Common Council Selects Edward Holpfer For 1st District Seat

FRANKLIN, WI — With a tie-breaking vote from Mayor Steve Olson, the Franklin Common Council voted Wednesday to appoint Edward Holpfer as the 1st District Alderman.

Five others spoke to the council seeking the appointment. The Council then took a vote. After a tie vote, Edward Holpfer emerged as the winner. The seat became vacant when former Alderman Mike Dandrea resigned in July.

Scott E. Szalanski, Clarke W. Johnson, James R. Ziegenhagen and Katie Walczak were the other applicants. Each read off their letter of interest and presented at the meeting Wednesday night.

After each applicant gave a presentation, a round of questioning was held. Each applicant sat in front of the board and answered various questions from sitting alderpeople.

Holpfer's win does not spell doom for the long-term ambitions of other candidates, though, as his seat will only last until early next year. The 1st District seat will be back open for a public election on April 5. Should they decide, the people that applied for the position may run a public campaign.

"I feel a little more comfortable with an eight-month commitment and I can find out if it's a good fit for me and I'm a good fit for it before I would attempt to make a three-year commitment," Katie Walczak said in the meeting.

View the entire meeting live stream here.

SEE ALSO:

1st District Alderman Mark Dandrea Resigns

Common Council Will Hear Those Interested In 1st District Seat

The 5 Candidates For Franklin's Vacant Alderperson Seat