Town of Rome Primary Election

Rome, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – On February 18th, the Town of Rome Primary Election will have several races on the ballot. The only statewide race is for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Those candidates include: Jeff Wright, Brittany Kinser, and Jill Underly. The primary race for Rome Town Board Chairperson include: Carl M. Hasdal, Philip A. McLaughlin, and Lori J. Djumadi. The primary race for Rome Town Board Supervisor include: Mark W. Samelstad, Tim Reppen, Vito Giardino, Daniel W. Minter, and Jacki Koll. Each candidate was asked to submit a 200 word statement to inform voters. Those over the limit were edited down for length. Everyone was asked to submit their statement by February 10th. Anyone who did not reply by that deadline is not included in this article.

Rome Town Board Chairperson

Carl Hasdal

My wife Donna and I have been property owners in Rome for over 30 years and built our retirement home here 10 years ago. I hold a BSBA and an MBA in Finance and was a Marketing Director for most of my 45-year career with financial budgets more than $750 Million and responsible for over 5,000 employees. I had a rapid rise due to my problem-solving skills, positive attitude/work ethic and ability to build outstanding teams.

I am currently on the Tri-Lakes Management board. We have initiated a solution to our dying lakes with the introduction of a new use for nanobubble technology. We are leading the state in this effort. We will start the project this spring.

I was past chairman on the Rome Town Board, we had at least 19 accomplishments including the creation of an EMS district with Big Flats and Monroe which gave us 24/7 Paramedic level coverage with a response time around 8 minutes. I also found a state grant for $570,000 for Apache from 8th to 10th Ave. I was also Chairman of the Rome Water Utility initiating measures to reduce cost/expenses.

See additional information at: votehasdal.org.

Philip McLaughlin

I have been a Rome resident since 1998. I was the Town of Rome Board Chair from 2007 through 2017. I also served as a Tri-Lakes Board Commissioner and a Town of Rome Plan Commission member. I was the Adams County Zoning Administrator for 20 years.

I was a very diligent, determined and dedicated public servant. I always spoke the truth, no matter the circumstance. I always exercised transparency. It is the duty of the Town Board to be accountable to the residents. Effective and frequent communication is a necessity. I encouraged and welcomed resident input. I actively listened to their concerns. … The Town of Rome residents often come forth with valuable ideas and insights.

A current major issue is the solar project. I oppose it. I would have addressed the situation differently … There are methods to defeat such endeavors … some methods do not involve expensive legal assistance or consultants.

Our lakes are a valuable asset. … Among other things, continued efforts to collaborate with upstream agriculture … to keep nutrients from fertilizer etc. that enter the lakes to a minimum.

There are other issues certainly and they must be acted upon …

I live by truth and integrity above all else.

Lori J. Djumadi: A Positive Voice of Reason with Vision

As your Town Chairwoman, I offer genuine leadership and serve with integrity. 

I’ve been part of the Rome community for 47 years, living here full-time since 1999.

I bring vision to the position with a passion for positive change, listening to all interests, working tirelessly to address. 

I’m committed to building a strong inclusive community supporting every taxpayer, regardless of the type of property they own, its value, or location. 

With extensive experience on the Community Development Authority, Plan Commission, and as a community volunteer, I’ve advocated for community-centric policies for economic and social sustainability.

I will continue to:

• Prioritize increased fiscal responsibility ensuring your tax dollars are managed effectively using cost-saving measures and managing resource allocation. 
• Support small businesses with improved regulations.
• Prioritize infrastructure – road improvements maintenance cycle, water main replacements, and continued transfer site upgrades.
• Continue improving town’s official media outlets – Website and Facebook page
• Balance current community needs without compromising future needs.
• Maintain an insightful cohesive approach to policy making and community development, preserving our small-town atmosphere while recognizing smart growth principles are essential for Rome’s resiliency to uncertainty and adaptability to inevitable changes.

Humbly, I ask for your vote to re-elect me.

Rome Town Board Supervisor

Tim Reppen

I’m running for Rome Town Supervisor. … I was the Vice President of operations for a[n] aerospace/ military component manufacturer for 40 years in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I oversaw Sales, Engineering and Development, Production and Quality. I’ve served as the Sauk County supervisor for district 17 for 2 terms prior to moving up here full-time. I served on the Law enforcement, Judiciary committees and on the Sauk county nursing home board of trustees. I worked for the city of Baraboo economic development committee. 

… The reason I’m running. I believe in getting involved in serving in some capacity in the community. Second, recent events I’ve seen on the current board … made me aware that my leadership and background could help in benefiting the community and the board.

Things needing addressed are 
1) Need for Full Time Town Administrator
2) Not in favor of the Solar Farm Project. The location is wrong, the local Environment would be hurt and the money the Township would receive is not worth the development impact it would have on the community. 
3) Accountability is lacking on the current Administration and Board. …
We need a change.  I hope I can count on your vote.

Vito Giardino

My name is Vito Giardino and I am announcing my candidacy for Town Board Supervisor in the Town of Rome. I’ve been a full-time resident of Rome for 8 years. I currently serve on the Lester Public Library Board, Town of Rome Board of Appeals, and the Police & Fire Commission, where I have had the privilege of contributing to decisions and direction to lead the town forward.

I’m retired from the Cook County (IL) Sheriff’s Department. During my 30+ years with the Sheriff’s department, I served as a Union Steward, representing and advocating for officers, serving as a liaison between the officers, union leadership, and the administration. This included handling grievances and assisting with contract interpretation and negotiations. Serving in this capacity has equipped me with the skills needed to represent the residents of the Town of Rome effectively by collaborating (and challenging!) decisions.

I am inclined to question everything by nature. Because of this, you can count on me to always ask questions and be the voice for the residents, taking into consideration what is in the best interest of the residents of the town. I would be honored to have your vote.

Daniel W Minter

I am running for reelection as Supervisor for the Town of Rome … I see the job of a supervisor being to look at the issues facing the town, listen to feedback … then to balance … with available resources. 

Some issues that are of concern to all of us in Rome, we as a Town Board have little control over.  This pertains especially to the proposed solar project – as the law currently stands there is no avenue for local control. Other issues such as budget priorities are something that as a board we need to look closely at.

Each year we are allowed only so much increase in the total revenue collected via property taxes and as we all know expenses usually do not go down.  We must seek cost savings where possible an[d] alternate revenue sources when allowed by law so that we can maintain the services we currently have. In the next few years the TID will end and the full value of that property will be added back into the tax rolls, this may provide the Town with opportunities related to larger capital projects such as roads, police/fire equipment and hopefully parks and recreation.

Jacki Koll

Candidate Jacki Koll Town of Rome Supervisor.

I work diligently as a Town Board Supervisor, President of CDA and Visit Rome Board past president and Board member  

My focus for the 2025-2027 term include:  

Roads: Finalize five-year/long-range plans for road maintenance and replacement.

Public Safety: No cuts to public safety. Essential services must be supported.

Budget & Efficiencies: Create a capital outlay program with department head input prior to the 2026 budget meetings.  

Communication: Implement new communication tools to better inform residents of Town news.  

Water & Wake Boats: I support nano bubblers; I voted in favor of Visit Rome grants for nano bubblers, fish habitat/stocking on Lake Arrowhead, shoreline restoration at Camelot Lodge and Walden Park.  
I am in favor of Wake Boat Regulation and support a citizen task force to present recommendations to the Board with consideration to enforcement and legal challenges.

Solar Project: I am opposed to the NextEra ”Akron” Project. Attorney Stanley Riffle is retained to advise the Board. The community can present objections to the PSC. If the project is approved, effort should be made to reach a JDA.  

I would appreciate your vote on February 18. Please feel free to contact me at koll@romewi.gov

Links

You can find information regarding your ballot and check your registration on MyVote Wisconsin. The Town of Rome held a voter forum on February 4th, 2025. You can watch it here to learn more before the Town of Rome Primary Election.