Traeger appointed to St. Joe board

Talk about it

In a somewhat controversial move, local resident and business owner Jim Traeger was appointed to the town of St. Joseph board at the meeting Thursday, Sept. 2. Traeger garnered three votes, while runnerup Dan Gavin received the other two votes.

It was controversial because former second supervisor Kevin Moelter wanted to retain his position on the board.

During last month’s board meeting, Moelter became ill and left mid-way through the meeting. Shortly thereafter, under the advisement of a doctor, Moelter tendered his resignation to the board.

However, after receiving a second opinion, Moelter was told that he indeed could continue his duties on the town board with little risk to his health. Having already resigned, Moelter would have to be re-appointed to his position by a vote from the board. According to Wisconsin state statues, in an event such as this, the board may appoint another person to fill the vacant seat, whether they ran for the seat or not.

While some of the board members citied further concerns for Moelter’s health, and were asking for another to fill his seat, Town Chair Theresa Johnson argued for his re-instatement.

“Kevin Moelter was voted in, it would be difficult for any of us to go against the voters,” Johnson said. “If others wish to run, they can run for the position in April when the seat comes up for re-election.”

A vote was called to re-instate Moelter, but failed in a 3-2 vote, with Town Clerk Marie Schmit standing in as the fifth vote.

After the failure to re-instate Moelter to his position, the board then nominated several others from the town who have either had experience at the board level, or had expressed interest in serving. The nominee’s were: Traeger, former board member Dan Gavin, Roger Smith and Richard Thompson.

After a brief discussion on the procedure to vote, Traeger was appointed to the seat. After the vote, he accepted the nomination and took his seat.

Civility Month

As voted in last month, it was proclaimed that September be “Civility Month” in the town of St. Joseph. The resolution, which can be viewed in its entirety on the town’s website (www.townofstjoseph.com) reads in part:

Whereas, the open exchange of public discourse is essential to the democratic system of government; and

Whereas, as a cornerstone of democracy Americans have observed certain rules of behavior generally know as civility; and

Whereas, respect of others and acceptance of individual differences, respect of the environment, respect of all creatures, as well as listening, honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and helping other people; and

Whereas, civility can assist in reaching consensus on diverse issues and allow the mutually respectful ongoing relationships; and

Whereas, the Board urges the adoption of a pledge of civility by all citizens in the Town of St. Joseph, Wisconsin,

Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Town Board of the Town St. Joseph that the month of September is proclaimed as Civility Month, and calls upon the citizens to exercise civility toward each other.

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