For the Tomahawk Leader
TOMAHAWK – Two contested races for the City of Tomahawk Common Council will appear on April 5 ballots.
District 2 alderperson and council president Jeff Kahle will face challenger Christie Fletcher.
In District 3, alderperson Tadd Wegener is set to run against Brandon Kato.
Learn more about the candidates below.
Jeff Kahle
Education/employment/public service background: 1972 Graduate of the Tomahawk School System. 33+ years as a Wisconsin Public Service Line Electrician all in the Tomahawk area. Retired eight years ago. Was first elected to the Tomahawk City Council in 1992. From 2006-2008 was a member of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors. In 2010 I was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for contributions to the community. Past pres. of Tomahawk Youth Baseball, past pres. of Wau wui Ltd., current pres. of Friends of Pride Park. Designed and consulted on the construction of the youth baseball fields at Sara Park including the actual installation of the lighting at Sara Park and Pride Park.
Personal life/family: Married to Judi (Reinhold) Kahle in 1977. Children are Joshua and Jason. Six kids that call me Grampa. When I’m not taking grandkids fishing I enjoy working on community projects, hunting, landowner projects and cutting up trees at the golf course.
Why did you decide to run for reelection to the City of Tomahawk Common Council? I decided to run for re-election because of all the projects that are upcoming in the City. As chairman of the Park and Recreation Committee it is a very exciting time for our parks as a new all-inclusive playground plan has been proposed with a community splash pad next to it scheduled for Washington Park. Like most large community projects in Tomahawk it will be funded through possible grants and private funding, something we are very good at. Also a reason for running is to help with the design and location of a new fire station/safety building. Also on the list is to address the housing shortage in the area. We have been having discussions with a developer and land owner on filling those needs in the next several years. Lastly I would like to continue to pursue a Municipal Campground possibility to the west of the current dog park along the lake frontage where the old DNR airstrip ended. Currently we are in the early stages of design but are in agreement on the concept.
If you are reelected, what are some of the goals you would have going forward? If re-elected I would like to work on a new organizational structure. Most communities our size have a City Administrator or a Mayor that watches for grant opportunities. Watching the grant monies that have been given out in other communities this year I’ve got to believe we’ve left a lot of money on the table. As we are now the work of a city administrator is being done by our City Clerk and our lead people in the various departments. Not ideal.
If you could tell voters one reason why you believe they should cast their vote for you, what would that reason be? I’ve always conducted my municipal-self with honesty, integrity, transparency and hard work. I’ve worked with 5 really different mayors and have had a good working relation with all.
Christie Fletcher
Education/employment/public service background: I graduated from Tomahawk High School and have a diverse background to include entry level positions such as waitressing and bartending, factory employment and I currently work for the State of Wisconsin at the Lincoln Hills Facility as a financial specialist. This wide range of employment background enables me to understand the variety of viewpoints held by members of our community.
Personal life/family: I was born and raised in Tomahawk, Wis. I love Tomahawk. I am proud to be from Tomahawk. My family roots run deep here, and I value the closeness, uniqueness and the small-town values we hold.
Why did you decide to run for the City of Tomahawk Common Council? I want to be a part of the solution. So I guess, if you are going to complain about something…you have to agree to step up and help. Which is what lead me to throw my hat in the ring for city council. It is my hope to continue to build Tomahawk while maintaining its small town values and feel.
Tadd Wegener
Education/employment/public service background: Attended Fox Valley Technical College 1988-1990. Battalion Chief (Fire Dept) 1990-current. Current District 3 Alderperson.
Personal life/family: Married with three sons and three step children. Enjoy all outdoor activities ie: hunting, fishing, boating…somewhat of a history buff.
Why did you decide to run for reelection to the City of Tomahawk Common Council? After the last two difficult years I personally feel that much more can be accomplished in our community.
If you are reelected, what are some of the goals you would have going forward? First and foremost my attention is focused on public safety. As an at large member of the ad hoc committee we are tasked with providing our personnel with proper Quarters and equipment. A real need for additional housing both single family homes and apartments in our city is something that is seriously in the works. I would like to see these come to fruition.
If you could tell voters one reason why you believe they should cast their vote for you, what would that reason be? I am engaged in my position that I have held for the last years by having many years of working for knowledge of city government for my entire working career. Thank you and please vote.
Brandon Kato
Education/employment/public service background: My name is Brandon Kato; I grew up and lived here in Tomahawk out on Spirit Haven Road in the town of Bradley since December of 1993. I graduated from Tomahawk High School in 2008, and decided to join the US Army at the age of 19. After the Army I returned to Tomahawk and started working full time. I graduated the Nicolet Law Enforcement Academy in 2020, which gave me a whole new level of respect for our law enforcement officers, and has enhanced my ability to effectively communicate in stressful situations. I’ve worked many kinds of jobs and those experiences have built my work ethic, and through it all, I have learned to work and get along with those who don’t share my views and beliefs.
Personal life/family: I met my amazing wife Jess in 2013 and after nine years we now have a beautiful family of six. I currently serve at The Well church as a sound tech, and currently drive truck for a living.
Why did you decide to run for the City of Tomahawk Common Council? After voting since I was 18, and talking about politics my whole life, I felt like this was the right time to take a stand in the current political climate. We need people with solid morals, sound character, integrity and good ethics in office; people who are committed to looking out for their neighbors. I love my city, and I love this country. That’s why I am running for city council, because it starts here at the grassroots!
If you are elected, what are some of the goals you would have as a board member? As a longtime resident of Tomahawk, I have mostly seen improvements in the city with infrastructure, which is a very good thing. However, I believe there is room for growth. After speaking with my neighbors, people want more opportunities and activities for our youth, more housing availability, additional retail stores, and competitive jobs, which would create more opportunities for our community and help our residents invest more into our own city and create economic growth. I will work with our current city council to help make these positive changes that we need and want for our community.
If you could tell voters one reason why you believe they should cast their vote for you, what would that reason be? I want to see positive changes that will benefit us all in Tomahawk, by putting Tomahawk first. I hold God, family and country close to my heart, and want to serve where I know I can and will make a difference. Thank you, and God bless!