2015 Election Results

Justice Ann Walsh Bradley was re-elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Tuesday. Bradley defeated Rock County Circuit Judge James Daley, to win her third 10-year term on the court. Bradley was first elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1995.

For only the second time in La Crosse County history, a female judge has been elected to circuit court.  The first time was 20 years ago this month, when Ramona Gonzalez won her first term.  On Tuesday, Gloria Doyle was chosen to preside over Branch 5 court for the next six years.  From the start of her campaign, Doyle received support from several retired judges in the county. Doyle, the county’s family court commissioner, defeated former prosecutor Brian Barton by two thousand votes.  She’ll succeed incumbent Judge Candice Tlustosch, who was appointed in February but placed third in the primary.

Three new members of the La Crosse city council was a done deal from the opening of the polls on Tuesday because all three were running unopposed.   Martin Gaul, Philip Ostrem and Gary Padesky will be on the new city council.  Incumbents Dick Swantz, Audrey Kader, Doug Happel, Fran Formanek, Paul Medinger and Rich Becker will also return.  Becker narrowly defeated fellow incumbent Peg Jerome.  The two were forced into the same district due to redistricting caused by the council’s move to 13 seats starting in 2017.

One incumbent school board member in the La Crosse School District
lost his seat Tuesday. Robert McMahon, Jr was defeated by incumbents Deb Suchla and Jeff Meyer and newcomer, Brad Quarberg.

Not a good past 6 months for the West Salem School District. The referendum to issue bonds not to exceed $31.2 million for new building construction and renovation projects? No votes topped off at 55%. That measure also failed late last year.

It was good news all the way around in Holmen Tuesday. Voers there approved both school ballot measures. The first approved $2.6 million to implement one to one wireless mobile device technology at the Holmen Middle School and at the Holmen High School. It passed by 52%. The second question asked for $335 thousand for ongoing building maintenance needs and the ongoing replacement of school vehicles. That passed with 60% of the vote.

The Viroqua School District asked if they could exceed the revenue limit by $350 thousand a year for five years for operation and maintenance expenses. Voters there responded, giving the district a 66% nod to move forward.

A $1.9 million ballot item for the construction of a community wellness facility addition to the K-12 building in La Farge was voted down….by a 56% margin. Also, a $5,6 million measure in La Farge for improvements and additions to the district’s K-12 building was voted down as well.

Both Alma School District referendums passed with flying colors Tuesday. One deals with paying for energy efficiency improvements including new geothermal HVAC system, upgrades and/or replacements to lighting, electrical, windows, technology grounds and transportation vehicles. The other will go to pay district operation and maintenance costs. Both measures receiving over 60% of the vote.

In Black River Falls, a referendum asked if the Police Department in the City of Black River Falls be required to maintain 24 hour, 7 day a week coverage? The total was Yes 521….no 519. Meaning no consolidation with Jackson County for their services. A recount may be requested for that item.

Village Trustees voted in the Village of West Salem were Kevin Hennessey,  Lee Deal and Leroy Brown II.

For the Mayor position in the City of Westby, Danny Helgerson defeated incumbent Mayor, Daniel Jefson.

The Mayor of the City of Galesville…..incumbent, John Graf wins convincingly over Vince Howe.

Town Board Supervisor postions in the Town of Shelby went to incumbents Timothy Ehler and Joyce Wichelt. Both defeating Lynetta Kopp. Kopp was also defeated by incumbent chairperson of Shelby, Tim Cabdahl for that position.

A referendum to end the whistle that blows at 7am, Noon, 6pm, 10pm in the Village of Bangor, the no votes won by an 85% margin……..No votes 233….Yes votes 40

In the Town Of Campbell Town Board Chairman contest, Incumbent Scott Johnson was taken down by Terry Schaller by 17 votes…..443-426

Village Trustee Village of Holmen seats were won by Rich Anderson, Douglas Jorstad and Dawn Kulcinski.

As for School Board Members in the West Salem School District…..Incumbents Jane Halverson and Ken Schlimgen and newcomer Tom Grosskopf all won election. Incumbent Fred Perri was defeated.