New high water rates have helped lead to a write-in candidate for Stanley Ward 2.
The ward seat, officially vacant on the April ballot, is being sought by Morgan Marek as a write-in.
Marek, a 35-year-old resident of Third Avenue in Stanley, graduated with honors from Chetek in 2009. She came to Stanley in 2014, following marriage to her husband Matthew, a Thorp native. Now a stay-at-home mom and teacher to eight children, Marek announced her candidacy last week via social media.
“!!Stanley residents!!
“If you haven’t seen or heard, the PSC decided to approve the water rate increase. The first increase takes place on our next bill.
“The Step I increase on a single family residential bill, including the PFP, will be 58.11%. The Step II increase on a single family residential bill, including the PFP, will be 115.16%. As an example, our water bill quarterly is roughly $330. After step one is implemented, it’ll increase to $521.76. After step two is implemented, it’ll increase to $710.03. That’s absurd.
“It is SO important to make your voice heard on these matters. Only 40 people in the city filed a complaint in opposition. We can do better.
“I will take on the challenge of filing a petition for judicial review with the circuit court but I need your support. If this is something you’re interested in, please let me know below or private message me.
“We cannot let any more irresponsible decisions by the council or the administration happen any longer. If you are in WARD 2, please write me in on the ballot in April for city council so I can be a voice for all of you.”
Marek shared more via email following the announcement.
“I met my husband, Matthew, who’s from Thorp, in 2010 and we got married in 2013,” she said. “We moved here to Stanley in 2014, shortly after the birth of our first child. I am a stay-at-home mom to our 8 children, ages 11 to 10 months, and I homeschool them. We enjoy going to church, being outside together and playing games.
“I graduated from Chetek High School with honors in 2009. I have a background in healthcare. I have an Associate of Science in Health Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. I spent many years as a CNA which drove my interest in healthcare but realized I needed more. I found the “backside” of healthcare was much more fitting for me, given my interests and passions. Medical coding is my favorite.
“In high school I was chosen to attend Badger Girl State and that’s where my love for politics and government started.
“I have been around long enough to know that what’s working now isn’t working for our city anymore, “she said. “I’m ready for change, as are most residents from what I have gathered. I am comfortable standing up and using my voice for people who feel they can’t or won’t. And that’s what I’m running on - being a voice for all of you. I want to make sure everyone is heard and relay information that isn’t relayed otherwise. I want people to know they can come to me with concerns and feel heard but also want people to know what’s happening here, because a lot of what’s happening has been kept quiet.”
Now with a new Ward 2 write-in candidate, the spring election arrives Tuesday, April 7.
