The Town of New Glarus Board appointed Alex Esser to its open supervisor seat Wednesday, Oct. 14, giving the board a full roster again after a series of leadership changes that began with the September resignation of former Town Chair Chris Narveson.

Esser was selected from a field of four residents who had submitted letters of interest: Jane Elmer, Alex Esser, Rob Ready and Judith Blank. The board used written ballots, and Esser received four votes before the meeting recessed briefly so he could take the oath of office.

Three of the applicants addressed the board before the vote. Elmer said she has lived in the township for 44 years and described a background that includes farming, nearly 30 years as a registered nurse, work as an emergency department charge nurse and nursing supervisor, and service as a town poll worker. She and her husband previously owned a 240-acre dairy farm that was transferred this year to the next generation of the family.

Four Seek Open Seat on New Glarus Town Board

Four town residents have asked to be considered for the supervisor vacancy created after Matt Streiff became town chair, setting up a choice among candidates with backgrounds in planning, public service, health care and civic involvement.

New Glarus 360Todd Klassy