Iron County Board to run with vacancy until spring

By P.J. GLISSON

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MERCER, Wis. — The recent death of John Sendra of Mercer has resulted in an empty seat on the Iron County Board of Supervisors, but it is not expected to be filled until an election next spring.

Sendra died on Sept. 28 at the age of 78.

For the past several years, he had represented Mercer Ward No. 11 on the Iron County Board.

“John was a very smart man,” said Board Chairman Joseph Pinardi. “We’re all going to miss him, no doubt about it.”

Pinardi said that Sendra chaired the county’s Board of Health Committee and also was a member of committees relating to human services, economic development, land and zoning, and forestry.

Pinardi especially commended Sendra’s attention to detail in relation to zoning.

“He watched the land and zoning very cautiously,” said Pinardi. “That was a good thing.”

Pinardi added that much of the development in Iron County occurs in the Mercer-Springstead region; hence, that area results with regular zoning requests.

Pinardi, who has the authority to appoint a successor until the next election is held, said that he has no plans to do so.

“At this point, we’re so close to election that I’m not going to fill his position,” said Pinardi. “It’s best to let the people decide.”

Moreover, he added, “There are still 14 other members on the board,” which means there should be no issues in meeting a quorum.

Pinardi also said that the next fiscal year budget already has been approved and the county has no other urgent concerns.

He said, as of November, people can take action to run for the next election in April 2024.

“All of our terms are up,” said Pinardi regarding members of the county board, as well as of the Hurley City Council.

Until last spring, Sendra also had served for six years as chairman of the Mercer Town Council. In addition, he had been active in many other community groups and interests.