Vote April 1st
Why I’m running for Town of Lakeside Clerk.
I will bring greater fiscal transparency with accurate information for Town Board Members, The Volunteer Fire Department, Town Employees, and community members. We need to modernize methods so they are ready for the next generation to take over when the time comes.
Ballot access is an important issue that has come up with this election. Two candidates are in danger of not being on the ballot because of a missing form they were not made aware of. While it is also the candidates responsibility, it is also the Town Clerks responsibility to include all required forms in packets given to candidates. Many other communities have this information on their websites with the forms downloadable or links to the forms from a State website. Ballot access is an important duty in the election process.
Mary Peterson filed papers to continue as a Town Supervisor
Gary Peterson filed papers to become Town Chairperson
Both of them were missing a CF-1 Local Candidate Campaign Finance Registration Statement. It apparently was not given to them in the papers they received from the current Town Clerk. If this is not accurate I will update this website as soon as I find out differently.
Both of them are eligible as write in candidates because they did file a EL-162 Declaration of Candidacy form. Both of them also collected the required number of signatures on nomination papers.
What isn’t being done now?
Over half of the Towns and Villages in Douglas County use QuickBooks accounting software. The Town of Lakeside isn’t one of them. It is the most recommended software for small town governments. Lakeside currently uses a mix of simple spreadsheets and manual accounting methods. These methods are open to more mistakes and don’t provide timely budget tracking information.
Are there other benefits?
Allowing the Town Clerk and Treasurer to work together better without unnecessary duplication while providing the Town Board members access to up to date information. The Town Clerk and Town Treasurer will also be able to provide information to the Town Fire Chief, Town Operator, and public.
What are my credentials for providing a fast and accurate transition to a computer accounting system?
Associates Degree – Accounting
Business Owner for 36+ years
Business Manager for the Douglas County Historical Society since 2019 (QuickBooks Desktop 2019 – May of 2024, QuickBooks online May 2024 – present with Gusto Payroll integration)
Completed 2025 Annual Filing Season Program (current 2024 Tax Year), Member of the National Association of Tax Professionals and Associate Member WICPA. I want to make it clear that while I have an educational and practical background in accounting, I’m not a CPA.
What about qualification for other Town Clerk duties?
Many of the duties I’m familiar with after previously serving on the Town Board as a Supervisor and Chairperson. There are great educational resources from the Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association and a mentorship program is available. In my computer business, I have worked with several Town Clerks in Douglas County who would also be a resource should I have questions.
