Gerrie Schipske Wants to Help Future Councilmembers Win Her Seat

Fifth District Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske is not scheduled to leave office until next year when her term is up, but she is already making plans to train her successor.

Schipske will host a workshop on later this month for potential candidates that is designed to provide the necessary tools to run for office as well as be successful in the position.

"I love the Fifth District and want to help recruit quality candidates and make sure our residents have some good choices," Schipske said in her recent blog.

Those interested in running for her council seat will be briefed about the issues that effect residents in the Fifth District and learn about the ways she and her staff respond to their constituents.

Residents in the area expect a lot from their councilmembers, including accessibility, and the fact the district is 11.5 square miles will also make the work that much more of a challenge, according to Schipske.

While she doesn't plan to actually endorse a candidate to fill her shoes, she said she wants to make the transition for the next councilmember as smooth as possible.

The workshop, "Everything you need to know to run for the Fifth Council District in 2014," will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at the Parks, Recreation and Marine Administration Offices at 2760 North Studebaker Road.