The Argyle Village Board has three seats up for election. Garry Rossing is the only incumbent running for his current seat. The two open seats are being pursued by Colton Ploessl and Penny Monahan. Joe Schutte is the only one running for the Village President position. The Pecatonica Valley Leader asked these candidates questions so the public can learn more about them. Here are their answers.
Gary Rossing
My spouse Lynn and I have been living in Argyle for the past six years, moving here after both of us retired. I previously worked for a variety of environmental engineering firms here in Wisconsin and in the Pacific Northwest, serving in various capacities, including supervisory and managerial positions. I grew up in Argyle and graduated from Argyle Public Schools in 1970.
I have served on the village board for the past year and would like to continue contributing to the management and operation of our community. In this role, I believe one of my most important responsibilities is protecting the public purse and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used prudently, wisely, and responsibly. Every decision made by the board should focus on delivering the greatest possible value to the community while maintaining transparency and accountability. It is essential that our decisions support the reliable delivery of services today while also preparing the village for future needs.
I also believe it is important to make village government more accessible and welcoming to residents. An important step in that direction is moving village meetings to the new, fully ADA-compliant community center. This will make it easier for residents with limited mobility to attend and participate. The new space will also allow us to incorporate modern technology, including options for remote attendance, giving residents additional ways to stay informed and share their perspectives.
Listening to residents and addressing their concerns must remain a priority. By working collaboratively and focusing on practical solutions, we can improve quality of life while making our village an attractive and sustainable place to live.
I have been on the Village’s Plan Commission for the past couple of years and joined the Village Board back in June of last year. I also have been heading up the Friends of the Argyle Public Library board for the past four years.
Over the next several years, the Village will need to address several important infrastructure challenges that are critical to maintaining reliable services and avoid costly state-imposed requirements. Two of the most pressing issues include reducing phosphorus discharge from the wastewater treatment plant and repairing and upgrading the dam. Reducing phosphorus discharge is essential to meeting environmental standards and addressing the dam will ensure its long-term integrity while improving the efficiency of the hydro-driven generator.
While these infrastructure needs are significant, the larger challenge facing the village and surrounding area is the projected decline in population and the increasing age of our residents. Like many rural communities, we are experiencing demographic changes that can impact long-term economic stability and community vitality.
To address this, it is important that we continue working to make Argyle an attractive place to live. A key part of this effort is ensuring a balanced mix of housing options. By supporting housing that allows senior residents to remain in the community while also encouraging development that attracts young families and new residents, we can strengthen our population base, enhance revenue from our villageowned utilities, support local businesses, increase school enrollment and ensure a sustainable future for the village.
Handling controversial and complicated issues requires thoughtful and responsible decisionmaking. The first step is carefully listening to all perspectives and acknowledging the different viewpoints people may have. When individuals feel heard and respected, it helps create trust and encourages open discussion rather than conflict.
Another important step is gathering enough information before making a decision. Complex issues often involve many factors, so it is important to have the sufficient information, which may include consulting experts. This helps ensure that decisions are based on knowledge and understanding rather than assumptions or pressure.
Decision-makers should also focus on what is best for the community in the long term. While some choices may seem politically convenient or popular in the short term, they may not provide lasting benefits. Responsible leadership requires considering how decisions will affect the community’s future.
Finally, it is important to remain open to change. Sometimes we get things wrong, new information may emerge or circumstances may shift over time. Being willing to adjust decisions when necessary shows flexibility and a commitment to making the best possible choices. This approach helps ensure that decisions remain fair, informed, and beneficial for the community.
Colton Ploessl
I am married to my beautiful wife Maddy Ploessl and we are parents to our son Axton Ploessl. I am the proud owner of CP Construction Services LLC here in Argyle.
I am running for village board because I care about the community and the people in it. This is where I live, work, and build my life and I want to make sure our village continues to be a safe, welcoming, and thriving place for everyone.
I have not previously served on a government board, but as a construction business owner, I bring practical, hands-on experience in managing budgets, overseeing projects, and making cost-effective decisions. My work has given me a strong understanding of infrastructure and long-term planning, along with the importance of accountability and getting things done right. I’m ready to bring that common-sense approach to the village board.
One of the biggest challenges the village faces is the need for more housing to attract and retain young families. Without growth in housing, it’s difficult to support our schools, local businesses, and long-term stability of the community. I would approach this by supporting smart, responsible development that fits the character of the village while making it easier to build and invest. With my background in construction, I understand the challenges builders face and would work to find practical solutions that encourage growth while keeping it affordable for residents.
My approach to controversial and complicated issues is to listen first,
gather all the facts, and consider all perspectives before making a decision. I believe it’s important to stay respectful and focus on what’s best for the community as a whole, and not rush decisions without fully understanding the impact. In my work, I deal with challenges that require problem-solving and clear communication, and I bring that same level-headed approach to difficult issues. Even when people disagree, I believe we can find common ground by staying focused on solutions.
Penny Monahan
My husband is Tony, and we have three adult children-Trevor, Shane, and Alysha-as well as two grandchildren. I have been with SSM Health for 28 years, including 24 years as a Senior Epic Systems Analyst in the Information Technology department.
I am seeking a position on the Village Board to represent our community, listen to residents, and support decisions that advance Argyle’s long-term interests. My goal is to help maintain a strong, sustainable, and forward-thinking village while preserving its smalltown character.
I have served as secretary, president, and co-treasurer of the Argyle Woman’s Club, contributing to the operations of a nonprofit organization. I also worked as a Human Resources director for a Madison cooperative, where I provided monthly reports to the board and cooperative members.
The Village Board’s greatest challenge is fostering economic growth while maintaining Argyle’s identity. I support leveraging the village’s strengths and pursuing grant funding to reduce costs and promote responsible development.
I address complex issues by listening to all perspectives, respecting differing viewpoints, and working collaboratively toward effective solutions. I believe followup and clear communication are essential to addressing concerns and maintaining transparency.
Joe Schutte
Most recently, I was appointed to fill the vacant Lafayette County Board of Supervisors seat for District 9 in November 2024, and I’ve served in that role since. I’m now running to continue representing Argyle on the County Board, while also running for Argyle Village President because I believe strong leadership at both levels matters for our community.
I also serve on the board of the Argyle Community Parks Foundation, where I help with fundraising efforts to improve Argyle Legion Community Park, starting with new playground equipment.
In addition, I’ve served as Argyle’s Economic and Community Development Director since October 2024. In that role, I’ve worked to build on what the village was already doing by moving the Open Market to a better location, helping grow events like Christmas in July into Park Palooza, and helping guide the purchase of the First National Bank and Trust property into a village asset that can support expanded community programming and a larger library presence.
One of the biggest challenges facing Argyle is growth. If we want to meet the needs of our residents and keep our community strong, we need more people choosing to live here. Growth supports local businesses, helps school enrollment, and strengthens the village’s ability to provide services.
A big part of that is housing. It’s going to take investment from both the village and private developers to create more options. We need housing for seniors who may want something that better fits their needs, and we also need to make room for young families and for people who grew up here, left, and want to come back. Right now, too often, there’s nowhere for them to go. We need to take growth seriously and make sure Argyle has a place for everyone who wants to be part of it.
We need to keep building on the open conversations we started through Advancing Argyle and continue making village government more open, transparent, and accessible. Our new meeting space is ADA accessible, which is an important improvement and will make it easier for more residents to attend in person.
I also want to see meetings streamed for people who want to stay involved but cannot always make it in person because of childcare, work, mobility, or other responsibilities. We should also make better use of screens or TVs so everyone in the room can clearly see the information in front of the board. Those are simple improvements, but they make a real difference in helping people stay informed and involved.
The most important skill of being a good village president is having conversations with people, being willing to listen; it’s a basic thing.
You can’t make everyone happy, but at least you will have enough insight into what people want to be able to make decisions that impact them.
Argyle has a lot going for it right now, and I want to help carry that momentum forward. We’ve built real energy through business investment,
Advancing Argyle, and a growing sense of community pride. This is a community that knows how to get things done, and I want to keep building on that while bringing more people into the fold, so the same few people aren’t carrying all the weight.
The Blanchardville Village Board has three seats open on their board. Kimmie Marty and Neal Klassy are running again for their seats. Greg Waldoch is running for the remaining open seat. The Pecatonica Valley Leader asked these candidates to introduce themselves and answer questions about their seat on the board. Here are their responses.
Kimmie Marty
I think most people in town know me, however, for those that don’t I’ll tell you a little about myself.
My family settled here in 1893. The terrain reminded them of the fiords in Norway.
I’ve lived in Blanhardville my entire life and raised my three children here. I have been self employed for 41 years. I am seeking my third 2-year term as a Blanchardville village trustee.
In the past 10 years the village has done several improvements. Due to aging, much infrastructure has been replaced. The sewer plant was brought up to code due to DNR mandates and this year our Main Street is being totally revamped via the DOT.
There have been many Mckellar Park projects such as pickleball courts and disc golf thanks to the BCPI. The newly built pond was created by the Friends of Mckellar Park with a bath house being built this spring. I am a proud member of this group.
In closing, I would like to express I try to make good decisions on voting to spend money, simply put I work for the residents of Blanchardville.
Neal Klassy
I am a candidate for the Blanchardville Village board. Linda and I have lived in Blanchardville since 1981. We have three adult sons. I am a retired maintenance mechanic.
Since I retired, I have shown a lot more interest in the village board, especially after the addition of the 21st century edition on the north side of town. Last fall when two board members were resigning because they were moving out of town, I was asked by three different board members if I would join the village board.
The biggest challenge the village board faces is getting lots sold and installing the infrastructure in the 21st century edition to the village. To solve this problem the village needs to continue working with the great team of companies that they are already using, Maddrell Excavating, Town & Country Engineering, and Vierbicher.
I’m a retired member of the Blanchardville Fire Department and EMS. Past council and president of York Memorial Church, Pecatonica Parish, and present council member of New Hope Church.
My approach to handling complicated and controversial issues is to investigate the problem so I can make an informed decision in Blanchardville’s best interest.
Greg Waldoch
My name is Greg Waldoch. I’m a software developer at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
My wife Amanda and I have two children currently at Pecatonica Elementary.
I’d like to get involved with trying to help with issues the village is currently facing.
This would be my first elected position.
I believe finances are probably the largest issue the village is currently facing. In the short term I believe we need to look for cost savings, and in the longer term we need to figure out how to pay for the things the village needs and wants to do.
I’m a big believer that complicated problems can often be broken into smaller, more manageable problems. The same goes for controversial problems, where they can normally be broken down to a level where people can agree on smaller steps or solutions.