Write-in votes will decide who is the newest member of the Decorah Parks & Recreation Board

City of Decorah voters will cast ballots in November for two spots on the Decorah Parks & Recreation Board.  But only one candidate filed nomination papers---incumbent Cindy Albers.  Incumbent Kent Klocke decided not to run again--and no one else filed nomination papers. 

That means the Park Board position will have to be filled by the person with the most write-in votes.  decorahnews.com has learned that as many as six people will potentially run a write-in campaign.

One of those six potential candidates is Shirley Vermace of Decorah.  She grew up in Decorah, graduated from Decorah High School in 1982 and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1986.  In 2000, she and her husband moved back to Decorah to raise their three children.

She says "One of the most important issues facing our area parks and trails is invasive species, such as garlic mustard and buckthorn.  If left unchecked, these invasive species can very quickly overtake our beautiful wooded acres and wipe out the more desirable, indigenous trees, shrubs, and wildflowers."

The Park Board election is Tuesday, November 5th.