One-year term lasts through April 2020
By John Faucher
The Hortonville Village Board voted unanimously to appoint Shauna Strelow to fill a one-year village trustee vacancy during its May 16 meeting.
Board members interviewed seven candidates April 30, then selected Strelow, Brian Rathsack, and Eric Garthus for a second interview on May 2.
The board met again on May 7 and recommended the appointment of Strelow to fill the one-year vacancy.
The vacancy occurred following the April election, when village trustee Jeanne Bellile was elected village president. Bellile chose the village president position, leaving her trustee seat open.
On April 2, the board voted to appoint someone to finish the remainder of Bellile’s term rather than hold a special election or leave the seat vacant.
A Hortonville native, Strelow resides with her husband and two children on South Mill Street.
She said she enjoys visiting in the village’s parks and attending community events like the Hortonville Homecoming and the Fireman’s Festival and fireworks.
Strelow said she wants to get involved with local government to have a part in making Hortonville “the best it can be.”
“I really just want to start having a part in understanding where the village is going,” Strelow said.
She said she feels residents “really do have a say in what goes on in the village,” and the village has done a good job communicating with the public and managing its many offerings.
Strelow said she would like to see Hortonville maintain its unique character as a village and not get consumed by its surroundings.
When asked about ethics, morals and transparency in government, Strelow said those are important traits to her. She is employed for a publicly traded company where she was one of three whistleblowers who helped uncover fraud within the company.
“It’s important we do what’s best for the community and the people, and not for our own personal gain,” Strelow said.
When asked how she would handle concerns when approached by an upset resident, Strelow said it would be important to have a discussion with the person in private and make sure they’re heard. She said she would work to find answers to their questions and help them feel validated.
Strelow’s first regular village board meeting as a trustee will be Thursday, June 6.
She will also serve on the village’s public works committee, public safety committee and public facilities committee.