By Rusty Bradshaw

Independent Newsmedia

Sun City voters filled the Recreation Centers of Sun City board seats due to expire at the end of the year.

The annual election to fill three board seats culminated Dec. 12 when two newcomers were elected and one resident returned to the board. Dan Schroeder, who previously served a three-year board term, was the highest vote-getter with 873.

“I’m happy I was elected,” he said. “I’ll do my best for the residents of Sun City.”

From left, winning Recreation Centers of Sun City Governing Board candidates Sue Wilson, Dan Schroeder and Dale Lehrer were announced by officials Dec. 12 at Lakeview Recreation Center, 10626 W. Thunderbird Road.

A seven-year Sun City resident, Mr. Schroeder has been very active in the community, including a variety of positions with RCSC. During his three-year term on the board, he served two of those years as president. He was also on the Bids Commission for three years and served on the Communications and Outreach Committee. He was also Clubs and Organizations Committee chairman, North Greens Committee chairman, Entertainment Committee co-chairman, Golf Advisory Committee co-chairman and a COC member. He currently is a Golf Advisory member.

He is also a member of the Jewelry at Oakmont club, serving as president, and the Pinnochle Club.

Mr. Schroeder has 40 years experience in construction. It started with a four-year apprenticeship followed by 30 years as a licensed electrician. The last 20 years of employment was as a project manager on multiple projects and an estimator. He served three years on the IBEW Laocal 405 executive board.

Sue Wilson received the next highest votes with 752.

“It is my first election,” she said. “I have been here three years and I’m just excited how the results came out.”

A former educator, Ms. Wilson serves on the Artistic Stained Glass Club executive board. She plans, as a board member, to treat all Sun City residents and clubs respectfully and fairly.

Ms. Wilson has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational administration. She was an elementary school principal for 15 years and received the Principal of National Blue Ribbon School award in 2013. She is a member of American Legion Auxiliary in Peoria and a member of the praise team at New Song Methodist Church.

Dale Lehrer received 727 votes to gain the final board seat.

“I’m super excited and every humbled by the election results,” she said.

With some specific goals, Ms. Lehrer plans to work to keep Sun City a vital and affordable retirement destination for current and future residents. She believes better utilization of limited RCSC resources would include having a greater emphasis on quantitative analysis tools in the decision making process. She also believes all building projects should have three bids that are made available to cardholders for review.

She also wants to ensure entertainment in the community is reflective of Sun City demographics.

Ms. Lehrer was on the RCSC Ad Hoc Long Range Planning Committee. She is also a member of Marinette Clay Club, Handweavers and Spinners, and the Sun City Conservation and Sportsmen’s Club.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from Marquette University and a Masters of Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. She is certified in industrial rehabilitation from the School of Engineering University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and was Rehabilitation Services and program Development for Aurora Healthcare regional director and owner of First Choice Rehabilitation, a private practice outpatient physical therapy business in Wisconsin.

Voteer turnout was again low for the RCSC board election with 1,213 ballots cast. That included 953 cost online, 133 on election day and 127 absentee ballots, according to Joelynn Higgins, RCSC communications and marketing coordinator.

RCSC directors are elected to serve three-year terms. The newly elected board members will be installed oat the next board meeting, 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 in the auditorium at Sundial Recreation Center, 14801 N. 103rd Ave. They will begin their duties Jan. 1.

Outgoing board members are Rich Hoffer, president; Carol Lawry, treasurer; and Ida Eisert.