Krauter brings fresh outlook, enthusiasm to Common Council

on the challenges of her new position as an alderwoman on the Sheboygan Falls Common Council.

Krauter, 29, was confirmed as the newest member of the Common Council Tuesday, Aug. 4., upon the recommendation of Mayor Randy Meyer.

She replaces 1st District Alderman Brian Passehl, who vacated the seat June 16, after being re-elected in April to serve a two-year term on the council.

Krauter will serve the remainder of Passehl’s term, which runs through April 2011.

The Sheboygan Falls native and 1998 graduate of Sheboygan Falls High School is eager to bring a new perspective to the council.

“This is my first time getting involved in community service and leadership,” Krauter said. “One of my main reasons for pursuing this position is that I am concerned that the younger generation is not stepping up enough to serve and support their local community.

“It is time for younger people to get involved, contribute and voice their opinion on a local level,” she

said.Krauter holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Lakeland College and taught school in West Bend for two years, before returning to the Sheboygan Falls area.

She is currently in her fifth year of employment in the technical publications department at Kohler Co.

After debating weather to pursue the open seat, Krauter ultimately decided it was the right opportunity and the right time.

“I saw an article in the paper that said the mayor was looking for people to apply for the open seat,” she said. “It appealed to me right away.

“I gave the mayor a call and met with him about the position,” she said. “After that meeting I knew it was something I wanted to do.”

Meyer selected Krauter out of a group of four candidates.

“A few of the other candidates had previous experience in local government,” he said. “It was a very difficult decision, but I picked Anne, because she conveyed such a great attitude, outlook and general concern for the future of the city.”

Krauter said she has kept up with many of the key issues facing the city.

“I am very interested in the possible consolidation of the city and town fire departments,” she said. “I have also followed the revival of the railroad.”

With her son Emmitt set to enter 4-year-old kindergarten in the Sheboygan Falls School District this fall, Krauter is concerned about the state of education and the youth in the city.

“I have a general interest in the entire community, including education,” she said. “My dad is Mark Melger, and he was on the School Board for many years. I learned from him the importance of serving and protecting the best interests of your local community.

“I live and work in the community, and I believe we should work as hard as possible to support and retain our local businesses.”

After spending time away from Sheboygan Falls, Krauter said there is no place like home.

“My husband Tony and I moved to Glenbeulah for three years,” she said. “We found that we missed Sheboygan Falls, so we moved back last year.”

Krauter will serve as the chair of the City Services Committee and assume a seat on the city’s Library Board.

“We might adjust some of the committees a little bit to accommodate Anne as a new member of the council,” Meyer said. “I will be confirming those changes soon.”

As the “new kid on the block,” Krauter knows there is a lot of learning to do.

“I need to get out in the public, catch up on things and learn about what is going on and what the people in my district feel about the issues of the city,” she said. “I am excited about this opportunity.

“I am looking at it as a new adventure.”