Two incumbents are seeking reelection in the Town of Lincoln’s spring election, with one write-in opponent announcing candidacy.

Incumbent supervisors Ken Fox and Bruce Richter will be on the ballot, while Kira Oas has launched a bid against Richter for the seat of Supervisor 4.
Voting will be open April 7 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 1205 Sundstein Road. All voters are required to provide proof of ID.

Meet the candidates

Bruce Richter (incumbent): Bruce Richter was born and raised in Eagle River, and has lived in the Town of Lincoln his entire life.

He has served as town supervisor for the past 20 years, in addition to representing Lincoln on both the Fire Commission and the Forestry Commission.

Richter began his career as a heavy equipment operator with Richter Redi-Mix and Construction until its sale in 2003, and has since continued his work with Pitlik and Wick.

“Through this experience, I have developed strong knowledge of licensing, regulations, and permitting, along with extensive expertise in road and highway construction and maintenance, as well as the conservation of our lakes and forests,” Richter said.

He indicated one of the most pressing issues facing the community today is the maintenance of town roads and infrastructure.

“Rising material costs — particularly for paving — continue to challenge our ability to effectively budget for these necessary improvements,” he said. “To help offset these costs, we actively pursue state and federal grant opportunities each year. We have a budget to follow and we have to make decisions accordingly as with any other issues that arise.”

Richter’s candidate statement: “As your current representative, I am committed to serving the best interests of our taxpayers. I prioritize safety, fiscal responsibility, and minimizing liability for the town. With my experience and dedication, I look forward to continuing to serve the Town of Lincoln in the years ahead.”

Kira Oas: Kira Oas has been a resident of the Town of Lincoln for 20 years.
She is a Lawrence University honors graduate with a professional background that includes two years working in a national landscape garden of Japan. Oas said this role required intense forethought, long-term environmental stewardship, and the ability to solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

“These experiences have shaped my master-planner mindset. I am qualified to serve as town supervisor because I bring a high level of academic rigor and specialized planning expertise to our town board,” she said. “I am committed to applying that same focus to our infrastructure, budget, and natural resources to ensure Lincoln is managed with the precision and care it deserves.”

Although Oas has no experience serving on a board, that lack of experience is something she views as a strength given the current political climate — stating that she is “not part of the ‘old guard’,” and is instead a “neighbor who has experienced the highs and lows of life right here in Lincoln.”

Oas plans to bring her unique background from the gardens of Japan to her role as a town board supervisor.

With Lincoln’s upcoming work of updating its comprehensive plan, Oas says she has the technical training to ensure the plan is more than just a document; instead acting as a roadmap that protects the town’s character for the next generation.

“I understand the difference between maintenance and destruction,” Oas said. “My experience with specialized pruning means I can offer technical alternatives to the cutting down swaths of town trees. I will advocate for selective roadside management — thinning and shaping the canopy to ensure road safety while preserving the Northwoods feel that attracts residents and tourists alike.”

She highlighted that her experience in Japan working with non-English speaking coworkers gave her the ability to find common ground and focus on the work while dealing with communication barriers.

Oas said graduating at the top of her class at Lawrence University demonstrates a level of analytical excellence that is vital for reviewing complex town ordinances, state aid formulas, and zoning applications for projects like new gas stations.

“I won’t just vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ based on a whim; I have the intellectual stamina to research the fine print, ask the hard questions, and ensure the board isn’t being outmaneuvered by commercial developers,” she said.

Her goal as a supervisor is to make sure the town plans for a future that is smart, but also keeps it accessible and affordable for everyone. Oas is placing a strong emphasis on finding new fiscal solutions to fix roads, and updating the town’s comprehensive plan that is being updated for the first time since 2002.

Oas’ candidate statement: “I believe good governance requires both vision and a willingness to do the hard work. As a Lawrence University honors graduate and a long-time resident, I bring a unique blend of high-level problem-solving and a deep, personal understanding of the challenges many families face today. I am running to ensure our town government is inclusive, compassionate, and focused on long-term stability for everyone. As a registered write-in candidate, my name isn’t on the ballot. Please take 10 seconds on April 7: write Kira Oas on the Supervisor line and fill the bubble. I’m ready to listen.”