(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Rita Bucur, the Village of Salem Lakes’ president announced today that she is seeking re-election to the Village’s top elected spot. If needed, a primary election will occur on February 18, 2025 and the general election will be held on April 1, 2025.
“Today, I am officially announcing my candidacy for reelection as Salem Lakes Village President. Serving our community has been an honor and I am proud of the progress we have made together over the past term. I am eager to continue my contribution to our Village and build on the foundation we have worked on together and am grateful to those who have offered their ideas and time,” said Bucur in a statement to KCE.
Bucur took over in April of 2023 when she defeated the long time-incumbent by almost double the votes. When Bucur won, three other newcomers also won seats on the village board, essentially flipping the board over-night. Under the leadership of Bucur, a lot of bad employees were seemingly “pushed out” including Village Administrator Mike Murdock, Public Works Superintendent Paul Snellen, Fire Chief Jim Lejcar, Fire Marshall Steve Ptaszynski, Vice Chairman of the Fire Commission, and three-time convicted arsonist Allen Dunski, Village Attorney Richard Scholze, Village Prosecutor Noah Wishau, and more.
“It was a house cleaning that the village sorely needed,” said a Salem Lakes taxpayer. “Plus, they were all replaced with good quality employees,” he added.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
One of the first big hires under Bucur’s leadership was Cassandra Hiller. She has a long list of accomplishments that occurred in colaboration with Bucur including:
- Saved over $500,000 through changing processes, biding out new vendors, and removing unnecessary or duplicative items.
- Reorganized Staff and provided role clarity and updated job descriptions.
- Created a Finance Director position and a Deputy Treasurer position through reclassification of the Treasurer and Accounts Payable positions following the retirements of both.
- Repurposed two positions (Accounts Payable Clerk and Administrative Assistant) into one new position – which will be titled either Community and Economic Development Coordinator or Assistant to the Administrator. Resulted in a net reduction of one full time employee.
- Developing Villages first comprehensive 30-year Capital Improvement Plan
- Refurbished a fire truck in lieu of purchasing a new truck at a savings of over $700,000.
- Completed the installation of the Disc Golf Course at Community Park
- Completed the installation of a new playground at Lake Shangri-La
- Completed a 15-year pavement assessment and presented a 5-year pavement plan
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Another popular hire was Fire Chief Al Carr. Most give Carr credit for ending the seemingly targeted and selective enforcement of political enemies by the previous fire administration. Carr is universally liked by his staff of firefighters and EMT/Paramedics.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Another hire that has contributed to the success of the village was the appointment of Remzy Bitar as Village Attorney. Bitar has helped staff navigate many challenging issues in the last year. Bitar is described as an honest straight-shooter.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Sara Spencer was recently hired as Village Clerk and administered a seamless election. She has made the agenda and meeting materials more accessible to the public. “She’s a rockstar,” said Bucur. “She’s very ethical, hard-working, intelligent, and personable,” Bucur added.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
“I’m asking for your continued trust and support as we move forward. Let’s keep building a village that we can all be proud of—a place where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and everyone has a voice,” said Bucur. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Together, we can make the next chapter of our village’s story even better than the last,” she added.
There are substantiated rumors that the ousted and embattled Village Administrator, Mike Murdock, will challenge Bucur, but most residents who have spoken with KCE don’t see him as a serious candidate. He was questioned during a criminal investigation into alleged misconduct in the village and agreed to leave in lieu of termination during an internal investigation.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Another person who has mentioned he might run is Bill Hopkins, a member of the old board, that allowed the misconduct and turned a blind eye, per residents. His running is strange as he has said publicly over the last two years how wonderful Bucur is doing and said “no one can hold a candle to what Rita’s done.” He was apparently upset that his seat was changed for the board meetings. Hopkins declined comment on if he was running.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Another non-serious candidate, Doug Randolph, is rumored to be running because he was upset that Bucur didn’t nominate him for the vacant trustee position. He declined comment to KCE about the rumors.
(File Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
87 Responses
Rita Bucur has been a rock star at the right time. She definitely has earned another 2 years; anybody that thinks differently hasn’t been paying attention.
As far as the others thinking of running, my question is How will you be able to do better? I don’t believe Hopkins is running for President, why would he? He was part of the problem but has helped turn things around with the rest of the Board. Murdock is a joke, no way he’s running, what will his platform be. He was involved in so many of the issues in the Village, he’s not serious the Village has move on. Not sure who Doug is but, what will he do better. I guess we will see.
I think Bucur has brought out the best in the old board currently still seated. (Faber, Hopkins) That’s what Great leaders do, make better leaders’ surface and find their voice. Previous to Bucur the Village had Tesar, she couldn’t make decisions, Murdock and Culat told her what to think. We all now know the decisioning making from Murdock and Culat was a disaster. I hate to think this way, but I think it’s Bucur or Bust. I worry Hopkins is a spoiler for Murdock, wouldn’t that be shameful on his part with all the board has done with his most recent help. Bucur or Bust, IMO. The Village can’t afford the leadership of the past.
Slobber any more?
It is curious how you try to lump Bill Hopkins in with former board members who were breaking the law. Bill Hopkins is hands down the most honest , hard working, ethical , and dedicated board member Salem Lakes has. He truly does what is best for the taxpayers and not what is popular to a few. Whatever he decides to run for he has my vote!
That’s the Stink he has on him !!
He sat there and watched it all go by.
Could have questioned the obvious things that came to be known in an open meeting.
Could have called for an investigation of the Menards receipts to start. That would have been simple and non confrontational to anyone. Just ask how are those redeemed and who does it.
The ball would have started rolling on its own from there.
He did nothing !
Are you serious, a panty sniffing mailman. LOL
Who doesn’t go sneak a whiff or two! 😆
Okay, this pisses me off, this is a FELONY regardless if you are a mailman or just an average pervert.
https://kenoshacountyeye.com/2021/06/22/kenosha-da-dismisses-criminal-charge-against-panty-stealing-mailman/
I wondered why Gravley even had jurisdiction over this mail stealing crime.
How did this not rise to federal court ?
Rita, Please move to Unpleasant Prairie we need you!
Run for office. Now is the time. Do it. Stop whining. Get others to run with you. Plan on winning. Now. Don’t delay.
Or
Don’t complain
We will help you move.
I hope she doesn’t run in Salem and come to Bristol!!!!!!!! Please !!!!!! You can be known as the “Fixer” of corrupt towns.
Maybe a short-term lease agreement. No no, she’s staying put, nice try Tho.
I’ll give Rita Props for her job but she had people behind her helping her get where she’s at.
It’s a Team Effort.
Round up a slate in Bristol and sweep the board clean out !
No Doubt, but without her pushing nothing would have happened. But yes, others did help. Leadership matters!!!
I am so proud of Rita and what she has accomplished since first deciding to run for VOSL president. The way she reached out and improved the relationship with the business community should be commended, no longer is the relationship with the village toxic. Rita’s hard work should be rewarded with a near unanimous vote for reelection so she can continue to clean up the fiscal mess she inherited from the previous administration. This will take time and with the help of Cassandra we can accomplish this also. Thank you for bringing the village back and keep up the good work!
Still ongoing issues with the code enforcement and code enforcement officer.
Let’s get a story about that !
Rita Bucur and Pete Poli created and helped pass a new Property Maintenance policy that will greatly reduce lawfare complaints. A policy that didn’t exist before, that’s a big positive change for the Village, she is fighting for fairness to all taxpayers. Yes, some board members want heavier enforcement, but Rita and Pete pushed through this new policy that will give many in the community a new sense of fairness from the old silly complaint system. Very few Wisconsin’s communities have created such a strong policy for the taxpayers. Rita, thank you for dedicating yourself to another term, it hasn’t been easy but you’re solving many big problems.
….. why are there still people standing up during public comments speaking on this issue and abuse ?
Because the issues previous to the policy don’t just get wiped away. They have to be worked thru. From my understanding the board is working on these in closed session the last two meetings if you were paying attention.
Eh, her obsession with the Administrator and their obsession with growing the Village too much makes me nervous.
Catch up. Growth is progress. The overall plan is in place. I think recently the plan was open for discussion. Did u miss that meet up? Her job is to monitor that plan with some future specialty areas to be encouraged – like what goes into the business parks and what will protect the citizens and businesses. The final build out is on paper. Ask the admin for a download. Read it. Vote for the best leader to make the plan a reality. Rita is the one. All the others mentioned are hasbeens, wannabees, complainers or single issue advocates who will not treat all the issues with a level high importance. What Rita needs is a few others to run to join in executing the plan.
….. is Inevitable !!
There were growth plans 10, 20 even 30 years ago that never came to fruition around here, Paddock Lake and all across the county, state and country.
With the generational changes that are coming in the federal government and the unforeseen trickle down effects, ( yes I used the term “trickle down”), nobody can know for sure how much, where and when, developers will revitalize plans, write new ones and come knocking on the door of our village.
Just stand in the parking lot of the village hall and you can see vacant land in every direction.
Does anyone think it will stay that way forever ??
It might take 10, 20 years or longer for development to fill some of that land, but it is certainly coming !
I think Rita, the village administrator and others have their eyes wide open of the possibilities. And are still young enough to see some of those plans through !
Rita Deserves our Votes to continue to,
Make Salem Better !
No thanks, I’d rather keep farming.
That occupation, sadly, left in about 1995.
I invite you to come help me, I need it the most come October and November.
Why is there no quote or statement from Mr Hopkins? I guess it’s easier to make things up rather than real journalism eh?
I asked him for a comment and he didn’t wish to comment on this story. Not everything is a conspiracy, you dolt.
I support Rita Bucur’s bid to be re-elected. I support most of what the board is doing, I believe some issues need to be addressed. The big problem with a new administration is whether they know all their constituents. I would caution all on the board, not to let Cassandra have free reign, she comes from VERY liberal past jobs. Salem is very conservative and will only tolerate so much change. This doesn’t mean Cassandra is Liberal just her way of thinking may be misguided by her past employers. Cassandra will need to understand her audience, her vision will not be crammed down the throat of Salem Lakes taxpayers. When a community starts a new board with so many problems, it is easy to overshoot with policy. Rita and others appear to understand this and are moving forward as fast as government will allow. From what I’ve seen Rita and MOST of the board are fighting for your freedoms. This wasn’t present with many in the old board, their approach of ignoring the problems was the problem. Many on the old board and administration should never be allowed to have the keys to the Village again, they can’t afford to go backward. Always keep a watchful eye. Rita has earned the right to be re-elected. To allow her to continue the work that she has started, and to push through new better policies for all.
I agree with everything said here in the above comment.
But we must remember.
The old board(s) got away with and blamed for so much because so much was withheld from the residents and even the “some” on the board itself.
The fact that the past administration didn’t have enough oversight (by the board) or employees having proper oversight by competent administrators, lead to the abuse by trusting them to do the right things. We found out sadly that that was not the case.
In my opinion, the past was so bad, there’s nowhere to go but up.
We also have to remember that it’s the “next” election in 2026 where we can finally vote out the remnants of the old board. This cycle is for the ones that came in to fix everything 2 years ago.
While new blood is always welcome, these four ARE the reason for good things happening.
All four deserve another two year term.
If murdick runs, it will be for the money.
He was unqualified as an admin and certainly doesn’t have the talent to be a village president.
Is his daughter still married to stinky man? I ask, wondering if he was able to influence her because the village president’s main role is to build cooperation thru influence. Could he do that?
The lady who’s currently the admin is unqualified, what’s your point?
You’re delusional – she’s well qualified and doing a great job.
Cassandra is beyond Qualified. Murdock couldn’t even figure out how to work a computer or write a proper e-mail. You must be one of those old board hold outs, sorry they’re not coming back for a reason, wake up!!! Your comment speaks about your mental status in society, probably best not to expect much in life. IMO it will be easier for you if you don’t have high hopes for yourself. Also, please don’t try to be thoughtful anymore.
Too Funny!!
Is she though? She was in charge of DEI and other magical fairy tales at Lake County. That makes on Unqualified.
Run for office. Now is the time. Do it. Stop whining. Get others to run with you. Plan on winning. Now. Don’t delay.
Or
Don’t complain
Yeah, and if you don’t know how to fly an airplane, don’t get on one or complain about a pilot that bounces on every landing.
Don’t support anyone on the board when the crap was happening. They knew; did nothing.
BINGO! Ask Shannon why she left…
Ask her the real reason why she left, it was because she was greedy and wanted more pay than what she was qualified for. She was given a bump in pay until the new clerk was fully trained. Shannon didn’t agree with that being taken away once the clerk was trained and THATS WHY SHE QUIT. IMO this board and administrator are looking out for the taxpayers. I wouldn’t listen to butt hurt ex employees.
Until all the leftovers are either accepting of the new administration, they will continue to bitch. They like the old way of doing business. The fact that Hiller has made it a front and center point to add pay for all these employees. They say the Administration doesn’t value employee’s, really,I don’t get it. I ‘m amazed with the resentment. If you want to work for the Village then do so with loyalty , if you don’t , leave. There aren’t many left, I guess the change was too much.
I think the past employee’s will do their best to shame the Village through the Mike Murdock mouth piece if he runs. That will never win elections. Employees don’t run the Village, The board and Administrator does, by the direction of the voting public.
BINGO! Spot on view.
Fireman from Waukegan still flying drones over Salem (Hoarder) Lakes harassing property owners with storage containers and leaky roofs? Congratulations. ⛑
If this is true, this needs to stop. Rita, please pay attention to invasionary tactics. Would you want this to happen over your home? Has it without you knowing? What ordinances do you have on drones?
The code enforcement Policy and Procedure I presented and adopted by the board on 10-21-24 explicitly states the use of drones is prohibited Unless written consent is given by the property owner in violation or an inspection warrant is granted by a court.
If you can prove that the village is still using drones, I am very interested in knowing that.
You may find the policy here:
https://voslwi.gov/vertical/sites/%7BFD43A93D-1DA7-4F52-8644-C09DA66C3401%7D/uploads/Code_Enforcement_Policy_and_Procedure.pdf
And there you have it. Don’t be complaining here. Make your call/email to the one who can correct the issue. Could lead to a firing. (OH well). If it is happening to one, it could be happening to others. Stop it with your call to action. Thanks Rita.
Need to get all of these women out and back in the kitchen where they belong.
Rita, Thank You! Anyone, that thinks the majority of this board isn’t fighting for taxpayer, just want to bitch, wake up and come to the meetings. You will see Rita and most recently Pete Poli Pushing up against the opposition, some can’t forget the past. Barhyte is always watching the money, he is clearly a budget hawk and helping oversee the Fire Dept. Young doesn’t take any B.S. from anyone and will push back whether it’s the Adm, Attorney, board members or rouge employee. He out on the street listening and helping solve individual taxpayer problems. Faber has definitely stepped in as a historian and helping mold a future leader in the Lakes and helped embrace change. Hopkins and Gandt has seen the problems of the past and doing their best to move forward positively. There will always be criticism, but many on this board are fighting for the Taxpayer, something fresh and exciting.
Even considering Murdock is not something the Village could survive. The damage Murdock and others did will take years to fix, but it’s happening. Murdock is not a serious candidate, nor should he be considered one.
Amen to this!
If Murdock was elected everything this board has done, everything Rita has worked hard to correct, will be undone and will go back to where we came from. This Village cannot afford that, trust me.
The fact that Murdock or Hopkins would run is beyond my comprehension. Problems of the past, didn’t do anything to right the wrongs.
No matter what Hopkins says he tried to fix with the old sitting board is a bunch of bs.
Years of businesses and citizens complaints and the old board did nothing, I’m convinced they didn’t have a clue how to fix it.
Look at what Rita did in her first 7 months. It didn’t take rocket science just someone with the backbone to stand up and fix it.
Rita is pushing forward an Economic Development Committee. This committee will see what the village truly wants moving forward. The Village needs limited strategic development, time to join or speak up.
I don’t want to turn Salem into a giant industrial park full of chain fast food restaurants and section 8 homes.
No thanks.
You will have an opportunity to express your concerns soon. Nobody want’s overdevelopment, that seems clear.
Fast food. Industrial or Section 8.
Salem will be none of those things.
At least not in any kind of size.
We might get a few lite manufacturing business parks similar what’s in Trevor but no heavy industry is going to come here so far off the beaten path from transportation and energy.
Low income housing can be welcomed, even qualifying for section 8 designation but not en mass. But a few wouldn’t hurt. That kind of housing does go hand in hand with lite manufacturing. Think about it.
And as for fast food ? Paddock Lake has got more than they need and is just a short drive for some of us. Maybe another Kwik Trip near Ralph’s but I don’t think anyone can envision a McDonald’s anywhere in our village.
I see a Recreational Complex on some of our farm acres. Maybe on 83 near Salem Grade School.
Even including a pair of hockey rinks.
That’s been talked about before.
I don’t know if they a fiscally viable but might be worth another look.
Overall I see Salem, Trevor, Wilmot, Silver Lake and all the farm land in between being residential housing. A so called bedroom community. Lindenhurst is like that. But with Paddock Lake, Antioch and 15 minutes on 50 to Kenosha having all the shopping anyone could want, I really don’t see anything more than the Aldis and Dollar Stores setting up shop here.
We are what we are. Embrace it.
I will not, nor will I embrace farmers being coerced into renting to solar fields.
I like the Idea of covered parking lots with solar panels up top
There is an approved plan.
BTW, seems u want to put residents in swamp land.
How ridiculous.
Get out the plan. Read it. Learn.
Soon Paddock Lake will be part of us. just like Silver Lake, their taxes will be too high. Unlike Silver Lake, they will ask to join. Their next biggest problem is lack of qualified people to fill elected positions.
Will Someone Please Explain Why …. with all the business on 50, the lake front property taxes, and the relatively small residential foot print of the village, why their taxes so high ?
Paddock Lake “should” but will NEVER give up their autonomy to fold into Salem. Regardless of the potential for lower taxes.
Never going to happen because that board wouldn’t ever bring it to their voters to consider.
Yet they use our Fire and Ambulance Services. Use the Salem post office. Even connecting sewer systems per the 2006 Cooperative Plan.
Why would they ask ??
AS WITH SL, THE PEOPLE CAN DO IT.
It isn’t hard. A few signatures. A few math. Calculations on what would be new taxes and a vote. LIKELY IN YOUR LIFETIME.
We need a portillos!!!!
We are just not big enough for one of those.
Just look at the new Culver’s.
Sure they are busy but where did their customers come from ?
McDonald’s? Burger King ?
People that might go to 75th Street
Yes we could support a “good” hot dog stand but there has been a handful over the years in Paddock Lake on 50 that didn’t make it. Why ?
Location, Location, Location !!!
Sounds like what Pleasant Prairie has become!
Sadly true! With all the business we should NOT be taxed as much. Buying a $200,000 car wash machine for 10 cars that sit outside every day THINK WHEN YOU VOTE!!!
I don’t get it if you think someone is doing such a great job … why wouldn’t you post with your real name?? Is one person commenting 17 times … or is it the same 3 … point is Show your support by being real Regardless who it’s for.
U 1st
Hahaha…I’m not showing support….
Hahaha ……you are not value added.
Bc it’s Rita and Cassie posting lmao
… the world is so screwed up even a small comment might trigger a reaction from a unstable individual, forever.
Rita had an unstable individual making threats including stalking. And Rita signed up to be out there.
Why do you think some up us anonymous people don’t step up to run for trustee or more ?
We don’t want the exposure. Same why we don’t put political signs in our yards.
A lot of crazy people out there !
Sad but true !
Some of the comments are gone…odd.
False statement
Truth, I made a comment about Murdock that was deleted and another about Hiller- gone.
You are wrong. No comments are gone.
Sounds like they didn’t get thru and u were to fast to leave after hitting. Submit/post comment
Do t again. Go slow
After they post, the story re-presents to you.
Hurry, we wanna read your contribution
Soon Paddock Lake will be part of us. just like Silver Lake, their taxes will be too high. Unlike Silver Lake, they will ask to join. Their next biggest problem is lack of qualified people to fill elected positions.
Be sure to apologize
Well, we are waiting for your comments. Haven’t seen them. Whatsup?
“Missing” comments is becoming a regular occurrence. Especially if you have a different opinion from whoever wrote the story.
False statement
Oh that is bs… comments in opposition are what makes this the site it is. We like trouncing and we like applauding!
Great job, Salem Lakes! Now let’s start over in Bristol!!
You only need to ignore the wrong person once to know the consequences.
Looking forward to influencing 300 people plus in this election at 2025 Salem Lakes!
What?