Key Local Races Bringing Out Sussex Voters

Sussex voter turnout was brisk Tuesday, with 1,485 of the village’s 6,400 registered voters  showing up at the polls by 2 p.m.

Village Clerk Sue Freiheit said about 50 percent of eligible voters are expected to  vote, compared to the estimated 35 percent turnout projection made by the Waukesha County Clerk’s office. Freiheit said village administrators decided to aim for 50 percent turnout due to the contested and .

“It seems higher than a lot of other non-general elections,” she said. “It has been pretty steady so far and we expect it to pick up after 4 and then get pretty busy.”

Village Trustee Greg Goetz is facing Hamilton School Board President Gabe Kolesari in the village president’s race. The winner will replace Tony Lapcinski and serve a two-year term.

In the Village Board race, incumbent trustees Timothy Dietrich and Jason Wegner are facing former trustees Jim Batzko and Michael Knapp. The three candidates who collect the most votes will win a two-year term on the board, and replace Trustee Steve Berger, who isn’t seeking re-election.

The seats are the only locally contested races. Voters are also choosing a new Waukesha County Circuit Court judge in the race between Judge Kathleen Stilling and Assistant District Attorney Lloyd Cater. There also is a state Supreme Court race between Justice David Prosser and Assistant Attorney General JoAnne Kloppenburg.

All Sussex voting is taking place at the , W239N5678 Maple Ave.

Sussex resident Teresa Herod, who voted Tuesday, said none of the local issues are of immediate concern to her, but she still wanted to cast a say in the new leadership of Sussex.

“I just think it’s really important to make sure your voice is heard,” she said. “You have to make it heard and not just sit back.”

Resident Larry Wallis said he came out to vote because he also is a newer resident to the village and wants to make sure the community is headed in the right direction. Wallis said he voted for Goetz for village president because he has the best knowledge of how to meet new development.

“He’s on the board so he knows what’s going on,” he said.

The polls will remain open until 8 p.m. Freiheit said results should be announced shortly after 9 p.m.