Background

Oshkosh has been home to Kristen and myself for fifteen years. In that time I’ve grown a small business, worked with many service groups and not-for-profit organizations, served in local government and discovered interests and built relationships that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

48 N OAKWOOD ROAD
OSHKOSH, WI 54904
920.426.2405
mayor@franktower.com

My roots go back to the north woods of Wisconsin with one side of my family from the Tomahawk area and the other Minocqua/Woodruff. After my parents separation and my mother’s second marriage I moved from Muskego to the community of Oconomowoc. Growing up in a medium sized community right between Milwaukee and Madison was a great experience. I still visit to see if I can remember my paper route and look at how the community has grown.

After graduation from high school I attended the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee to pursue a degree in business or architecture where I met my wife Kristen. I had started an information technology consulting company in the summer before my freshman year with a good friend and it grew to needing my full time attention. After making a tough decision to leave school I decided becoming an entrepreneur was the priority and worked on growing the business until merging it with another local technology company.

As that company fell on difficult times Kristen and I relocated first to Fond du Lac and then to Oshkosh where I enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh full time to complete a degree in computer science. While working at the Koehn Institute (now the Center for Community Partnerships) I had the opportunity to create an Internet provider that became NorthNet. In late 2003 NorthNet merged with Northern Telephone and Data, an independent telephone and communications company. In 2007 I left NTD joining YoderCom to work on unique wireless projects. I now am responsible for managing projects that involve a variety of telecommunications needs from small WiFi networks to climbing 300 foot towers installing wireless equipment.

Community

One of my core beliefs is that everyone must give back to society and their community in whatever way they can. If each of us contributes there is nothing that cannot be accomplished.

When I first arrived in the Oshkosh community I was introduced to the arts through the Grand Opera house and a summer theatre program. Since that time I’ve become involved with many arts organizations and volunteer with Oshkosh Community Players/Eclectic Arts Ensemble, serve as the president of Oshkosh Arts and volunteer as the executive Vice President of the Oshkosh Symphony Orchestra and volunteer with the Youth Symphony.

Service groups are a vital part of any community and provide an opportunity to help locally, regionally and globally. I am an active member of both the Oshkosh Downtown Rotary and the Oshkosh Jaycees. Through the Rotary I learned of what the United Way does in our community became an active board member assisting with the allocations process and strategic planning.

Taking service yet a step further I ran for election to the Oshkosh Common Council and was elected to two terms serving the citizens of Oshkosh. During that time I tried to be an active representative that listened and served on the Traffic Review, Cable Commission, Housing Authority and Convention and Visitors Bureau boards. During my last year on council I was also appointed to the Winnebago County Board fulfilling the balance of the term and worked on the County Information Systems Committee.

Interests

I’ve never been a believer in limitations and have tried to take advantage of the opportunities life brings. 

Being a resident in the home of the world’s largest general aviation air show I was able to earn my private pilot’s license and am active in the Oshkosh Pilot’s Association flying out of Wittman field. I’m an avid motorcyclist and welcome any opportunity ride when Wisconsin weather permits and as a proud Jeep Wranger owner I love seeing were it can take Kristen and myself.

I enjoy hunting, fishing and competition shooting. I’m also an avid reader and enjoy learning about everything from automobiles to history to the occasional science and science fiction novel.

Authorized and paid for by
Frank Tower for Mayor
Tom Sitter, Treasurer