Mayoral candidates Habeck, Koth participate in questionnaire ahead of Spring Election

TOMAHAWK – Next month, City of Tomahawk voters will elect a new Mayor for the first time in a decade.

The two candidates seeking the post – Michael “Hob” Habeck and Jeffrey Koth – are set to face off in the Tuesday, April 7 Spring Election.

Habeck and Koth recently participated in a questionnaire from the Tomahawk Leader, covering topics ranging from their personal backgrounds and community ties to their approaches to service if elected.

The candidates were asked to limit their responses to a maximum of 350 words per question.

Personal background and community ties

How long have you lived in Tomahawk, and what originally brought you to the community?

Michael “Hob” Habeck: I have lived in Tomahawk since August of 1985. I came to Tomahawk to start a new life in the beautiful Northwoods and to start a career at Tomahawk Sports Center that lasted 34 plus years.

Jeffrey Koth: I was born and raised here in Tomahawk and it’s been my home for 63 years. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

What does a typical day look like for you outside of politics?

Habeck: My day typically begins at 6 a.m. with morning meditation and daily readings with my partner Stacy. After several playful scuffles with my two dogs, I head to my shop for daily business operations, serving customers and working alongside my employees. After work, I usually hit the gym for a quick workout, then head home for a quiet evening.

Koth: Outside of politics, my days are pretty grounded in the same things most people value – family, work, and staying connected to the community. I usually start the morning with a cup of coffee and catching up on the news or reading something that helps me keep learning. From there, it’s often work, meeting with people, or volunteering in the community.

When I have free time, I like spending it with family and friends, getting outdoors when I can – whether that’s walking, fishing, or just enjoying the fresh air. I also enjoy reading and staying informed because understanding different perspectives is important to me.

What is something about you that most people in the community may not know?

Habeck: I have been the lead singer in the rock band Storm since 1989. Also, I advocate for mental health and addiction support groups, knowing first hand through my own personal sobriety journey since May 21, 1984.

Koth: Something that most people in the community may not know about me is how deeply I value personal growth, learning, and finding ways to quietly support others behind the scenes. While many people see the public side of community involvement – attending events, volunteering, or participating in local organizations – what they may not realize is how much I enjoy the preparation, planning, and thought that goes into making those efforts meaningful and successful.

I have always believed that strong communities are built through small, consistent actions. Whether it’s helping organize a project, encouraging someone who is just getting involved, or looking for ways to improve how things are done, I take pride in contributing in ways that may not always be visible but still make a difference. For me, community service is not just about showing up for events; it’s about creating lasting relationships and building an environment where people feel supported and valued.

Another thing many people may not know is how much I enjoy learning new skills and exploring ideas that can benefit the community. I am always looking for ways to grow – both personally and professionally – so that I can bring better ideas, stronger leadership, and more effective solutions to the groups and organizations I am part of.

At the heart of it all, I genuinely enjoy helping people succeed. Seeing others reach their goals, watching a project come together, or knowing that our collective efforts have improved someone’s life is incredibly rewarding to me. While the results may sometimes be visible to the community, the passion, planning, and dedication behind the scenes are often what truly drive my commitment to serving others and making our community a better place for everyone.

Motivation and values

Was there a specific moment, issue or experience that motivated you to run for Mayor?

Habeck: I was talking with some friends, neighbors, and customers regarding some of the challenges our community is facing, such as road repairs, infrastructure updates, and affordable housing needs. I couldn't just hope for someone else to step up so I chose to step up myself. That's pretty much been my motivation.

Koth: A specific moment that motivated me to run for mayor wasn’t just one single event – it was a combination of experiences that made me realize how important strong, thoughtful leadership is for our community. Over time, through my involvement in community organizations, local events, and conversations with residents, I began to see both the incredible potential our community has and the challenges that many people feel are not always being fully addressed.

One experience that stands out to me was listening to neighbors and community members talk about their hopes for the future of our city. People care deeply about where they live. They want safe neighborhoods, opportunities for families and businesses to thrive, and a local government that listens and works together with the community. Hearing those conversations made me realize that many residents want to be heard and want leadership that is approachable, transparent, and focused on practical solutions.

Through my community involvement, I’ve also seen how much can be accomplished when people work together toward a shared goal. Whether it’s organizing events, supporting local causes, or bringing volunteers together to help others, those experiences showed me the power of collaboration and the impact that committed leadership can have.

At a certain point, I began asking myself an important question: instead of simply talking about the changes we want to see, what if I stepped forward and became part of making those changes happen? That thought stayed with me, and the more I considered it, the more I felt a responsibility to contribute in a larger way.

Running for mayor is not just about holding a position – it’s about serving the community, listening to residents, and working hard to create a positive future for everyone. My motivation comes from a genuine desire to help our city grow, strengthen connections between people, and ensure that every voice in our community has the opportunity to be heard.

What values guide your decision-making, and how do those values influence the way you approach public service?

Habeck: Hard work, respect, courage, and showing compassion for others. My approach to public service is not a position of power, but of responsibility to serve and give back to our community.

Koth: The values that guide my decision-making are integrity, accountability, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to serving others. I believe that leadership begins with integrity – being honest, transparent, and consistent in both words and actions. When people place their trust in someone to represent them, that trust must be honored through responsible decisions and open communication. For me, integrity means doing what is right even when it may not be the easiest path.

Accountability is another value that strongly influences the way I approach public service. Leaders must be willing to take responsibility for their decisions and remain answerable to the people they serve. I believe residents deserve leaders who listen carefully, explain their reasoning, and remain open to feedback. When community members know their voices matter, it strengthens trust and encourages more people to become involved in shaping the future of the community.

Collaboration is also essential to effective leadership. No single person has all the answers, and the best solutions often come from working together with others who bring different experiences and perspectives. I value building relationships with residents, community organizations, local businesses, and fellow leaders. By creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and working together, we can find solutions that truly benefit the entire community.

Finally, my commitment to service plays a central role in how I approach decision-making. Public service should always be about improving the lives of others and strengthening the community as a whole. Every decision should be guided by the question: how will this impact the people who live and work here?

These values shape the way I lead and the way I serve. They remind me that leadership is not about authority or recognition, but about responsibility, trust, and working every day to build a stronger, more connected community for everyone.

Who or what has most influenced your leadership style?

Habeck: My mother and father taught me that hard work, dedication, and reliability pays off in life. Hockey...playing it, living it and breathing it as a young boy and young man taught me the value of teamwork. A great mentor in my life was Dick Calhoun, who taught me to work hard, be respectful to others, and to take care of others the best you can.

Koth: My leadership style has been most influenced by the philosophy of service-centered leadership, which I have seen modeled through community organizations and mentors who lead by example. Rather than focusing on authority or titles, the leaders who have impacted me the most demonstrate that leadership is about empowering others, creating opportunities for people to contribute, and working toward a shared purpose.

One of the biggest influences has been the concept of servant leadership, popularized by Robert K. Greenleaf. His idea that the most effective leaders prioritize the needs of others and help people grow has shaped the way I approach leadership roles. I believe that when leaders focus on supporting their team members – providing encouragement, resources, and recognition – the entire group becomes stronger and more motivated.

I have also been influenced by leaders within community service organizations such as Lions Clubs International. Seeing volunteers come together to address local needs – from hunger relief to vision care – has reinforced the idea that leadership is most powerful when it inspires collective action. These experiences showed me that leadership is not about individual achievement but about building a culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute.

Mentors and community leaders have also played an important role in shaping my leadership style. By observing how effective leaders communicate, resolve challenges, and encourage collaboration, I learned the importance of listening first, remaining adaptable, and maintaining a positive vision even when obstacles arise. Their guidance taught me that credibility and trust are built through consistency, humility, and a willingness to serve alongside others.

As a result, my leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and purpose-driven action. I strive to create environments where people feel empowered to share ideas, develop their strengths, and work together to achieve meaningful outcomes. Ultimately, the leaders and philosophies that influenced me most share one common principle: leadership is not about being in charge – it is about helping others succeed.

Approach to service

What do you enjoy most about serving or being involved in the community?

Habeck: What I enjoy most about serving in a small community is how personal it is. The people you are serving are the same people you see around town, at church, the grocery store, sporting events, and other community functions.

Koth: What I enjoy most about serving and being involved in the community is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while building strong connections with the people around me. Community service allows individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to come together with a shared purpose – to improve the place we all call home.

One of the most rewarding aspects of community involvement is seeing the direct impact that collective efforts can have. Whether it is organizing a service project, supporting families in need, or participating in local initiatives, even small actions can create lasting change. Knowing that time and effort can help improve someone’s day, solve a problem, or provide support to those who need it most brings a strong sense of fulfillment.

I also enjoy the relationships that develop through service. Working alongside others toward a common goal builds trust, teamwork, and friendships that often extend beyond the service activity itself. Community service fosters collaboration and helps people discover shared values and interests. These connections strengthen not only individual relationships but also the overall sense of unity within the community.

Another aspect I value is the opportunity for personal growth. Being involved in community service encourages leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. It challenges individuals to think creatively, adapt to different situations, and work effectively with diverse groups of people. These experiences help build confidence while also deepening an understanding of the needs and strengths within a community.

Organizations like Lions Clubs International exemplify how volunteer service can unite people around causes such as vision care, hunger relief, youth support, and disaster assistance. Seeing communities come together through service reminds me that positive change often begins with individuals who are willing to give their time and energy for the benefit of others.

Ultimately, what I enjoy most about serving in the community is the sense of purpose it provides. Contributing to something bigger than oneself and helping create a stronger, more compassionate community is both inspiring and deeply rewarding.

What do you see as the most important responsibility of a Mayor?

Habeck: It's setting the direction of the city and ensuring that our local government is working for the people of Tomahawk. Providing leadership and accountability for the community.

Koth: The most important responsibility of a mayor is to serve as a leader who works to improve the quality of life for all residents in the community. A mayor represents the people, helps guide the direction of the city, and ensures that local government operates effectively, responsibly, and transparently. At its core, the role requires balancing leadership, collaboration, and accountability.

One of the mayor’s primary responsibilities is to listen to and represent the needs of the community. Every city is made up of diverse individuals, families, and businesses with different concerns and priorities. A strong mayor takes time to understand these perspectives and works to ensure that decisions reflect the best interests of the entire community, not just a small group.

Another key responsibility is setting a clear vision for the future of the city. A mayor must work with the city council, local organizations, and residents to identify goals that promote economic growth, public safety, infrastructure improvement, and overall community well-being. This includes supporting local businesses, improving public services, and creating opportunities that help the community thrive.

Collaboration is also essential. A mayor cannot accomplish goals alone; success requires working closely with city staff, council members, community leaders, and organizations such as Lions Clubs International that help strengthen local communities through volunteer service. By building strong partnerships, a mayor can mobilize resources and encourage community involvement in solving local challenges.

Equally important is maintaining transparency and accountability in government. Residents should feel confident that decisions are made fairly, ethically, and with responsible use of public resources. A mayor must communicate openly with the public, explain decisions clearly, and remain accessible to the people they serve.

Ultimately, the most important responsibility of a mayor is to lead with integrity and a commitment to the community’s long-term success. By listening, collaborating, and planning for the future, a mayor can help create a city that is safe, vibrant, and full of opportunities for current residents and future generations.

Looking ahead

If elected, what is one realistic change you hope residents will notice by the end of your term?

Habeck: Road improvements are being done.

Koth: If elected, one realistic change I hope residents will notice by the end of my term is a more responsive, transparent, and accountable local government. For too long, community members have felt disconnected from decision-making processes, unsure where priorities are set, and how their voices are being heard. I want to change that by making communication between city leadership and residents seamless, consistent, and meaningful.

Practically, this means implementing regular town hall meetings, community feedback sessions, and digital platforms where residents can track projects, budgets, and policy decisions in real time. By the end of my term, I want people to feel that when they raise a concern – whether it’s about road maintenance, public safety, or community programs – it is acknowledged, addressed, and followed through. Residents should not have to chase answers; the city should proactively provide them.

Another visible change will be in the condition and functionality of our public spaces and infrastructure. Prioritizing essential improvements such as street repairs, park maintenance, and public facilities will demonstrate that our government acts efficiently and responsibly with taxpayer dollars. By focusing on high-impact projects first, the community will see tangible evidence that their quality of life matters to city leadership.

Finally, I want residents to feel a renewed sense of pride and trust in their local government. When people see their input leading to concrete action, when city services are more reliable, and when leadership is approachable and accountable, the overall relationship between government and the community will strengthen. This change is realistic, measurable, and sustainable, because it is rooted in consistent communication, strategic planning, and a commitment to putting residents first. By the end of my term, I want every member of our community to say, “Our city listens. Our city acts. Our city works for us.”

This approach isn’t just about policies – it’s about restoring confidence and demonstrating that local government can truly serve its people.

As Mayor, how do you plan to stay accessible and responsive to residents?

Habeck: By being present and approachable. Actively listening to individuals' concerns and ensuring that their voices are heard at City Hall. My phone will always be on and if I'm unable to answer the call immediately, I will promptly return calls.

Koth: As mayor, staying accessible and responsive to residents will be one of my highest priorities, because effective leadership starts with listening. I plan to establish multiple channels of communication that allow residents to share concerns, ideas, and feedback easily and regularly. This includes holding frequent in-person town hall meetings across neighborhoods, so residents can speak directly with city leadership in a welcoming and informal setting. These meetings will not only provide updates on ongoing projects but also create opportunities for open dialogue, ensuring every voice is heard.

In addition, I will implement digital platforms that make city government more transparent and interactive. Residents will be able to track the progress of city projects, submit questions, and receive timely responses. Whether through an easy-to-navigate city website, email newsletters, or social media, the goal is to make information and support accessible to everyone, at any time.

To further ensure responsiveness, I will prioritize a culture of accountability within city departments. Every concern raised by a resident will be logged, addressed promptly, and followed up on. I will personally monitor the process to ensure that no issue goes unanswered and that residents can see tangible results from their input.

Finally, I intend to maintain an open-door policy at city hall, encouraging residents to meet directly with me or my team when necessary. Accessibility isn’t just about digital tools – it’s about building trust, showing respect, and making people feel that their voices truly matter.

By combining in-person engagement, transparent digital communication, and accountable follow-through, residents will know that their concerns are heard and acted upon. My approach is not only about problem-solving – it’s about creating a city government that is approachable, connected, and genuinely responsive. By fostering this level of engagement, I aim to strengthen the relationship between city leadership and the community, ensuring residents feel valued every day.