Ben Dobson Announces Run for Janesville City Council

JANESVILLE, Wis. – Lifelong Janesville resident Ben Dobson announced on Friday that he will run for a seat on the Janesville City Council in the upcoming April 2025 election. His announcement comes just weeks before candidates can officially begin circulating nomination papers to secure a place on the ballot.

Nomination papers for the April 7 election can be circulated starting December 1. Three at-large council seats will be contested, currently held by Paul Williams, Larry Squire, and Aaron Burdick.

In a press release, Dobson expressed his desire to bring “a fresh, transparent, community-first perspective to city governance.” He emphasized his deep commitment to Janesville and a shared aspiration among residents for the community’s success.

“My priorities are simple: transparent governance with our residents, fiscal responsibility, and a growth mindset while ensuring due diligence,” Dobson stated. “I envision a city council that is responsive to the needs of our residents, respects differing opinions, and listens to all voices.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, Dobson has been a human services supervisor for Rock County Human Services since 2022, previously working in children’s long-term care and currently in youth justice. His career there dates back to 2016 as a long-term support case manager and youth and family specialist. Dobson also has experience as a juvenile detention officer in Beloit and a police officer in Brodhead.

“For over 20 years, I’ve served our community in both a professional and personal capacity,” he said. “I’m running to continue that service as a voice for the people of Janesville.”

Dobson previously served on the Janesville School Board, where he was elected in 2017 for a three-year term but resigned in 2018 due to new job responsibilities. To qualify for the city council, candidates must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, and reside in Janesville.

City council members are not compensated. The city’s website encourages prospective candidates, stating, “Serving on the city council is an opportunity to help shape the future of our community, represent your neighbors, and ensure local voices are heard.”

Nomination papers and other candidacy forms must be submitted to the city clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on January 6. Incumbents not seeking reelection must file a declaration of non-candidacy by 5 p.m. on December 26. For more details, candidates can contact the city clerk-treasurer’s office at (608) 755-3073.