Marathon County Republican Party voters will choose between incumbent Connie Beyersdorff and challenger Jen Seliger in the Aug. 13 primary to be the party's candidate for the office of Marathon County treasurer in the fall general election.
Beyersdorff was elected to her first term in 2020 after beating former treasurer Audrey Jensen, who had served in the role for six years, in the Republican Party primary election and running unopposed in the general election.
The Marathon County treasurer is elected to a four-year term.
To learn more about registering to vote and to find your polling place, visit the My Vote Wisconsin website.
The Wausau Daily Herald asked each of the candidates why they are running and what makes them the better candidate for the position.
Connie Beyersdorff
Age: 46
Residence: Town of Texas
Occupation and education: Marathon County treasurer, accounting degree and bachelor's degree in human resources management, certified county and municipal treasurer – UW-Green Bay Master Academy, certified in advanced supervisory management – UW-Stevens Point, graduate of transformational leadership in 2020
Relevant experience: Four years as elected county treasurer, experience in tax collections, assessments, budget preparation, office and finance management; seven years as elected municipal clerk/treasurer; 24 years in accounting and HR management; vice president 2023 and president-elect 2024 for Wisconsin County Treasurers Association
Campaign website:Connie Beyersdorff on Facebook
Jen Seliger
Age: 50
Residence: Town of Hamburg
Occupation and education: Administrative assistant to the principal in the Wausau School District; legal secretary associate degree
Relevant experience: My experience as chair of the town of Hamburg from 2007-2015 and as a member of the Merrill School Board from 2008-2018 has given me a deep understanding of the importance of sound financial management. In these roles, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to balance budgets, manage personnel and prioritize financial resources. Asadministrative assistant, I have gained valuable experience working with building budgets, receiving and depositing funds, and writing checks for orders. This hands-on experience has given me a unique understanding of the financial operations of an organization and has prepared me well for the responsibilities of treasurer.
Campaign website:Jen for Marathon County Treasurer on Facebook
Why are you running for office?
Beyersdorff: I am running for reelection as county treasurer to continue my commitment in doing what is right for the residents of Marathon County. My primary goal is to help residents stay in their own homes by finding effective ways to reconcile their tax debts to the county. I believe in providing compassionate and practical solutions to financial challenges, ensuring that our community remains strong and stable. In addition, I seek out and encourage educational opportunities for my staff so they can better serve in their positions and advance in their skills.
Seliger: I am running for office to bring back accountability, presence and trust to the office. I will work closely with the County Board, administrators and municipal officials to ensure transparency and effective communication. The current treasurer's frequent absences have led to poor constituent service, including unanswered phone calls and lack of call backs as well as incorrect tax notices to 1,000 property owners who were actually not delinquent. I will prioritize improving communication channels and ensuring constituents receive timely help. I am committed to restoring trust and serving our community with integrity.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Beyersdorff: I believe I am the better candidate for county treasurer due to my extensive background and experience in finance and management, combined with my commitment to public service which I have proven in the last four years. With a strong academic foundation in accounting and human resource management and professional certifications, I bring both theoretical and practical knowledge to the role. My 24 years in accounting and HR have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of financial operations and leadership. I am dedicated to maintaining transparency, ethical standards and fiscal responsibility, ensuring the financial health and stability of our county.
Seliger: I am committed to ensuring the efficient and responsible management of our county's finances.Iwillwork tirelessly to ensure that our office is a trusted resource for taxpayers, providing accurate information and helpful assistance in a timely and courteous manner.I will also prioritize establishing a good working relationship with the County Board and the Human Resources, Finance, and Property Committee, which is responsible for the oversight of the treasurer's office, and they will get requested and necessary information when requested.
Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him atepfantz@gannett.com.
