MILTON The Milton Common Council is expected to interview a pool of six candidates Tuesday to recommend to fill Sharla Walkers former seat. Walker resigned in August. Walker resigned when she relocated out of the city.
The vacancy is filled after the candidates are interviewed at the Tuesday meeting. A public hearing where residents will have the opportunity to share input on their preference for filling the vacancy will follow Oct. 20, with candidates potentially asked to clarify any issues raised.
The council votes on a top candidate following the second meeting, and makes a recommendation to the Mayor. If Mayor Eric Stockman decides to appoint that individual, a procedural vote to confirm the appointment follows.
Both meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m.
The candidates include:
- Former Rock County Board candidate Bart Droessler
- Milton Historic Preservation Commission Chair Max Olson
- Friends of the Milton Public Library Board Director Larry Laehn
- Ben Humbert
- John Pethtel
- Micah Wright
Droessler came up short in the race for the City of Miltons seat on the Rock County Board against Milton Alderperson Ken Smith in April. Droessler garnered 47% of the vote.
Olson has also served on the parks and recreation committee and in the Rock County Youth in Governance program.
Laehn has also served on the policy, parks and recreation, public works and census committees. Laehn has also served on the plan commission and the joint city and town fire commission.
Pethtel is a medical staff services coordinator at SSM Health St. Marys HospitalJanesville. He has previous government experience, serving on the city council in Salem, West Virginia.
The last time there was a vacancy, Trent Kuczynski to fill the vacancy on the council that was left in 2025 when Eric Stockman was elected to the mayors seat.
When that appointment occurred, there were five candidates jumping in line to take the seat.