Argyle Village Board
There are three candidates running for three spots on the board: David Soper, Brenda Bredeson and Tim Olmstead.
Position sought: Argyle village board
Age: 54
City/town of residence: Village of Argyle
Family: Husband Ron, sons Chuck (Ashley Bidlingmaier) and Russ (Adrian), daughter Andrea, and grandson Henry
Education: BA in English-Secondary Education from UW-Platteville, MS in Education from UW-LaCrosse, Principal/Administration License from UW-Platteville
Occupation: High school English teacher at Juda High School (17 years)
Previous elected positions held: None before being elected to the village board two years ago
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Economic development and filling the vacant buildings in our downtown are our top issues. We must continue to encourage businesses to come to Argyle through the use of our TID district and by showing (potential) business owners what our village has to offer. When we talk to people and tell them what a great place Argyle is to live, to work, and to do business, I think that is the best way to promote our town. In the past few years, we have had several new businesses open in Argyle that are doing very well. The fact that people are willing to stake their futures on owning a business in Argyle says a lot about us (and them). They are willing to put their time and money, their heart and soul into keeping our village vibrant and alive. Those are the type of people we want to attract to Argyle - to live and to do business.
What are other key issues face the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Of continuing importance is providing the best quality of life we can for the people who live in the village of Argyle. It is vitally important to keep Argyle as safe and as well maintained as possible. We want our streets to be safe for everyone, and when people are driving through, we want our downtown area to be attractive and welcoming, which will also encourage new businesses to come to town. Of course, we need to do this is the most fiscally responsible way possible. Budgeting is more challenging every year, yet keeping property taxes low is always a priority.
Age: 54
City/town of residence: Village of Argyle
Family: Husband Ron, sons Chuck (Ashley Bidlingmaier) and Russ (Adrian), daughter Andrea, and grandson Henry
Education: BA in English-Secondary Education from UW-Platteville, MS in Education from UW-LaCrosse, Principal/Administration License from UW-Platteville
Occupation: High school English teacher at Juda High School (17 years)
Previous elected positions held: None before being elected to the village board two years ago
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Economic development and filling the vacant buildings in our downtown are our top issues. We must continue to encourage businesses to come to Argyle through the use of our TID district and by showing (potential) business owners what our village has to offer. When we talk to people and tell them what a great place Argyle is to live, to work, and to do business, I think that is the best way to promote our town. In the past few years, we have had several new businesses open in Argyle that are doing very well. The fact that people are willing to stake their futures on owning a business in Argyle says a lot about us (and them). They are willing to put their time and money, their heart and soul into keeping our village vibrant and alive. Those are the type of people we want to attract to Argyle - to live and to do business.
What are other key issues face the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Of continuing importance is providing the best quality of life we can for the people who live in the village of Argyle. It is vitally important to keep Argyle as safe and as well maintained as possible. We want our streets to be safe for everyone, and when people are driving through, we want our downtown area to be attractive and welcoming, which will also encourage new businesses to come to town. Of course, we need to do this is the most fiscally responsible way possible. Budgeting is more challenging every year, yet keeping property taxes low is always a priority.