Â
Mount Pleasant Trustee Jerry Garski is running for a third term because he feels like there’s more work to do when it comes to finding creative ways to save money for village taxpayers.
“Since I’ve been on the board, I feel like we’ve been able to find ways to save money without cutting services,” he told Racine County Eye.
Garski noted examples of the savings he’s been part of since he was elected in 2010:
- Presented the idea of buying on contract some of the fuel the village uses. Garski said by doing that, budgets are protected from the volatile oil market, and he estimates annual savings could be $12,000 to $15,000.
- Remounting ambulances. Garski first presented the idea three years ago as board members were getting ready to approve the purchase of a new rig to replace a 1999 model, which was then the oldest model on the road. Since then, trustees did approve a new ambulance, but two 2005 units will be remounted this year.
- Buying quality used equipment to help lower replacement costs for the highway department. Garski said some trucks – like snow plows – need to be new, but others, like a wheel-loader can be replaced at substantially less cost with a quality used truck.
“I’m not done,” Garski added. “I think there’s a lot more to do.”
Five candidates are vying for three seats on the Mount Pleasant Village Board. Incumbents Garski, Gary Feest and Don Schulz along with newcomer Anna Marie Clausen and Fire/EMS Chair Rick McCluskey are also running.