Candidates on April 1st Ballots
President:
Jeff Millies - (appointed as current President until 4/15/25) No response to questions.
Kenneth Andrews - new candidate
I married my wife Barbara in 1973. We have 3 daughters Christana, Stephanie and Rebecca. We also have 9 grandchildren. I was the Owner/Operator of ANDREWS Funeral Homes in East Troy and Palmyra from 1979-1998 and the East Troy Village President from 1985-87. I have lived in Vernon since 2021.
If appointed trustee, what do you see as the biggest problem or challenge that the village faces?
After the spring election, the biggest financial issue will be how to budget for the Center Street bridge issue
shortfall and why that happened. Long term, we need to focus on how we are going to pay the heightened school referendum monies allocated, the firefighters payroll shortfall and the loss of qualified personnel.
Why did you decide to run for village trustee?
I am running because of the DPW/Fire Station construction proposal fiasco. It does not appear that proper
research was put in or thought out. We can fix this, but we need a plan: State grant monies and/or the Covid $$
surplus...ideas are aplenty. We just need to make them practical where possible.
How do you feel about citizen based committees?
Citizen based committees are the best depending upon the input that hopefully will be knowledgeable but not
vengeful just to make noise.
Trustee #2
Gary Finch - current trustee
Trustee #4
Mary Kolberg
Tell us a little about you.
My name is Mary Kolberg and I am running for the Village of Vernon Trustee #4 position. I was born and raised in Vernon and have lived in this community for 30 years. I’ve witnessed Vernon’s growth and evolution firsthand and am happy to call this town my home with my family and all of you!
I am employed as a full-time communications manager, sit on the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Committee for Waukesha County, as well as support the Alzheimer’s Association year-round, and take a special interest in the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County.
In my free time you can often find me being a toddler mom and enjoying our time outside.
If appointed trustee, what do you see as the biggest problem or challenge that the village faces?
One of the biggest challenges our village faces is continuing to maintain our low taxes, especially with the rising cost of living.
If you could change one thing in the Village, what would it be and why?
I would want to improve our sense of community so that residents see there is not a lack of trust or transparency between the village and its’ residents. I think many of the issues we have stem from misinformation and I’d like to see that change.
Why did you decide to run for village trustee?
As a lifelong resident of Vernon, I have a unique understanding of the village, its residents, and its values. I am running for this position to assist in making informed decisions on issues that affect our community all while keeping Vernon as special as it always has been.
How do you feel about citizen based committees?
I feel that a citizen-based committee can play a valuable role in local decision-making by providing a forum for residents to share their ideas and concerns. These committees can be an effective way to engage residents in local decision-making. If a citizen-based committee is formed, I would like to see them gathering information about an issue, developing a recommendation, and presenting their recommendation to the board.
Jim Hirth
Tell us a little about you.
Hello, my name is Jim Hirth. I am running for trustee #4. My family and I moved to the beautiful village of Vernon early last year. We love it here!! My wife Megan and I have two beautiful children. Our baby girl is 3 and our son was born in December 2024. I am a Carpenter by trade, starting right out of high school in 2014. I'm running for trustee #4 so that I can learn more about our Village. Our community needs to be aware of what is happening in a way that makes sense. It will be my goal to keep the public informed with facts. I hope you'll consider voting for me in April If you have any questions, please feel free to direct message me!
What do you see as the biggest problem or challenge that the village faces?
I believe one of the biggest issues in the Village of Vernon is the uncontrollable spending. The audit for 2023 has just been completed. And we're already into 2025. I believe that our village needs to get their finances in order before taking on any new debt or burden the citizens by raising taxes. We need to proceed one step at a time. There is a huge lack of communication between the village and its residents. In my opinion, this is a huge problem.
If you could change one thing in the Village, what would it be and why?
I would start getting new individuals involved in the local government.
Why did you decide to run for village trustee?
I am running because I am FOR low taxes. I am FOR transparency and honesty, while keeping the public informed. I am FOR hearing what the community wants and needs and will value their opinions. I am FOR being fiscally smart, while not putting a burden on the residents by raising taxes, each and every year.
How do you feel about citizen based committees? I 100% support citizens on committees. I believe the resident should be just as much involved as the elected officials.