January 05, 2011 | 08:43 AM Fontana — The owner of the Geneva Lake Cruise Line and Gage Marine hopes to bring his business savvy to the Village Board.
Bill Gage, 45, said he is running for trustee because he believes in serving the community. He hopes to bring the perspective of a businessman with a young family to the board.
Gage is one of five candidates seeking a trustee seat on the Fontana Village Board. The election is an at-large race and the three candidates with the most votes will earn seats on the board.
Incumbents George Spadoni, Thomas McGreevy and Micki O'Connell are seeking re-election.
Rick Pappas, who serves on the village's Lakefront and Harbor and Police Commission, also is running for a spot. Pappas ran as an independent in the 32th Assembly District race.
Gage said while running the cruise line, he has worked with municipal governments throughout the Geneva Lake area.
"Business is a positive thing for our community and helps people pay their mortgages and it helps reduce residential real estate taxes," he said.
Gage said there wasn't any recent decision which prompted him to run. He said he "isn't a one issue sort of person."
Balancing running his business endeavors and serving on the board shouldn't be a problem, Gage said.
In the past he has served on the Geneva Lake Conservancy Board and other volunteer community boards. He also said other local officials are able to balance business responsibilities and service to the board.
He pointed to Lake Geneva Mayor Jim Connors and Fontana Trustees Patrick Kenny and McGreevy as public officials who also are able to do that.
Gage serves on the Chamber of Commerce board and Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"I hope people appreciate my experience, enthusiasm and desire to make our community a vibrant, relevant and attractive place," Gage said.
Gage is married to Rachel. They have two children.
That Mr. Gage does become a trustee. How would Mr. Peterson (who is an employee of Mr. Gage) be able to work as Village President. Conflicts perhaps? Anyone?
like Gage is looking for more "power". Already has control of Geneva Lake with his boats. Outside of the Geneva Lake area no one knows Gage. If he becomes Village Trustee he will be on his way to become a somebody. The last thing the Village needs is a somebody who thinks he knows everything.
God forbid, why would you put someone who actually knows what he's doing into a position of power? He seems to be running a successful business, so why do you think he would do so much harm as a trustee? Good grief people...
The village board of Williams Bay sure hoodwinked everyone, including the press, so he could begin his little night club operation. What would be next?
I think that he would make a great representative.
Bay Colony North
Williams Bay, WI
January 08, 2011 | 08:28 PM
This is a great news piece. I learned so much about all the possible conflicts of interest and what could be motivating him. How much advertising does he buy in the regional ? It's a great comedy piece. When your done with this gripping story go to the editorial page, it's like a jr. High news paper.
Clement mansell
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