OSHKOSH – Challenger Jon Doemel ousted 16-year incumbent Mark Harris in the Winnebago County executive race on Tuesday.
Doemel took 13,062 votes, compared to 11,171 for Harris, according to unofficial results. Results will remain unofficial until elections officials verify them.
A local business owner, Doemel is a newcomer to public office. His past experience includes serving on boards for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and the Day By Day Warming Shelter in Oshkosh. I think it s time that we have some real accountability at the county level, Doemel said. There are a lot of things that we need to change so we can actually help some of our people who are struggling.
OSHKOSH – Voters will decide Tuesday whether incumbent Mayor Lori Palmeri will get a second term or challenger Kris Larson will unseat her.
Palmeri, whom voters first elected to the office in 2019, aims to continue COVID-19 recovery efforts, while Larson wants to make sure the council runs more smoothly in its response to the pandemic and other issues.
For information on voting in the upcoming election, visit myvote.wi/wi/gov/en-us.
The Oshkosh Northwestern interviewed both candidates about what issues they feel are most important and how they would approach them if elected.
One of the first issues the council will need to undertake is reviewing whether to extend the citywide mask ordinance beyond April 30. The ordinance went into effect Wednesday after the Supreme Court overturned the statewide mandate.
at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Fox Cities campus
Relevant experience: Former board chairman for the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Day By Day Warming Shelter and Oshkosh Kids Foundation
Where do they stand on the issues?
Question: Why are you running for office?
Mark Harris: There are several projects that need to be completed, and I want to help the county recover from this pandemic. I have had great success in reducing the county’s debt and holding property taxes flat while maintaining county services. I would like to continue this process for one more term.