In the November 5 Vicksburg village council election, President Tim Frisbie is unopposed for a two-year term. But three incumbents and two challengers are seeking three four-year terms on the Village Council.
The incumbents are Dennis Olson, Gail Reisterer and Ryan Wagner. Challengers are Jessica Cox and Joe Rounds.
Jessica Cox
My name is Jessica Cox, and I am honored to be a candidate for trustee of the Village of Vicksburg. I currently serve as chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee in Vicksburg, where I have the privilege of serving with my fellow committee members in advocating for the preservation, maintenance, and future vision for the village parks. Our committee also organizes community activities in the parks where, most recently, we held four “Movie in the Park” events over the summer. I have served on the committee for the last two and a half years. I am invested in our community as I live in the village with my husband and son who attends Vicksburg High school as a junior. Also, in the last two years, I moved my insurance office location to the village for the dual purpose of being closer to home and supporting fellow local businesses. If elected, my primary goals are to actively listen to village concerns and work toward continually building an economically thriving, family-friendly community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of contributing my leadership skills and passion to the future development of our shared hometown. I appreciate your consideration.
Denny Olson
I’m Denny Olson, a 1972 graduate of Vicksburg High School, a village resident for 15 years. I’m married to Karen, father to four adult children, grandfather to six. I’m the owner of four businesses including the Vicksburg Vintage Market. For 5 1/2-years, I’ve been the Michigan leader of nine “Guardian Angel” Safety Patrol Chapters with some 250 members. I started eight Neighborhood Watch Programs here in Michigan. I feel it’s time for the Village of Vicksburg to sell the Angels Crossing Golf Course and take the money from its sale to lower our village residents’ water and sewer bills. During my 3 1/2 years on the Village Council, I have missed only one meeting, and that night I was with the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority discussing the purchase of a new fire truck for some $350,000. The one recently purchased is just under $1 million. In the next few months, we will need to be looking to build a new fire station, hopefully within the Village limits, and how to pay for it and all future equipment. What I promise is a village that’s number one concern is the safety and welfare of our citizens, one that responds to its citizens and their concerns and one that is open and honest with all of its dealings.
Gail Reisterer
I have been a longtime resident of the Village of Vicksburg and am a retired speech pathologist for the Vicksburg Schools. My first experience with the Vicksburg Council was in the fall of 2015. There was a vacancy created when a council member resigned and I was encouraged to apply for the position. I was fortunate to be chosen to fulfill that term. I have since been elected to serve for two consecutive terms. Vicksburg has been my home, my life, and my love for most of my adult life and I consider it my home town. Over these many years, I have always been committed to making Vicksburg a quality place to live and work. My professional career has helped me to develop skills in problem solving, consensus building, prioritizing and living within a budget. I am proud of all the progress that has been in our Village and would consider it a privilege to serve you for another four-year term.
Joe Rounds
My name is Joe Rounds, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Village of Vicksburg trustee. As a devoted husband and father, I am passionately committed to nurturing a strong and inclusive community where every family can flourish, ensuring every resident feels seen, heard, and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances. With over 10 years of experience as a social worker for the State of Michigan, I have dedicated my career to safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. This role has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many families and individuals, and I am eager to use this experience to benefit our beloved village. I believe in approaching every endeavor with a positive and welcoming attitude, and I am passionate about helping Vicksburg continue to grow and prosper. As your village trustee, I will work tirelessly to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community where everyone feels at home. I humbly ask for your support and vote in this important election, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and our wonderful village.
Ryan Wagner
It has been my honor and privilege to serve Vicksburg these past four years. What I campaigned on then is still true today. My promise was “to promote growth and advancement while preserving the ‘essence’ of Vicksburg”. I feel it’s been a success so far and our future looks bright. Progress and change are much easier with the input of our people and community engagement. If re-elected, I promise to continue supporting clear and transparent government, financial responsibility, and stewardship. Having sound financial policies is critical to addressing our needs – but also to be mindful of the future. Important needs like water and sewer improvements are being met with millions of dollars in grants, state, and federal funding. Without our staff and governmental partners none of that would be possible. It’s important for our children and those who come after us to have access to safe and reliable public systems. Those decisions when made have a generational impact and that’s not taken lightly. My commitment to our village, residents, and visitors continues to be to make Vicksburg a desirable place to live and visit. I am grateful for your consideration and hope to continue serving Vicksburg.
