Voter Guide: Wrenshall Mayor

DonnaMae Weiderman (incumbent)

Background

Over 12 years ago, my family and I were drawn to Wrenshall because of its overwhelming sense of community. Since our move to Wrenshall I have served on the Planning Commission as a member of the Wrenshall City Council and currently serve as Mayor.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

I decided to run for a second term as mayor to continue the positive developments that the city has made during my first term.

What do you think are the top two issues facing the city and how would you go about tackling them?

I believe the top two issues facing our city are infrastructure and community growth.

Wrenshall is a wonderful city but we have areas that need attention. Our infrastructure is lacking what it should for a city of our size and age. Roads are wearing out before other roads are finished. Parks with outdated improvements. Water and sewer lines are in need of repair. To help with the lack of infrastructure and routine maintenance, the city developed a Capital Improvement Plan. Once the plan was in place we had to take a hard look at the city finances to see how the city would be able to financially support the needed infrastructure improvements. We tackled this daunting task as well, and came up with the most financially feasible plan.

Community growth is also important to any great city. With the help of the newly formed Parks Committee, have introduced many community building activities: Summer Nights in the Park, Deck the WrensHalls lighting contest, Community Night Out, Wrenshall Wellness Challenge, and new this fall “Scarecrow Scenes in the Park.” All of these activities are provided at little or no cost to the city residents.

Elaborate on something you think the current mayor and council have handled well over the past two years.

I believe that over the past two years the council and I (current mayor) have handled the delicate process of planning improvements to our city and balancing cost in the best way possible.

Why should people vote for you?

I want to see Wrenshall as the city that actually gets things done and not just talks about it. I know the sting monthly bills can have, but I see the support this community has for one another. That support encourages me to keep the promises I make.

*****

Gary Butala

Background

I have been a former council member for the city of Wrenshall dating back to 2007. I was also mayor in 2017-2018. I feel I have the experience to be mayor who represents the residents of the city and who will listen to them.

What made you decide to run for mayor this year?

I felt I needed to run again for mayor as residents of the city asked me to run again for mayor.

What do you think are the top two issues facing the city and how would you go about tackling them?

I feel the top two issues facing the city are city infrastructure and the need for growth within the city.

Infrastructure is a hard one as they are many areas that need to be addressed. The main issue at hand is the need to improve the sewer infrastructure which is needed to reduce the I&I problems associated with it to help keep the rates down. The area of growth in the city is essential to be able to help the residents feel comfortable living within the city of Wrenshall and providing a very good environment to raise a family. But at the same point keeping it affordable to be able to do that. We also need to keep things or improve things for the diversity of the people young and old to want them to live in our city.

Elaborate on something you think the current mayor and council have handled well over the past two years.

The current council and such have done a good job on securing different avenues on ways to grow which includes the city park. That was one of my goals and still is to make it a place where the young kids can play and enjoy themselves, along with the parents wanting to come there more often to enjoy themselves.

Why should people vote for you?

I am a person who will listen to both sides and not make a rash judgement. I am a voice for all and will listen. I always have been available and try to work things out reasonably within means. Nobody will be turned away and given a cold shoulder.