The list of individuals seeking to represent the Republican Party in the election for State Representative in the 1st Assembly District expanded by one more name when Sturgeon Bay School Board President Joel Kitchens announced his candidacy. The 56-year old large animal veterinarian was born in Washington, DC, the son of an FBI special agent. He received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Ohio State University & went on to receive his doctor of veterinary medicine degree, also from Ohio State. After a year working for a large animal practice in Mayville, Kitchens & his wife, Sherry Billett, who is also a veterinarian, moved to Sturgeon Bay in 1984 to set up a private practice. What initially began as a single entity, split into two firms that are operating today, Peninsula Veterinary Service for smaller animals, & Door County Veterinary Associates for farm animals. The couple raised three children. Joel Kitchens has been a member of the Sturgeon Bay Board of Education for 15 years & its president for 13. He is a member of Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church, has been involved in various charitable fundraisers & campaigns, & has coached both baseball & softball teams in youth leagues.
