MARSHFIELD – As Marshfield voters look toward the future of city leadership this spring, the candidates for mayor offer distinct backgrounds, motivations and leadership philosophies, all grounded in long-standing ties to the community.
Mayor Lois TeStrake, who has lived in Marshfield for more than three decades, describes her journey as one rooted in service and relationships.
“I grew up in Stratford and lived there for 30 years. Thirty-five years ago I moved to Marshfield to continue pursuing my career as a cosmetologist,” TeStrake said.
That career, she explains, shaped her approach to leadership. “Being a cosmetologist [means] serving people,” she said, adding that her work has always been centered on listening and connection.
TeStrake has spent 17 years on the Main Street Marshfield Board and credits her involvement in local organizations as central to her civic identity.
“I have a heart for local business,” she said. “I am here to help in any way I can with continuing support for this great city.”
Beyond city boards, TeStrake remains active in the community through Toastmasters, church involvement and music.
“I attend Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and am in the choir. I also sing the National Anthem at local sporting events,” she said.
One of the most personal parts of TeStrake’s story is something she says many people don’t know.
“Most people do not know I am a pancreatic cancer survivor,” she said. “There is a YouTube link about my journey.”
When asked what motivates her, TeStrake was clear: “Positivity is my best motivation and these values are reflected in my life.”
She said she was encouraged to run for mayor by others in the business community.
“I was approached five years ago by various prominent business owners to throw my hat in the ring for the office of mayor and I have never looked back,” she said.
TeStrake emphasized accessibility and follow-through as core responsibilities of her office. “When people call me on the phone with concerns or questions, I always call them back,” she said. “It is all about the citizens and businesses of Marshfield that I serve.”
Looking ahead, TeStrake said she avoids making promises she cannot keep.
“Continuing to do what I am doing. Not promising anything that I cannot give to people or businesses,” she said. “Being here for the community.”
“I always say the little things really do make the big things happen,” she added.
Challenger Nick Poeschel brings a background in law enforcement and city governance, having lived in Marshfield since 1989.
“I have lived in Marshfield since February 1989 when I was hired as a police officer for the city,” Poeschel said.
He retired from the Marshfield Police Department in 2016 as a patrol supervisor.
Poeschel describes his days now as varied but grounded in routine and community presence. “My wife Spring (Fleming) and I are known throughout the community for being walkers. Most days we walk four to six miles,” he said.
He also shared a lesser-known detail about his community involvement.
“Most people don’t know that I am on the worship team at church,” Poeschel said. “I don’t have a hidden musical talent. I take my turn operating the sound board.”
Poeschel said his decision to run for mayor grew out of experience rather than a single defining moment.
“There was no specific issue or event that led me to decide to seek the position of mayor,” he said. “I served three terms on the city council and I am currently on the (Marshfield) Utility Commission.”
As he considered the role, Poeschel said he heard a consistent message. “City leaders, city workers, local businesses and members of the public were looking for a stronger level of leadership,” he said. “I believe that my experience in law enforcement and city government will provide that leadership.”
Poeschel emphasized collaboration as a guiding principle: “I believe that government can only succeed when we work together,” he said. “No group should expect favoritism and no group should be excluded.”
He described the mayor’s primary responsibility as staying informed and responsive.
“The biggest responsibility the mayor has is to keep informed of the opportunities available to improve the city and to address difficulties as they arise,” he said, “and to work together with other city leaders to make sound decisions.”
Both candidates point to service, accessibility and community trust as defining elements of their leadership philosophies, offering voters two different paths shaped by personal experience and long-term engagement in Marshfield.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here