Small Town News

Presidential, state races, Western Tech referendum on Nov. 6 ballots

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Voters will take to the polls on Nov. 6, but in addition to the presidential race, between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, there are a few state races and one referendum to consider.

Obama and his running mate Vice President Joe Biden, and Romney and his running mate Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin head up the ballots on the Nov. 6 election. Several minority party candidates are also on the ballot.

Most residents of Trempealeau County, and many Jackson County residents will also consider a $79.8 million referendum from Western Technical College. If approved, the referendum will allow the college to improve its facilities and programs at its La Crosse campus.

If approved, it will mean a property tax increase starting with taxes collected in 2013. The cost estimate is $39 per year for homeowners with a $100,000 home. The taxes will be spread throughout the district, which includes the southern two-thirds of Trempealeau County and much of Jackson County, along with portions or all of Buffalo, Clark, La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Vernon and Crawford counties.

In addition, there is a major statewide race on the ballot as former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson and Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin face off for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Herb Kohl, who is retiring. There are minority party candidates on the ballot for that position as well.

U.S. Representative Ron Kind, a Democrat, is seeking his ninth term in the office and is facing a challenge from Republican challenger Ray Boland, a retired U. S. Army colonel. A former commander of Fort McCoy, he has also served as the Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Veterans.

State Democratic Rep. Chris Danou remains unopposed on the ballot; Republican Stephen Doerr is a write-in candidate for the position.

Candidates for county offices in Trempealeau and Jackson counties are all unopposed.

Running for Trempealeau County offices are incumbent Democrats Paul Syverson, county clerk; Laurie Halama, county treasurer; Rose Ottum; county register of deeds and Taavi McMahon, recently appointed as district attorney.

Running for Jackson County offices are incumbent Democrats Kyle Deno, county clerk; Shari Marg, county register of deeds and Gerald Fox, district attorney.

Jo Anne Forsting-Leonard is running unopposed for treasurer. She is currently the deputy treasurer.



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