New Mayor Takes the Reins in Tomahawk After Decade of Leadership

Tomahawk has turned a page. After ten years under the same leadership, voters elected Michael Habeck as their new mayor on April 7, choosing the longtime resident by a decisive margin — 655 votes to Jeffrey Koth’s 227.

It’s the first mayoral transition since 2016, when outgoing Mayor Steven Taskay began what would become four consecutive terms. His decision not to seek a fifth opened the door for fresh voices, and Habeck, a political newcomer known locally as “Hob,” stepped through it.

For anyone who’s driven the frost-heaved streets of Tomahawk lately, Habeck’s campaign promises likely sounded familiar. Road repairs, state funding, and budget fixes topped his agenda — issues that resonate across Lincoln County, where winter takes a toll on every mile of pavement.

A Familiar Face Steps Into City Hall

Habeck isn’t some political outsider parachuting in with big ideas. He’s been a Tomahawk resident for more than 40 years, attending city council meetings long before he ever considered running for office.

“I can tell you this 100%, I love this community,” Habeck said after his win. “I love being a part of it, and I just want to serve the community. The people of Tomahawk are the most important thing.”

That kind of talk goes over well in a town of 3,200, where folks remember when you moved in and notice when you don’t show up at the VFW pancake breakfast. Habeck’s approach seems rooted in listening first — he’s already said his early days in office will focus on hearing from residents before charting a course.

The Road Problem Everyone Knows About

If there’s one issue that united Tomahawk voters this spring, it’s the roads. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy logging trucks, and tight budgets have left Main Street and side roads pockmarked with craters that’d swallow a tire.

Habeck didn’t shy away from the problem during his campaign. “The roads in Tomahawk need help,” he acknowledged. “We need some assistance from the state as well, I’m sure. And we’ve already started working on that.”

That last part matters. Seeking state aid through Wisconsin DOT programs is standard practice for rural communities, but it requires persistence and paperwork. Habeck’s already signaling he won’t wait to start those conversations.

“We’ll definitely keep working on it,” Habeck promised, a pledge that echoes from Bradley Park to the city limits.

Budget Pressures in the Northwoods

Roads aren’t Habeck’s only headache. Tomahawk’s facing a budget deficit that threatens programs residents rely on — parks maintenance, snowplow routes, summer concerts along the Tomahawk River.

It’s a familiar squeeze across the Northwoods. Property tax revenues stay flat in towns where forestland dominates the tax base, while costs for salt, fuel, and equipment climb every year.

Habeck’s pitch during the campaign centered on fixing the budget without gutting services. That’s easier said than done, but his decades of attending council meetings give him a front-row understanding of where the money goes — and where it doesn’t stretch far enough.

Here’s what Tomahawk needs to balance in the coming months:

• Infrastructure repairs across residential and commercial districts
• Maintaining city parks that draw tourists to Bradley Park and the river
• Preserving winter services in a region where snowmobile tourism drives the economy
• Securing state grants and aid to offset local budget shortfalls

What This Means for Lincoln County

Tomahawk sits at a crossroads — literally, with Highway 51 running through town — and its stability matters beyond city limits. Nearby towns in Oneida and Lincoln Counties rely on Tomahawk for shopping, services, and connections to the broader Northwoods.

A mayor who can deliver on infrastructure and budget repairs helps everyone. Better roads mean safer routes for tourists heading to Lake Tomahawk or the Tomahawk Historical Railroad Museum. A healthier budget means sustained city services that support small businesses relying on foot traffic along Main Street.

Habeck’s win also signals that local governance in the Northwoods still favors candidates with deep community roots over flashy newcomers. This isn’t Madison or Milwaukee — it’s a place where 40 years of showing up counts for something.

A Decade Ends, a New Chapter Begins

Steven Taskay’s tenure lasted through four terms, a period of relative stability that saw Tomahawk navigate slow population growth, shifting tourism patterns, and the same budget pressures Habeck inherits now.

His decision not to run marked a natural transition point. No scandal, no controversy — just a leader stepping aside after a decade of service.

For Habeck, the opportunity comes with clear expectations. Voters didn’t just elect a new face; they chose someone who’s already proven he cares enough to sit through budget hearings and planning commission meetings when he didn’t have to.

The City of Tomahawk Common Council also saw changes this spring, with nine members across three districts adjusting to new colleagues and returning veterans. That mix of continuity and fresh energy could either smooth Habeck’s path or complicate it, depending on how well they align on priorities.

What Comes Next

Habeck’s first moves will set the tone. Will he immediately push for DOT funding applications? Convene town halls to hear resident concerns? Tackle the budget with surgical cuts or broader reforms?

He’s already signaled his approach: listen first, act second. That patience might frustrate folks eager for instant fixes, but it’s a smart play in a community where rushing decisions can burn political capital fast.

The road ahead — both literally and figuratively — won’t be smooth. Tomahawk’s challenges didn’t appear overnight, and they won’t vanish by summer. But Habeck’s win gives the city a leader who knows the streets, the people, and the stakes.

For a town that prides itself on resilience through harsh winters and economic shifts, that’s a solid foundation. Now comes the work of building on it.