Position sought: Ward 2 Alderperson
Age: 36
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Daughter, Maddisyn, age 15
Education: Monroe High School, Edgewood College, currently enrolled at Blackhawk Technical College
Occupation: Accounting/management assistant for the School District of Monroe at the Monroe Public Library
Previous elected positions held: Current Ward 2 alderperson, currently serving on the following committees/boards: Board of Review, Community Improvement Committee, Ethics Board, Finance and Taxation Committee, Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee, License Committee (alternate), Main Street board of directors, Public Property Committee (chair), Salary and Personnel Committee (chair), Green County Development Corporation board of directors
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
I think the biggest issue we are facing is in regards to economic development. We, as a city, county and region, need to work on retaining and growing the current businesses we have, but also getting new business into the area. I am hopeful that through the efforts of the Green County Branding initiative and the Green County Development Corporation's strategic plan goals, we can accomplish the goal of retaining and attracting businesses. Economic development is such a small part of the city's budget, but such a vital necessity for the community. We are fortunate to have such a strong, driving force in the chamber, but we need to make sure we, as the decision makers, are giving them all the support they need to help achieve our mutual goals. With the upcoming wastewater treatment facility project, we are in a great position to be able to handle new business and industry coming into the community.
I also think that we need to continue to work on our transparency to the taxpayers. Our actions, spending, and activities need to be visible to those to whom we are accountable to. If the people are aware of and have a voice in what we are doing, then they are more likely to participate in the political process, which will benefit everyone.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
As always, the budget is an issue. As a member of the Finance and Taxation Committee, I was very proud that we were able to again have a budget with no increases to the taxpayers. Our jobs as elected officials are now to make sure that we stick to the budget and use the money as we have appropriated. Our duty is to act as stewards of the taxpayers' money so we need to continue to make sure we are making the best decisions regarding the taxpayers' money with the taxpayers in mind. Additionally, we need to continue to evaluate the funds that we are spending to determine if and where cuts can be made.
Another issue facing the city is what to do with the parking ramp. Something needs to be done to ensure that the people that work, live, and visit downtown have ample parking in the downtown area. We are lucky to have such a problem where people actually enjoy being in our downtown, as so many cities see their downtowns crumbling. Having a healthy parking structure is important to the businesses that are in that area and will only help with economic development and tourists. However, we need to make sure we understand all of our options as far as paying for this structure. I hope the efforts of the mayor's ad hoc committee produces some good ideas, but ultimately the council will need to determine how to fund the structure.
Age: 36
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Daughter, Maddisyn, age 15
Education: Monroe High School, Edgewood College, currently enrolled at Blackhawk Technical College
Occupation: Accounting/management assistant for the School District of Monroe at the Monroe Public Library
Previous elected positions held: Current Ward 2 alderperson, currently serving on the following committees/boards: Board of Review, Community Improvement Committee, Ethics Board, Finance and Taxation Committee, Judiciary and Ordinance Review Committee, License Committee (alternate), Main Street board of directors, Public Property Committee (chair), Salary and Personnel Committee (chair), Green County Development Corporation board of directors
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
I think the biggest issue we are facing is in regards to economic development. We, as a city, county and region, need to work on retaining and growing the current businesses we have, but also getting new business into the area. I am hopeful that through the efforts of the Green County Branding initiative and the Green County Development Corporation's strategic plan goals, we can accomplish the goal of retaining and attracting businesses. Economic development is such a small part of the city's budget, but such a vital necessity for the community. We are fortunate to have such a strong, driving force in the chamber, but we need to make sure we, as the decision makers, are giving them all the support they need to help achieve our mutual goals. With the upcoming wastewater treatment facility project, we are in a great position to be able to handle new business and industry coming into the community.
I also think that we need to continue to work on our transparency to the taxpayers. Our actions, spending, and activities need to be visible to those to whom we are accountable to. If the people are aware of and have a voice in what we are doing, then they are more likely to participate in the political process, which will benefit everyone.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
As always, the budget is an issue. As a member of the Finance and Taxation Committee, I was very proud that we were able to again have a budget with no increases to the taxpayers. Our jobs as elected officials are now to make sure that we stick to the budget and use the money as we have appropriated. Our duty is to act as stewards of the taxpayers' money so we need to continue to make sure we are making the best decisions regarding the taxpayers' money with the taxpayers in mind. Additionally, we need to continue to evaluate the funds that we are spending to determine if and where cuts can be made.
Another issue facing the city is what to do with the parking ramp. Something needs to be done to ensure that the people that work, live, and visit downtown have ample parking in the downtown area. We are lucky to have such a problem where people actually enjoy being in our downtown, as so many cities see their downtowns crumbling. Having a healthy parking structure is important to the businesses that are in that area and will only help with economic development and tourists. However, we need to make sure we understand all of our options as far as paying for this structure. I hope the efforts of the mayor's ad hoc committee produces some good ideas, but ultimately the council will need to determine how to fund the structure.