MONROE - The top issue for city and school board candidates was money during Thursday's candidate forum, hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
For school board candidates, Michael Boehme, Mary Frantz and Laurie Genz Prien, the problem is how to keep the district's budget stable to guarantee a better education for tomorrow's citizens.
All three candidates said they support the referendum slated for the April 5 ballot.
For city council members, the problem is how to cut still more costs - and not raise taxes - while maintaining adequate city services.
Paul Hannes, Ward 2 incumbent, and his challenger, Brooke Bauman, gave credit to city employees for making concessions in their recently ratified union contracts - cuts they said will go a long way in helping the city save money. Both candidates also suggested combining some departments. Hannes stressed the need to keep equipment in good working condition, while Baumann suggested reducing unnecessary legal expenses and low-priority capital projects.
In Ward 6, Sara Conway and David Riesesaid that, without having seen the budget, they could not pick specific items budget to cut.
But Chris Beer, who is challenging Kent Kallembach in Ward 9, identified specific cuts, including asking employees to take pay cuts in an effort to save jobs. He also advocates prioritizing capital projects and spending only for necessities now and putting off lesser priorities.
Kallembach, however, didn't cite any specific items he'd seek to cut in the current budget.
Charles Schuringa, Ward 10 alderman, also credited the city employees' reductions in union contracts as helping the financial picture. And he recommended seeking lower price quotes for construction materials and reduced bond rates.
His challenger, meanwhile, Tyler Schultz, wants the city to consider purchasing used equipment and extending the life of current equipment with extended maintenance.
Schultz also recommended paying cash, rather than borrowing, for projects whenever possible.
Boehme, Frantz and Prien see the school district as doing a good job of educating, and said they are running for office to continue those efforts.
Boehme added that student competency testing should incorporate knowledge gained and communicated in writing - and in the spoken word. Frantz wants to de-emphasize testing and increase creativity and problem solving in schools.
Prien said Monroe schools are doing a better job than Beloit schools, where she works.
One question that MCCI added for city candidates at the last minute was related to recent council approval of a mortgage guarantee for its city administrator: Should the city be in the home loan guarantee business?
Not surprisingly, Hannes, Kallembach and Schuringa, who voted in favor the resolution Wednesday, all maintained their position, while every other candidate said the city should not be dealing in such issues.
About 50 people attended the forum, which was held at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center.
For school board candidates, Michael Boehme, Mary Frantz and Laurie Genz Prien, the problem is how to keep the district's budget stable to guarantee a better education for tomorrow's citizens.
All three candidates said they support the referendum slated for the April 5 ballot.
For city council members, the problem is how to cut still more costs - and not raise taxes - while maintaining adequate city services.
Paul Hannes, Ward 2 incumbent, and his challenger, Brooke Bauman, gave credit to city employees for making concessions in their recently ratified union contracts - cuts they said will go a long way in helping the city save money. Both candidates also suggested combining some departments. Hannes stressed the need to keep equipment in good working condition, while Baumann suggested reducing unnecessary legal expenses and low-priority capital projects.
In Ward 6, Sara Conway and David Riesesaid that, without having seen the budget, they could not pick specific items budget to cut.
But Chris Beer, who is challenging Kent Kallembach in Ward 9, identified specific cuts, including asking employees to take pay cuts in an effort to save jobs. He also advocates prioritizing capital projects and spending only for necessities now and putting off lesser priorities.
Kallembach, however, didn't cite any specific items he'd seek to cut in the current budget.
Charles Schuringa, Ward 10 alderman, also credited the city employees' reductions in union contracts as helping the financial picture. And he recommended seeking lower price quotes for construction materials and reduced bond rates.
His challenger, meanwhile, Tyler Schultz, wants the city to consider purchasing used equipment and extending the life of current equipment with extended maintenance.
Schultz also recommended paying cash, rather than borrowing, for projects whenever possible.
Boehme, Frantz and Prien see the school district as doing a good job of educating, and said they are running for office to continue those efforts.
Boehme added that student competency testing should incorporate knowledge gained and communicated in writing - and in the spoken word. Frantz wants to de-emphasize testing and increase creativity and problem solving in schools.
Prien said Monroe schools are doing a better job than Beloit schools, where she works.
One question that MCCI added for city candidates at the last minute was related to recent council approval of a mortgage guarantee for its city administrator: Should the city be in the home loan guarantee business?
Not surprisingly, Hannes, Kallembach and Schuringa, who voted in favor the resolution Wednesday, all maintained their position, while every other candidate said the city should not be dealing in such issues.
About 50 people attended the forum, which was held at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center.