Couto, Lynn Lead Race For Shorewood Village Trustee Seats

SHOREWOOD, WI — Eric Couto and Jerry Lynn took the lead in Tuesday's election for the Shorewood Village Board of Trustees, the latest unofficial results showed, with Noah Wolfe trailing just behind.

The three candidates, each vying for two spots on the Village Board of Trustees, came with long history in the village. Each would be new to the board. Their predecessors, Tammy Bockhorst and Wesley Warren, did not file for candidacy in the election.

Defining issues for the candidates ranged from how to approach affordable housing in the village, the Shorewood Police Organizational Study, ensuring equitable development and more.

Shorewood Village Board Results

Unofficial results will be updated as they come in. Updated 9:16 p.m. 3 of 3 reporting.

Jerry Lynn: 1542

Noah Wolfe: 1227

Eric Couto: 1848

Shorewood School Board Results

Unofficial results will be updated as they come in. Updated 8:59 p.m.

Emily Berry, incumbent: 1501

Becky Freer: 1956

Andrew Frey: 1392

Three Run For The Village Board, Two Will Secure A Seat

Tuesday's election for the Village Board was marked by candidates from all corners of Shorewood. Ages ranged across generations, and perspectives on the issues varied.

As for why each is seeking elected office: Lynn said he would hope to be an advocate for the people who need a voice in Village Hall, promising to collaborate with neighbors. Wolfe said young people and young adults living in Shorewood should know they are represented by the board, while Couto said he hopes to work with others to continue Shorewood's reputation as a great place to raise a family.

Candidate Noah Wolfe argued ahead of Tuesday the board deserves more representation of younger folks. A public school teacher, he cited that the village's younger population is slated to be one of its fastest-growing — while pointing out he would be the only candidate between the ages of 20-34. Wolfe said he would be "committed to affordable housing and disability-friendly infrastructure village-wide."

Candidate Eric Couto approached the race with recent history as a member of the Shorewood Plan Commission. Couto said the village has a number of challenges, such as aging infrastructure, sustainability, transparency and housing affordability.

Candidate Jerry Lynn pointed out in the lead-up to Tuesday the village is in a great position for growth in the coming years. He said, "We will need to leverage community input in constructive and impactful ways to ensure that completed projects meet the high standards of Shorewood and better the Milwaukee community at large."

A Defining Issue: Housing Affordability, Development, Inclusivity

At the core of board candidates' remarks in the lead-up to Tuesday's election was housing affordability and development, and each candidate presented a unique perspective on the matter.

When it comes to affordable housing, Couto said there must be a multi-tool approach from the village, and that there should be an "end to village-sponsored corporate subsidies."

"First and foremost, we as a village need to start listening and working together. Only then can we truly move forward," Couto said.

Lynn asserted the village should be at the forefront of inclusivity for handicapped people and older adults in the village.

"We have aging infrastructure and limited parking in the Village and need to prioritize accessibility with all of our projects," Lynn wrote.

Wolfe said the village must address housing affordability, and to that end, ensure all new housing that is built is accessible for various income levels beyond the minimum requirements for affordability and inclusivity.

Candidates Approach The Race From Unique Perspectives

Couto cited a history of working with various communities, coupled with experience growing up in Shorewood and serving on the Plan Commission and Wilson Drive Task Force as something that sets him apart.

"I understand what makes Shorewood special but I also see numerous ways to make our community better by working better together," Couto said.

Lynn also cited history of working in local government. He said five years of experience as the Co-Chair of the Shorewood Pedestrian and Bike Safety Committee has brought experience collaborating with a variety of departments at Village Hall, including police, health, DPW, planning and the Village Manager's Office.

"My time as a volunteer in Village Hall taught me what it takes to turn an idea into reality in this Village, and that is how I plan to use my time on the Board," Lynn wrote.

Wolfe asserted he has a history of listening to others' concerns while working to reach common goals. Wolfe, currently a special education teacher working with students who have severe behavioral disabilities, said he prides himself on an ability to collaborate and advocate for families, students and staff. Wolfe also pointed to his experience in helping to organize the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the North Shore as what sets him apart.

More about the candidates:

Candidate Profile: Jerry Lynn For Shorewood Village Board

Candidate Profile: Noah Wolfe For Shorewood Village Board

Candidate Profile: Eric Couto For Shorewood Village Board