Candidate Statements
On April 1, 2025, Town of Wyoming voters will be choosing among the following candidates to fill Town Board positions: Three candidates are vying for two Town Supervisor positions: Patrick Michaels, Mary Panyard-Schultz and incumbent Joe Stapleton. Donna Baker and Phil Limmex are competing for Treasurer. Dick Cates is running unopposed for Town Chair and Eric Cates is running unopposed for Town Clerk. The candidates were asked to provide a brief biography, their qualifications, and to respond to questions posed by the Home News.
Town Supervisor
Patrick Michaels
I was born in California, raised in Bermuda and Los Angeles, and in an unexpected twist of familial fate found myself moving to Wisconsin to work with my great-uncle Gary Zimmer and his company Midwestern BioAg, 10 years ago now. Gary and Rosie (my very great aunt) had just bought the Hoyer Farm, putting a conservation easement on the property so Frank Lloyd Wright’s view wouldn’t be ruined, and I asked if I could move into the old farmhouse for my first ever winter. I quickly fell in love. I spent countless hours walking the woods and fields, paddling the river, and enmeshing myself in the rich community of the area. A few months ago I finally bought the farm, hopefully merely literally.
Some qualifications: I’m good with numbers (degree in mathematics, 15 years of business and startup fundraising experience), my heart is oriented towards public service (board member of the Spring Green Musician in Residence Program, Friends of the Lower Wisconsin River), and I want to strengthen our community’s interconnectedness through action and business (Pizza Night at the White School, Twin Crix Pick-Your-Own Blueberries, participatory music nights in the barn). I’ve also had deep, open, and nuanced conversations about life, ecology, and township character with probably half the residents of Wyoming township over the years—ask your neighbors for reference.
What made you decide to run for public office?
There’s only 300 people in this township and over a dozen roles that need to be filled—someone has to do it!
Less flippantly, I bought the farm and plan to be here for life. Between the people, the land, the tourist powerhouses, and the latent potential, this place has something special going on—I want to make sure that we navigate the future as well as possible.
Do you think your community will be able to continue providing the current level of services for all residents? Why or why not?
Yes, I think so. Property values keep going up and there’s a constant trickle of new houses, so it seems like the town’s finances will be in fairly good shape for the future. We spend three quarters of our budget keeping our roads in good order and don’t get too entangled beyond that. I’m not yet an expert on the finances of a 300 person township, but it seems like the current level of services are eminently sustainable.
What are the most critical issues facing the residents of your community and how do you propose to respond to them?
The real answer to this question is probably something like “global political turmoil, changing fortunes in a changing climate, and artificial intelligence shocking the foundations of our life and economy—and there’s nothing that a Wyoming Township Supervisor can do about any of that!”
Realistically, we’re mostly talking about potholes. We’ll fix ‘em!
Development, however, is a critical issue. Nobody wants to wake up one morning to find a big pylon sitting right out their front door, forevermore. But this stuff has to go somewhere, and this is America, can’t a neighbor do what they want? It’s a tough one. I have nuanced opinions and would love to hear yours too. I’ll be at the dump one of these Saturdays to answer questions—see me there!
Mary Panyard-Schultz
I was raised by a mother who homesteaded in Alaska in the 1930s and a father who grew up in rural America. From an early age, they instilled in me a love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for the importance of strong, connected communities. I carried these values into my professional life, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education with dual certification in special and regular education from UW-Eau Claire. While attending UW-Eau Claire I was involved with Circle K a service organization. I later pursued a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from UW-Stout.
Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to education and community service. During my time as a teacher, I helped establish Special Olympics programs in schools, ensuring that students of all abilities had opportunities to participate and grow. While teaching in Portage, I was part of a team that founded the local Jaycees chapter, where I served on the board. My passion for education extended to higher learning when I became an instructor at UW-Platteville, where I researched best practices in education and integrated them into the courses I developed and taught. Currently, I continue to support local schools as a substitute teacher for special assignments.
What made you decide to run for public office?
In 2016, I attended a course in Madison about the importance of running for local office, reinforcing my belief that strong leadership and informed decision-making are essential to preserving and strengthening our rural communities. As chief inspector at the Wyoming Town Hall on election days, I have seen firsthand the importance of civic engagement. With my grandson now serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and planning to build a future here when he completes his service to our country, I am even more motivated to ensure that our community remains a place where future generations can thrive.
Do you think your community will be able to continue providing the current level of services for all residents? Why or why not?
As a lifelong advocate for community service and rural preservation, I am honored to seek a position on the Wyoming Town Board. My background in education, leadership, and public service has provided me with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to our community’s future. If elected, I will remain committed to gathering and analyzing critical information, engaging with the community, and working alongside fellow board members to make decisions that best serve Wyoming town and its residents. I believe in preserving the rural character of our town while ensuring that we continue to provide essential quality services to residents.
What are the most critical issues facing the residents of your community and how do you propose to respond to them?
I know firsthand the importance of preserving the rural character. I spend much of my time tapping maple trees, gardening, raising bees and other country activities. Some of the most pressing issues facing our town include corporate wind farms and urban expansion. With my background in teamwork, research, and leadership, I am confident that I can contribute to addressing these challenges through collaboration, transparent communication, and informed decision-making. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Wyoming Town and its residents and am committed to upholding the values that make our community strong.
Joe Stapleton
I am a lifelong resident of Wyoming Township and have been farming 40 plus years. My wife Theresa and I have two grown children, Justin and Lindsey, plus three grandchildren. Our family is the fourth generation to farm in Wyoming and own land since the 1850’s. Conservation of soil and water has always been high priority. Helping to make this area a great place to live. Clean water is by far our most valuable natural resource. I am a member of two watershed groups and have experience in the planning commission and the town board as a Supervisor.
What made you decide to run for public office?
I sincerely believe for me it comes down to civic duty and a willingness to work together for all residents and landowners of Wyoming Valley.
Do you think your community will be able to continue providing the current level of services for all residents? Why or why not?
Yes, I do.The biggest issue for the township from my perspective is road maintenance and safety. With safety being the main concern. Even though road maintenance can be costly it remains a high priority.
What are the most critical issues facing the residents of your community and how do you propose to respond to them?
I believe the biggest issue for Wyoming and many other townships in Southern Wisconsin is the expansion of solar panels and wind turbines. As they are continually looking for places to grow. I believe opposition is growing to try and keep them out. I think regulations and ordinances need to be adopted to protect our property values and beautiful Wyoming Township.
Treasurer
Donna Baker
I have almost 40 years of experience in financial management, including accounting, budgeting, and financial statement preparation, all of which have provided a strong foundation in fiscal responsibility. I hold an undergraduate degree in accounting and have spent nine years as a CPA and auditor for one of the world’s largest accounting firms, where I specialized in audits of government entities and nonprofit organizations. Over the next 16 years, I served as CFO or controller for several companies, and more recently, I’ve been a member of the executive committee for an investment advisory firm, collaborating and strategizing in a team environment.
What made you decide to run for public office?
I moved to the Town of Wyoming in 2020 after years of wanting to live here, and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. I love this community, and I’m running for treasurer so I can give back to the community. I also feel the best way to advocate and have an impact for what I want to see from my government is to be involved in things at the local level.
Do you think your community will be able to continue providing the current level of services for all residents? Why or why not?
I believe that the Town of Wyoming will be able to continue providing the current level of service for residents because the town board members have been good stewards of the town’s financial resources and are thoughtful in the decisions impacting residents. If I'm elected treasurer, I will continue this stewardship to help ensure the continuation of services.
What are the most critical issues facing the residents of your community and how do you propose to respond to them?
The treasurer of the Town of Wyoming is a non-voting member of the town board, so if elected, I won't have a direct say in the critical issues facing the community. However, I am supportive of the town continuing its efforts to preserve and enhance the quality and way of life for the residents of the Town of Wyoming. Any governmental entity can be subject to a decrease in revenue sources or increases in expenses, so the treasurer needs to be able to provide timely, accurate financial reporting so that the town board has the information readily available in its decision-making process.
Phil Limmex
I have lived in the Town of Wyoming my entire life. Cheryl and I raised our nine children in this township. My family farmed with my brother Matt and my parents, Vincent and Bernadine Limmex for 20 years. I went to college at 40, studied information technology, and have an MBA with emphasis in finance.
What made you decide to run for public office?
I have been involved in committees for our community, as well as involved in my church, and other volunteer activities. Most recently I was part of a group of semi drivers and farmers, to deliver five semi loads of supplies to the areas in North Carolina hit by Hurricane Helene.
I have been involved in town positions previously as part of the planning commission, in the 80s and 90s. I am running for town treasurer, which I held for several years previously. I believe that I can do a good job with the treasurer position with my experience. I simply run to help the town with my skills.
Do you think your community will be able to continue providing the current level of services for all residents? Why or why not?
The town must maintain the roads, which is the primary job of the local town. We must use the tools that we have available to maintain the roads. I have spoken with county board members on how they stay up to date on their roads. They have good ideas that can help us.
What are the most critical issues facing the residents of your community and how do you propose to respond to them?
As treasurer, my job is to provide the record of the receipts. I have, in the past, gave guidance for the town board in many areas. I would continue to do so if elected.
Town Chair
Dick Cates
My family has owned our farm in the Town of Wyoming since 1968. After completing my formal education and working overseas for a few years, my wife Kim and I moved back to the farm in 1986 to raise our family and build our cattle grazing business. Our three children attended River Valley School District. In 2016 our son, Eric, and daughter-in-law Kiley, came back to the farm and we have since transitioned the business to them.
In the mid-1990s I served on the Town of Wyoming Plan Commission for four years, helping to create our town’s first ‘draft’ of (what was later to become) a comprehensive plan. I served on the River Valley School District Board of Education for 12 years (2006–18; past president) and an appointment by the Wisconsin Governor and confirmation by the Wisconsin Senate to the state Board of Agriculture (2003–13; past vice chair). Presently I am completing my sixth year on the Town of Wyoming Board, and my first term as chair. I have served as the Town of Wyoming representative to the Spring Green Fire/EMS District Board since 2019. I am a long-time member of the Spring Green Lions Club.
What made you decide to run for public office?
The Town of Wyoming is my family’s home. I feel immensely fortunate to live in such a beautiful, peaceful community, on such a rich landscape. I believe that the opportunity and responsibility of citizenship is to participate, to give what one is able. As a result of this belief, I have been willing and interested in serving in a civic capacity for the past 30 years.
Do you think that your community will be able to continue providing the current level of services for all residents without raising taxes? Why or why not?
Yes, we will be able to continue to provide the current level of service — routine road repair and brush removal; trash and recycling; voting wards; cemeteries (two) and sanitary district maintenance — for the most part. But I don’t believe the current level of revenue is sufficient in the longer term to be able to keep up with road surface maintenance/replacement requirements because costs for these contracted services continue to rise.
It is important to recall that local governments in Wisconsin have levy (revenue generating) limits mandated by the state legislature. However, if we find these funds are not sufficient, we can hold a special town meeting. (town governments may exceed these limits only for debt service without approval by electors at a special town meeting). For me, it is paramount to listen to the needs of citizen residents. If needs/requests exceed limited funds available, additional funds can be put to vote at the Special Town Meeting. This is democracy at the most local level, and it affords the input of citizens, not the mandate of government.
What are the most critical issues facing the residents of your community and how do you propose to respond to them?
Snow removal, road surface maintenance, and brush removal affect all of our residents and visitors year-round. We take these responsibilities very seriously. I have helped to nurture share and assist relationships with each of our neighboring towns to update a seamless system where we can most effectively help each other in time of need.
Our Spring Green Golf Course Sanitary District is in continual need of maintenance and creative funding assistance. So, in response we have put in place a citizen Commission whose sole purpose is to oversee the district’s needs. A water quality trading (WQT) plan is also in process of implementation to credit improved farm field management (reduced soil and nutrient runoff) against our small sanitary district effluent discharge, an approach which will save the cost of expensive water treatment infrastructure in the near future.
Some of our road maintenance equipment inventory is approaching its useful life, and so replacement needs will be closely monitored and budgeted for.
We are an aging community and most of our land is owned/purchased by middle-aged citizens past child-bearing age. But, at the same time we have a growing vibrant community of small, innovative farm and other business entrepreneurs. A high priority for me is to continue to promote innovative policy, practices, and infrastructure improvement (in broadband access and road surfaces, for example) to encourage and assist young people to find our rural township a desirable place to settle and conduct business.
Our township is known for its clear trout streams, safe potable well water, careful farming practices, and beautiful driftless topography. It is all of our responsibility—and opportunity—including local government, to safeguard this which makes our place so special.
The role of government is not to mandate, but to partner in ways that improve the lives of our residents and encourage and assist all of us to do the right thing