelection is Dec. 24. Housley recently told Fort Atkinson Online that he will not be seeking another term. Johnson told Fort Atkinson Online that he remains undecided about making another run.
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