Gassert fills vacancy on Village Board

After losing by 22 votes in a Grafton Village Board election in April, John Gassert was appointed to the board Monday.

Gassert was chosen for a vacant seat on a 5-1 vote by trustees, who chose him over two other applicants — AnneMarie Wenten and Barbara Stern. Wenten received the other vote.

The vacancy came after Trustee Dean Proefrock resigned last month because he moved to the Town of Grafton.

“I enjoy my involvement with the Village Board and want to be part of the continued planned growth of the Village of Grafton. I also want to continue serving my community,” Gassert said.

During Monday’s board meeting, each candidate was asked six questions.

Gassert said he sought to become trustee because he has been a village resident for 42 years and a member of various community organizations.

Since 2001, Gassert has been a member of the Community Development Authority and became chairman in 2008. During his time on the committee, the CDA has been primarily responsible for downtown development and the south commercial business district.

Gassert is a retired professor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a former business owner. He said his experience will serve him well as a trustee.

When asked about new development in the village, Gassert said it shouldn’t increase the tax burden for existing property owners.

“New development must provide enough tax increment to cover all costs related to fire, police, public works, administration and any other costs,” he said.

Gassert is a past president of the Grafton Lions Club and is currently its treasurer. Last year, he was named citizen of the year by the Grafton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Gassert was sworn in as trustee on Tuesday at Village Hall. His term will be up for election in April 2019.