Meet the candidates running in the Republican primary for Marathon County clerk

Marathon County Republican Party voters will choose between incumbent Kim Trueblood and challenger Toshia Ranallo to be the party's candidate for the office of Marathon County clerk in the fall general election.

Trueblood was appointed in 2019 following the retirement of Nan Kottke, who served in the role for 48 years. Trueblood was reelected in 2020 after running unopposed in both the Republican primary and general election.

The Marathon County clerk is elected to a four-year term.

To learn more about registering to vote and to find your polling place, visit the My Vote Wisconsin website.

The Wausau Daily Herald asked each of the candidates why they are running and what makes them the better candidate for the position.

Kim Trueblood

Residence: Wausau

Age: 53

Occupation and education: Marathon County clerk, Bachelor's degree in English education, continuing education certificates in leadership and other office specific topics

Relevant experience: I have served in the county clerk's office in some capacity since 2011. I started full time in 2018 and was appointed to the office of county clerk in 2019. I was then elected to a full term in 2020. I have twice been elected to serve on the leadership team of the Wisconsin County Clerk's Association. and I serve as the chair of the Conference Committee, vice chair of the Elections Committee, and vice chair of our area clerk district.

Campaign website/Facebook page: www.kim4countyclerk.com and Kim for County Clerk on Facebook

Toshia Ranallo

Residence: Wausau

Age: 49

Occupation and education: I have been employed with Marathon County for six years and am currently the executive assistant to the county administrator. I provide high-level administrative support to the professional staff of the office of county administration and across all 24 county departments. Previously, as a municipal clerk, I completed the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Municipal Clerks Institute program, focusing on duties and responsibilities regulated under Wisconsin State Statutes. I’ve studied business administration at UW-Marinette and graduated from Menominee (Michigan) High School in 1993. I have participated in and will continuously pursue professional development education through conferences, seminars and workshops.

Relevant experience: With nearly 20 years in Wisconsin government, I have proudly served as the municipal clerk for the village of Wausaukee and held administrative roles in Rothschild and the Marathon County Conservation, Planning & Zoning Department. My experience includes extensive election processes, comprehensive and strategic planning, land and environmental resources, and budget and grant administration. I manage confidential records, facilitate meetings and support project management. This broad expertise gives me a deep understanding of county operations and public service. My dedication to the people of Marathon County drives me to uphold the highest standards and work tirelessly on their behalf!

Why are you running for office?

Trueblood: I am running for reelection to continue to serve the residents of Marathon County. I've been blessed to have earned the trust and confidence of our residents over the last five years, and I'm excited for the opportunity to keep working for every resident of this county as your county clerk.

Ranallo: I am running for county clerk to enhance transparency, efficiency and public service by utilizing my experience in Wisconsin government. I’m committed to modernizing the clerk’s office, ensuring every voice is respected, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and trust. My goal is to create a welcoming and effective office that truly serves our citizens' needs. I am passionate, confident and not easily intimidated. I will continue to address inconsistencies head-on, stand up for what is right, adhere to the policies established by our County Board and communicate only facts to protect our organization's culture and positive working environment.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

Trueblood: Very simply − experience. I have built relationships with local, state and national leaders and have the endorsement and support of our local elected officials as well as many municipal clerks and leaders. I have experience you can trust, expertise you can depend on, and I run elections you can continue to have confidence in. I will continue to pursue efficiencies in the office that will save taxpayer money while upholding exceptional customer service and transparency. I view elected office as a public trust and a public service not an opportunity to promote or better myself. Thank you for your continued support, and I humbly ask for your vote on Aug. 13.

Ranallo: My involvement and years of services across various roles in Marathon and Marinette counties exceeds the experience of our current clerk and equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary for this honorable position. As the chief election official for Marathon County, I’m committed to a nonpartisan approach, strict compliance with state law and addressing discrepancies for honest outcomes. My proactive stance on improving minute-taking, record-keeping and neglected delinquent tax property management, along with my dedication to assist municipal clerks, ensures consistent county operations. My collaborative spirit, reinforced by my hobbies in team sports, guarantees an organized and supportive approach.

Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA TODAY NETWORK - Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Contact him at epfantz@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Meet the candidates running in the Republican primary for Marathon County clerk