Four Candidates Running for Wisconsin Rapids Mayor

Wisconsin Rapids, Wis (WFHR, WIRI)

There are four people vying for the position of Wisconsin Rapids mayor during Tuesday’s primary election. Current Mayor Shane Blaser announced last October that he will not be seeking reelection. He’s enjoyed his time as mayor and will now look for other ways to serve in the area.

List of Candidates and the Mayoral Forum

The four people running are Tom Terry Mews, Matt Zacher, Preston Seitz, and Nicholas Palmquist. The League of Women Voters held a mayoral forum on February 6th in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Only Tom Mews and Matt Zacher were able to attend. You can find the recording made by Wisconsin Rapids Community Media on their YouTube page or at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xajXE58N47U

Candidates Who Appeared on Mid-day Magazine

All candidates were also invited to talk with host James Malouf during Mid-day Magazine on WFHR. Tom Mews and Nicholas Palmquist were interviewed on February 6th and Matt Zacher on February 8th. You can find those interviews here: https://civicmedia.us/shows/morning-magazine

Brief Background of the Candidates Running for Wisconsin Rapids Mayor

Tom Mews

Tom was born in Wisconsin and served in the military. After the military, Mews became an Asset Protection Officer for Ho-Chunk Gaming. He’s also worked as a mechanic and has usually held down several jobs at the same time. Mews worked as a Department Head at the old Walmart for many years and has managed other local businesses. He has a degree in Business Management from Central Texas Tech. He and his girlfriend have three children. When asked what qualifies him for the position of Wisconsin Rapids mayor, Mews said he has a business background from his schooling and from being a former small business owner in the area.

Matt Zacher

Matt was born in Wisconsin and served in the military. After his service, Zacher attended UW-Milwaukee and obtained a masters degree in social work/juvenile corrections. He moved to Wisconsin Rapids in 2005 with his wife, Jenny. They have four children. Zacher is the CEO of Express Recycling Solutions in Rapids. He’s the Alderman for the 3rd district and has served on the Public Works committee and is now chair of the Finance and Property Committee. When asked what qualifies him for the position of Wisconsin Rapids mayor, Zacher said his role as Chair of the Finance and Property Committee has given him experience in managing the City’s budget. He also stated his 18 years of running his own business has given him experience balancing budgets and working with employees and people in the city.

Nicholas Palmquist

Nicholas was born and raised in Wisconsin Rapids in a family that owned small businesses. He titles himself as a normal guy, married with no children, and a journeyman electrician. He was unable to attend the mayoral forum as he was out of town for work. When asked what qualifies him for the position of Wisconsin Rapids mayor, Palmquist said he’s a foreman at a local electrical company and has experience leading people. He’s also willing to adapt and try new things.

Preston Seitz

We’ve reached out to candidate Seitz with an offer of equal time during our interviews at WFHR. Seitz was also invited to the Mayoral Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on February 6th.

Polling Information

Polls are open from 7am to 8pm on Tuesday, February 20th. Wards 1-10 will vote at the Centralia Center, 220 3rd Avenue South. Wards 11-27 vote at East Junior High School Field House, 311 Lincoln Street. Voters will choose one candidate. The two candidates with the most votes will continue on to the primary taking place on April 2nd. If you have further questions about voting or need to find where you go to vote, you can visit: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/