Lynn Eberl, treasurer of the Christmas Mountain Sanitary District, was appointed as the newest member of the town board after former Supervisor Tom Baker submitted a letter of resignation due to health reasons that was read at the October meeting.

Chairman Paul Bremer said Eberl would hold the position until Baker’s term expires with the April elections.

Eberl said he didn’t know yet whether he would run in the election.

Eberl said he has been a Dellona resident for nearly a decade, and he lives at Christmas Mountain. In addition to serving on the sewer commission, he is on the board for the property owners association. He has a background in business loans. He said he intends to retire in Dellona.

"I guess my concerns for the township are, as I said in the letter, maintaining a rural character that we have — I’m not pro development — controlling the costs and maintaining the standard quality of living," he said.

The board requested letters of interest of people willing to fill the vacant position. Bremer said three people responded.

The other two candidates attended and introduced themselves to the board before board members voted.

Ben Olson III, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin, said he had lived nine years in Dellona and paid $7,500 in property taxes last year.

"I am a concerned citizen. I want to make sure the town board does the very best they can to watch our dollars spent. I’m concerned about the efficiency of it," he said.

"I firmly believe in people’s property rights and private rights, and I’m concerned that the town board considers those and does not act as a roadblock to people being able to do what they want with their property legally," he said.

Ken Kozlowski, another candidate, said he has always lived in Dellona except for time spent in college and in the military. He said he has knowledge of road construction, agriculture and animal sciences. He is a veterinarian. He said with his experience he could contribute much to environmental issues.

"I have no agendas. I know this is a temporary position. I just want to help out the people and be a listening member of the board and see if we can do some problem solving as we go along," he said.

Supervisor Gary Cooper made the motion that Eberl be appointed. Cooper named Eberl’s work bringing independence to the Christmas Mountain Sanitary District as a reason.

Cooper, Bremer, Supervisor Bob Giebel, Jr., and Clerk Amy McCauley voted for Eberl. Supervisor Aaron Kirby voted against him.

After the meeting, Kirby said Kozlowski was his first choice because he holds similar views on "growth and the economic impact. "Our township is abundant with just natural beauty, and I would prefer to take baby steps with respect to growth," Kirby said.

McCauley swore Eberl in after the meeting.