CHENEQUA — There are four candidates running for three seats on the Chenequa Village Board. Incumbents Carol Manegold and Richard Grunke are challenged by JoJo Gehl Neumann and Ted Rolfs.
The Freeman asked all four candidates questions ahead of the April 2 election.
Freeman: Why are you running for this position?
Grunke: To keep Chenequa as natural as possible.
Manegold: I want to continue my role as a village trustee. The position of a trustee applies not only to the community, but also the watersheds, lake waters, land usage, and people’s rights.
Gehl Neumann: I was fortunate to live on Beaver Lake and spend time on North and Pine during my childhood. I now live in the village and have great friends both on and off the lakes. When I am away from this area, I always tell people how blessed I am to be part of this amazing community. Over the years, I have found various ways to give back to this place that has given me so much, but with the changes happening in the village, I now believe I can best serve our community as your trustee.
Rolfs: I have lived with my wife, Julie, in the village since 1998; we raised our four boys here. Julie’s family has lived in this community since 1898. I have worked with municipalities, schools and conservation groups; I have years of experience sitting on many and varied boards. I have worked in the legal system, am a private attorney who takes public defender cases and a small manufacturing business owner. My experience has taught me to listen, negotiate and compromise where necessary to come up with solutions that benefit all. I would like to give back and bring my lifetime of experience to the village government.
Freeman: What is the most pressing issue facing this municipality?
Grunke: Trying to keep our lakes having an Up North look.
Manegold: Development of the land and water. Making sure that all people within the village are represented fairly.
Gehl Neumann: Both old and new residents live in Chenequa because of its natural beauty — the woodlands, wetlands, prairie, agriculture, and pristine lakes. As new development occurs, we must ensure it is done in a way that protects the very things we all came here to enjoy.
Because of my professional and personal life, I have significant experience with both conservation and the development/building process. This experience makes me well suited to work with the village and my fellow residents to find a way to ensure that change does not take away from Chenequa’s natural beauty. This is our most pressing issue.
Rolfs: We have all seen how the world at large, and our communities have changed in the last few years.
Change is a pressing issue here in the village of Chenequa. We have had an influx of new residents, new ideas, and increased pressure for services and development. I would like to ensure that we carefully examine the direction we want to move toward, that we incorporate change while preserving the elements that make this place unique. As citizens, we owe it to our future generations to be thoughtful about preserving the quality of life, environment, clean water, and a healthy, thriving community.
Freeman: What are your thoughts on housing challenges faced by people who want to live here?
Grunke: Anyone who meets the village zoning requirements can move here if property is available.
It’s been that way for 90 years. We do not allow multifamily development.
Manegold: Cost and preservation of the rural aspect(s) of the village and the three lakes within the village’s boundaries.
Gehl Neumann: Given that we are one of the two smallest municipalities in Waukesha County, this issue has not come up. With that said, one of my top priorities is to be an active listener within the community so that as issues arise, they can be addressed with input from the residents.
Rolfs: I would love to see the villages and towns of Waukesha County come together to build a master plan that would allow for a sensible long-term plan that would include housing and community development to include people of all income levels to enjoy options.
Freeman: What do you think about developments coming to the area?
Grunke: As long as there is proper care for the environment and our local water tables, development is fine.
Manegold: Our village has very strict development rules. There is no commercial establishment within the village except for that which was created before zoning. We currently have one commercial entity and that will be all there is. Zoning regulations around the village require large swaths of land. The requirements and codes for building or remodeling a structure are very detailed and enforced. Development of the lakes, piers and water is a combination of the state DNR and the village rules. It is imperative for the village to protect what has taken 100+ years to create.
Gehl Neumann: The village will always have new development and the remodeling of existing structures, and I am certainly not opposed to that. However, I believe the Village Board, in consultation with our residents, has the ability to examine and adjust the municipal code to ensure that our community continues to change in a way that is desirable for the majority, if not all of us, who live here.
Rolfs: It is important to protect the character and biodiversity of our area. Change needs to be carefully analyzed. Too many restrictions can lead to unfair policies, while not enough thought for the future has been proven to burden all systems.
My experience negotiating and seeing problems as opportunities provides me with the tools to carefully look at all issues; to ultimately come up with a fair and right path forward. I will bring a fresh and experienced perspective to the Village Board and devote my energy to make sure decisions are made that benefit all residents; past, present and future.
Read more of our 2024 spring election previews here.
