Greenleaf village president candidates talk infrastructure, engagement

Greenleaf's first and only Village Board president faces a challenger in her bid for another two-year term.

Incumbent Bonnie Crossman will face Katie Wildfong in the April 7 election to represent the village of more than 900 residents which was incorporated in 2023.

The village president is elected by all residents of Greenleaf, which is located east of Wrightstown in southern Brown County.

More information on who's on your ballot, polling places and how to register to vote can be found at myvote.wi.gov .

The Press-Gazette asked Crossman and Wildfong to provide some basic background information about themselves and answer three questions ahead of the April election. Here are their responses.

Bonnie Crossman

• Age:62

• Job:Wrightstown Community School District custodian

• Relevant experience:First president of the Village of Greenleaf

• Campaign website or social media webpage:None

Katie Wildfong

• Age: 38

• Job: Registered nurse. I work at OSI surgery Center as a prep/PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) nurse. I also work at ThedaCare orthopedic, spine, and pain a couple days a month as a prep/PACU nurse. 

• Relevant experience: When I worked at the hospital I sat on multiple committees and wrote/reviewed many policies and procedures for our department. 

• Campaign website or social media webpage: None

Why are you running for village president?

Crossman: I'm running for reelection as village president because I'm passionate about this village. Greenleaf is a great place to raise a family, retire or be a successful entrepreneur. I want to continue to contribute to the plans and decisions to keep our community moving forward. Along with my husband of 36 years, Tom and I raised our children in Greenleaf. Eventually settling into our home next to the very home my eight siblings and I grew up in. We grew up on a small farm originally owned by our great-grandparents. My love for this community runs very deep.

Wildfong: I love this community. We built our house here 12 years ago because my husband and I grew up in small communities and we wanted to start and raise our family here. I want to ensure that the citizens of Greenleaf are heard with their current concerns recently raised with the data center issue. I want to make sure this community stays like this for my children and future generations. 

What makes you the best candidate?

Crossman: I'm the best candidate for village president because I'm committed to honesty, transparency, and always acting in the best interest of our residents. I listen carefully to concerns, keep an open mind, and work collaboratively to make thoughtful decisions for our community. I'm also committed to fiscal responsibility and protecting the village's future. One example was working with residents and our attorney to oppose a presentation which could've led to a data center that didn't align with our community's future. I look forward to continuing to build a strong, welcoming community where residents feel heard, respected and proud to live in.

Wildfong: I am very easy to talk to and approachable. I will listen to the citizens and make sure their concerns are heard and address the situations at hand. I am willing to put in the work to maintain what our community is now. My husband and I choose Greenleaf for the small community feel and the country feel. I would love to see it maintained.

What two issues need to be addressed and how would you address them?

Crossman: Even though our village operates smoothly, our challenges ahead center on affordability, infrastructure, and long-term community resilience. Residents feel the impact of rising costs, it is essential that our village remains a place where families, seniors, and local entrepreneurs can thrive. At the same time, we must continue investing in our infrastructure – our roads, water systems, and public facilities – to meet today's needs and support growth. We also face environmental pressures, including limits set by WDNR, which call for thoughtful planning and sustainable solutions. My focus is leadership that protects the character of our village while preparing for ourfuture.

Wildfong:

• 1. See if a moratorium on industrial development in the village is legal and explore it.  

• 2. Give more tools to residents so they can be more involved. Many working citizens get home from work or have children's activities during the monthly village meeting. Maybe a forum where people can ask questions. Zoom or Facebook livestreaming for people to virtually watch meetings would be a great option. The clerk does a great job of posting the agenda in multiple places. We could build on that. 

Contact business reporter Jeff Bollier at (920) 431-8387 or  jbollier@usatodayco.com . Follow him on X at  @JeffBollier .

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Who's running for Greenleaf village president? Meet the two candidates