City of Tomahawk Mayor Steven E. Taskay will face challenger Roxanne Consolver in the Tuesday, April 5 Spring Election. Learn more about each candidate below.
Steven E. Taskay
Education/employment/public service background: I am a licensed Paramedic with 28 years of service working for the citizens of Tomahawk and surrounding areas at our local hospital. During this time, I have spoken with many residents, some of them during the worst time of their lives. I gained a great sense of empathy for people and learned how to communicate at a new level. Having these skills have been a great asset over the last six years as the City of Tomahawk’s Mayor.
Personal life/family: I have been married to my wife, Dawn, for 14 years. Together we have four adult children and one granddaughter. We enjoy traveling but always look forward to all the different events and opportunities that Tomahawk has to offer.
Why did you decide to run for reelection? I have been blessed to be your mayor for the last six years and in that time, I have learned many things along the way. My tenure has been like no other with the recent pandemic changing our entire world and the way we conducted government. I believe we, the City of Tomahawk, are moving in the right direction. I would like the opportunity to continue being a part of our progress in the search of developing a plan for a public safety building, affordable housing options, maintaining our infrastructure, along with all the possibilities that a growing community presents.
What are some of the highlights of your time as Mayor of the City of Tomahawk? Some of the greatest moments are when I am representing the great City of Tomahawk. Talking to residents and hearing their concerns, although, COVID has made face to face meetings difficult. It is always heartwarming when someone says, “You’re doing a good job,” or ‘Keep up the good work”, or just a simple “Thank you” but I must remind people, none of this would happen without our dozens of dedicated city workers. I look forward to and have enjoyed being a part of the many events Tomahawk has to offer; 4th of July Parade, Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride, the Venison Feed, Main Street Car Show, along with each one of the memorial events held at Memorial Park.
If you are reelected, what are some of the goals you have for your next term? It is my hope that we can continue to maintain and replace our roads as needed. I am hoping to re-start regular office hours at City Hall and face to face get togethers. I look forward to the improvements we are seeking at Washington Park, which hopefully will include a splash pad, as well as continuing to sustain and grow current businesses while building friendships with new ones. I also realize the great need for affordable housing in the City of Tomahawk and hope to see more developments become reality. The needs of the Tomahawk Fire Department and Police Department must be a priority. We are working hard to find the best location for our fire department/public safety building. Our firefighters and police officers deserve safe and fully functioning facilities.
Why do you believe City of Tomahawk voters should vote for you? It comes down to experience. I think I have built the rapport and necessary groundwork to move Tomahawk forward as your mayor. I hope the voters choose the experienced candidate to continue to get the job done. I will always have the citizens of Tomahawk’s best interests as a top priority. This position is not about me, it is what is best for Tomahawk now and the needs of this community’s future.
Roxanne Consolver
Education/employment/public service background: I graduated from Tomahawk High School. I owned my own business in Downtown Tomahawk for several years before starting at Harley-Davidson where I’ve been employed for the nearly 20 years so I understand the challenges facing our small business owners. I have always been engaged in my community. I was a member of the Tomahawk Jaycees, The Tomahawk Ambassadors, The Downtown Business Council (which was the predecessor of Tomahawk Mainstreet). I have always been involved in my church whether it be organizing Free Medical Clinics both in Tomahawk and Merrill, School Outreachs for School supplies, Bike blessings, and keeping my church community involved in our local community. I’ve helped organize numerous fundraisers including the 3 Amigas Benefits for the Food Pantry, many motorcycle fun runs for various charities and fundraisers for families and friends with specific needs. I have worked with MDA, Harley-Davidson and now Tomahawk Mainstreet to organize the Thunder Parade for our Fall Ride. I am on the Team that organizes Hometown Christmas to bring our old fashioned Christmases back to Downtown. Recently, I organized a team to paint the tunnel near Dairy Queen after it was vandalized. I have no problem rolling up my sleeves and getting into the trenches when there is work to do. And we have lots of work to do!
Personal life/family: My family and friends call me “Rox.” I’ve lived in the Tomahawk area since I was a little girl. I graduated from Tomahawk High School. I’m married to Kelly Consolver and together we have five children who have also grown up in Tomahawk. Two of our sons are raising their families here. We have six grandchildren. I grew up here, I raised my family here, I want to retire here. Simply put, I love my God, my family and my country. I’m proud to call Tomahawk my home.
Why did you decide to run for Mayor of the City of Tomahawk? When I was a young girl, my dad brought me to a city council meeting. The council was voting on whether to build the bypass or continue traffic through the city. The council voted to bypass the city and Tomahawk businesses have had an uphill battle ever since. The council members had their own best interests in mind instead of the good of the community. I don’t believe that’s what our government officials were elected to do. I also don’t think our government should be run by fear. God did not intend that. We are lacking strong leadership and follow through on many important issues that impact our community. It shouldn’t take an “act of congress” to get things done. I believe I’m running for mayor for such a time as this. To bring Faith, Integrity, Commitment and Community Values to our city government.
If you are elected, what are some of the goals you would have as Mayor? One of my goals is to be hands on with projects that need doing, and get our community involved in the issues that are facing our City. Tomahawk is an amazing community and we are the best at pulling together when there is a need. Looking forward my goals are to address some of the issues facing our City. Our roads are in need of repair and as well as maintaining our infrastructure. I do not have the easy answer but will explore every avenue to get the answers for this important issue. Our Fire station is in need of required updates. We have an amazing group of men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our city and surrounding townships safe. We need to make sure that they have the facilities they need to best serve the community as well as get them home safely to their families. I will encourage community involvement to reach the best solution, whether it’s building new, improving existing or something in between. We need to pursue solid opportunities for our growing families for housing, employment, and activities for our youth. There are several community groups with outstanding ideas that need to be heard and encouraged. Community is key.
Why do you believe City of Tomahawk voters should vote for you? My Mom and Dad raised me to know right from wrong, to tell the truth, and to have strong moral values and convictions. To do the right thing, even when no one is watching and to pray. Sometimes that doesn’t make you popular but no one likes getting lied to. I never expect anyone to do anything I am not willing to do myself, so I’ve rolled up my sleeves on many occasions to do just that. I know how to get things done, that need getting done. Strong leadership is what our community needs going forward in the times ahead.