By Kris Leonhardt

PARK RIDGE – Two Park Ridge village board members will lose their seats following a recall election held Dec. 8.

At the end of September, the process was started to recall village president, Steve Bergin, and trustee, Gert Neuendorf.

Petitioners say that the board has failed to “engage the people or listen to earnest requests for more conversation or a different process throughout.”

A Dec. 8 vote resulted in challenger, Steve Menzel receiving 166 votes, compared to Bergin’s 71.

“I am honored to join the Village of Park Ridge Board of Trustees.  Although 2020 has been a difficult year in so many ways, Park Ridge remains among the best places to live in Central Wisconsin, with a true feeling of a neighborhood village,” Park Ridge President-elect Menzel said in a statement. “Like any community, however, we will need to thoughtfully assess and prioritize important needs such as our streets, access to water, and fire protection services.  I hope to address these challenges with a transparent, service-minded approach to village government, inviting and encouraging residents to be part of the process.”

Gord Renfert also unseated trustee, Neuendorf in a 154-81 vote.