MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU) — Spend 15 minutes chatting with new Marshfield Mayor Lois TeStrake and it’s clear to see her passion and pride for the city.
After defeating former Mayor Bob McManus in April the part-time hairstylist added the title to her resume, and these days is wearing both with pride. “I won’t give that [hairstyling] up until I have to. This is part of my heart, what happens in my life. And the ladies and gentlemen that I do their hair, think it’s pretty cool that the Mayor does their hair. I am very proud to be in the position that I’m in.”
TeStrake says she also uses that time to connect with those residents, which is something that attracted her to the job in the first place. Being able to meet people where they are at and make them feel like they have a voice in their government matters to her. “I’m hoping to encourage more people to come to meetings, join in, and not be afraid. Nobody’s going to bite you.”
She feels that will lead to more education and a better understanding of how government works, adding it doesn’t have to be “rigid,” but it will at least lead to a better understanding of the issues and how you can get involved.
Being a part-time Mayor brings challenges of its own as well, but TeStrake says in the last month and a half she’s had the chance to get to know many of the department heads around the city and has full faith in their ability to lead.
“Maybe I can’t find you the answer, but I can find someone who can give you the answer. That to me is exciting,” she said. “We have good people that can answer your questions. If they can help make me understand, and some of this is way over my head, but they make it to the point of being right there [where I can understand].”
She also recently put her scissors-operating skills to work in the Mayor’s capacity for the first time, facilitating a ribbon-cutting at a local business.
TeStrake will serve a two-year term in the position, with office hours on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons.
Listen to the entire conversation between TeStrake and WSAU’s Mike Leischenr in the podcast above.
