This year's spring election has drawn numerous candidates to the forefront.
Three incumbent city councilors are facing challenges to hold onto their seats; four candidates have stepped forward to serve the district Councilor Nick Milroy plans to vacate in April as he heads to Madison to serve as the 73rd Assembly District's representative.
Only one of the five council seats on the ballot April 7 isn't facing a challenge; Councilor Chuck Hendry is running unopposed in the 6th District.
Both the council president, Tom Bridge, and vice president, Jackie Stenberg, are facing challenges in the 2nd and 4th Districts, respectively. Bridge is facing a challenge from Marty Curtiss of 5301 E. First St., and Gregory Mertzig of 1405 E. 10th St., is vying for the seat held by Stenberg.
Councilor Esther Dalbec is also facing a challenge in the 10th District from newcomer Justin Bisted of 409 Clough Ave.
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In the 8th District, which Milroy plans to vacate in April, four candidates have stepped forward to create the only local primary on the ballot this spring.
Dan O'Neill and Ed Gallagher, both of Garfield Avenue, Mike Herrick 2706 N. 22nd St., and Brent Fennessey of 2014 Maryland Ave., have all stepped forward to serve the district that includes the Banks, Oakes and Butler neighborhood east of the northbound tracks through the city and the eastern side of Billings Park. The primary runoff is slated for Feb. 17.
However, voters countywide will want to head to the polls for the primary as six candidates vie for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster is stepping down, and Tony Evers of Madison, Rose Fernandez of Mukwonago, Scott Grover Heinig of Plymouth, Lowell Holtz of Beloit, Van Mobley of Thiensville and Todd Price of Kenosha are vying to take her place.
The Superior school board race is also seeing a rare phenomenon in recent years -- more candidates than seats to fill. Incumbents Len Albrecht and Bonnie Baker are facing newcomers Joshua Christie and Curt Vanderstelt to fill three open seats on the board. Longtime board member Richard Van Rossem is stepping down after the April 7 election.
In other state races Douglas County voters decide, Assistant District Attorney Kelly Thimm and District Attorney Dan Blank are vying for the judgeship in Douglas County Circuit Court Branch I. Longtime Branch I judge, Michael Lucci, is planning to retire when his term expires next summer.
Judge George Glonek of Douglas County Circuit Court Branch II is running unopposed.
