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Election 2020 Profile: Richard Thoman
Richard Thoman
Richard Thoman

Richard Thoman

Position sought: At Large City Alderperson

Age: 59

City/town of residence: Monroe

Family: Married 37 years to wife Jane. We have 4 Sons, 1 Daughter, 3 Daughter-in-laws, & 6 Granddaughters    

Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Communications & Associate Degree in Accounting

Occupation: Self-Employed – Owner/operator of hotel properties and apartment properties.

Previous elected positions held: Green County Board Supervisor (9th District) and City of Monroe Alderman (Ward 9).

There are five open seats on the April ballot for Monroe Common Council. Incumbents Donna Douglas, Mickey Beam, Michael Boyce, Richard Thoman and Rob Driver are seeking re-election. Former City Administrator Phil Rath also filled out papers to be on the ballot. The top five candidates who receive votes will receive two-year terms on the council.

What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it? 

Housing is an issue that needs to be addressed.  Employers have told me that finding employees is very difficult. I believe this is a result of the lack of people living locally. Housing is something that was identified in our Comprehensive Study conducted a few years ago. Many employees are commuting into town. High real estate taxes is also a major issue facing this municipality in my opinion. Keeping property taxes in check without sacrificing much needed services and amenities for our city is a delicate balancing act. I believe the best way to resolve our budget issues is at committee levels and by working closely with the department heads and their employees. We need to find ways of streamlining and saving wherever possible. 


Why are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them? 

Good infrastructure is very important to promote Monroe as a good community to reside in. We need to prioritize projects without creating an undue tax burden on our citizens. Strong economic development will attract industry and businesses to our city which will increase our tax base and therefore create more revenue to our city to lesson the tax burden on existing residents.