Four candidates, three seats

HORTONVILLE – Voters in the Village of Hortonville will choose three representatives for the Village Board in the upcoming spring election on Tuesday, April 7.
The race features a mix of experienced leadership and new voices. Incumbents Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel and Shauna Keel are seeking re-election, while newcomers Dalton Davis and Therese Abitz have joined the field to vie for the three available seats.
Current board member Bob Jewell is not seeking re-election and filed non-candidacy papers in December.
To help residents make an informed decision at the polls, the Press Star asked each candidate to provide background on their qualifications and respond to a series of questions regarding the village’s future. Their introductory profiles are based on their professional and civic experience, followed by their verbatim responses to specific policy questions.
Candidates are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot.

Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel: Incumbent
A seasoned member of the Village Board, Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel currently chairs the Public Facilities Committee and serves on the Public Works Committee.
Her tenure has been defined by a focus on strategic planning, transparency, and collaborative problem-solving across village departments.
Beyond her official duties, she is a dedicated community advocate, working with the Hortonville Historical Society and helping to establish the Little Free Food Pantry to serve local needs.
Arendt Vanden Heuvel views her role as a direct line for residents and business owners, prioritizing their feedback to build consensus.

She is seeking re-election to provide steady, experienced leadership during a period of community transition and to ensure Hortonville remains engaged and inclusive.

Shauna Keel: Incumbent
A lifelong resident of Hortonville for 44 years, Shauna Keel brings a deep personal investment to her role on the Village Board, where she has served for the past seven years.
An Army veteran and a finance professional for a global environmental company, Keel combines a background in disciplined service with technical expertise in fiscal management.
Having grown up in the village and chosen to raise her own family there, she is motivated by a passion for the community’s long-term health and growth.

Keel is seeking a return to the board to continue providing a steady, experienced voice for the residents of Hortonville.

Dalton Davis: Challenger
Dalton Davis is a Marine Corps veteran and a graduate of Hortonville High School. Having grown up in the village, Davis is seeking a seat on the Village Board with the goal of providing a fresh perspective to the community. His candidacy is centered on bringing a younger voice to local government and representing the interests of the village’s residents as the board navigates future decisions.

Therese Abitz: Challenger
A Main Street property and business owner for the past 19 years, Therese Abitz offers a perspective rooted in the village’s downtown commercial district. Abitz is an active member of the Friends of the Hortonville Historical Society and has been a regular attendee at Village Board meetings for several years. Her platform emphasizes improving communication between community resources to better promote the goods and services available within Hortonville. She is seeking a seat on the board to leverage her long-term experience as a local stakeholder in navigating the changes occurring downtown.

Infrastructure & Growth Management
Hortonville continues to see interest from developers. How should the Village Board balance the need for residential and commercial growth with the necessary upkeep of existing infrastructure (streets, utilities, and public safety)?
Arendt Vanden Heuvel: “Balancing growth with infrastructure maintenance requires a proactive, strategic approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term priorities. The Village Board should ensure that all new residential and commercial development aligns with a comprehensive plan that evaluates the capacity of existing streets, utilities, and public safety services. This includes requiring developers to contribute to infrastructure improvements when growth places additional demand on public systems.
At the same time, the Board must dedicate resources to maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure to preserve safety, reliability, and quality of life for current residents. This should include prioritization of critical repairs and transparent budgeting that balances expansion with ongoing upkeep.
Equally important is engaging residents and business owners in the planning process to ensure growth reflects community values, supports local businesses, and preserves Hortonville’s character. By taking a thoughtful, collaborative approach, the Village can promote responsible development while protecting the infrastructure and services residents rely on every day.”

Shauna Keel: “Hortonville is a highly sought-after location for both residential and commercial growth, thanks to our schools, amenities, and community members. Effectively managing this growth requires diligent planning, budget management, clear communication, and community involvement. When considering new business opportunities or developing our limited available land, we must remain realistic about our capacity to serve these developments while prioritizing the community’s needs. Fiscal responsibility and the concerns of our residents remain central to every decision to ensure the long-term benefit of the village.”
Dalton Davis: “As a veteran and a homeowner, I know you have to protect your foundation. I support new business growth, but only if it strengthens our current neighborhoods and keeps that small town feel we all moved here for.”
Therese Abitz: “The balance between growth and infrastructure is all about communication and common sense. How much do services really cost? What is the capacity for the infrastructure we already possess? How much does it cost to expand? There needs to be questions with informed, timely answers. When recognizing past challenges and success, openness with community members and respect for new ideas can lead to great decisions.”

Economic Vitality & Downtown Identity
With the bypass long-established, downtown Hortonville has had to redefine itself. What is your specific vision for the downtown corridor over the next four years, and how should the village support local business owners in achieving that vision?

Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel: “I envision downtown Hortonville evolving over the next four years into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination that reflects our community’s character while supporting local businesses. With the bypass in place, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine downtown as a place people choose to visit—for dining, shopping, recreation, and community events.
To achieve this, the Village should invest in streetscaping, adequate parking, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, clear signage, and inviting public gathering spaces that enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike. At the same time, we must support local business owners through small business initiatives, flexible zoning where appropriate, and ongoing communication to better understand and respond to their needs.
By combining thoughtful investment with strong collaboration and community engagement, the Village can create a downtown corridor that is economically vibrant, welcoming, and a true gathering place for both residents and visitors.”
Shauna Keel: “Strong planning and resident input are crucial for the success of the downtown renovation project. Our vision is to create a charming, accessible atmosphere that serves as both a journey and a destination, offering a rebirth for our local businesses.
This project is an opportunity for residents and businesses, both on and off the corridor, to become actively involved. I encourage everyone to participate in village meetings and share concerns with board members to ensure all voices are heard. This is a collective effort; it is everyone’s home, not just a project for the board.”
Dalton Davis: “I don’t believe Hortonville has had to redefine itself. It’s always been a welcoming and safe place to live and to be. I see a lot more people out and about throughout the day, especially at the parks that were improved. With the downtown getting updated, I think we will see even more people getting out to check the downtown out, and it will help bring in new businesses for Hortonville.”
Therese Abitz: “Downtown needs to define what makes it special. Diversity of businesses draws more customers looking for a unique experience. An open, well-maintained storefront invites new customers in. Building maintenance and street cleanliness says the community cares. The village has already offered grant money and no-cost loans to building owners. This is the time to put this opportunity to good use. This is a multi-pronged situation. I think there is an opportunity for volunteerism in the future beautification of the downtown. The Historical Society is taking on the rejuvenation for the Veterans Park pavilion. There are other fixtures from the downtown construction that can be repurposed. We need to encourage each other.”

Fiscal Responsibility
If elected, what will be your top priority during the annual budget process? How do you propose the village maintain high-quality services while remaining mindful of the tax burden on residents?
Julie Arendt Vanden Heuvel: “If elected, my top priority during the annual budget process will be maintaining high-quality core services—such as public safety, streets, utilities, and parks—while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. A strong budget process should include an annual re-evaluation to identify duplication, eliminate outdated tasks, and improve overall effectiveness.

I will focus on carefully reviewing each expenditure, prioritizing critical needs, and identifying cost-saving opportunities that do not compromise service quality. At the same time, I will advocate for long-term financial planning, transparent decision-making, and meaningful community input on funding priorities.
I will also pursue grants, partnerships, and responsible revenue-generating opportunities to help offset costs. By combining strategic investment with disciplined financial management, the Village can sustain essential services, plan for future growth, and ensure residents receive clear value for their tax dollars.”
Shauna Keel: “Managing expenditures and ensuring every dollar has a clear purpose remains central to my platform and is crucial for effective budget planning. Maintaining our community services, infrastructure, and public safety is of the utmost importance. I believe the most effective way to achieve our growth goals while managing the costs of running the community is through diligent research and the strategic use of available resources, such as grant programs. Each member of our community works hard for their income, and it is vital that we function within our financial means while properly planning for the future.”
Dalton Davis: “My views on the budget process is to make sure our needs are taken care of before our wants, and make sure we fix things before they break.”
Therese Abitz: “As a property owner for nineteen years, I have witnessed delays and failures. Pushing off needed maintenance can be more expensive. Communication with citizens can create understanding. A common-sense, data-driven plan is the solution.”