Age: 71
Address: 903 24th St.
Occupation/Employer: Retired, formerly self-employed, Chuck's Automotive Services and Repair
Community involvement: Public service since 1965: member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, 1965-87; Lifetime member of the St. John's United Church of Christ, served six years on council and continue to serve as team leader on usher and communion team, and serve on property committee; Kiwanis member for many years; member for many years and past officer of Moose Lodge No. 754; participant in Monroe Main Street Farmers Market.
Education: 1959 graduate of Monroe High School.
Previous experience and achievements (in government or other entities): City of Monroe Ward 5 alderman, 1988-96 and 2008-present; Police and Fire Commission, 1996-present.
1) What you have done to prepare yourself to become a city councilman?
I have been involved in public service since 1965, when I joined the Monroe Fire Department and served 22 years. I served as 5th Ward alderman from 1988 until 1996, when health issues forced me to withdraw. I was appointed to the Police and Fire Commission in 1996 and have served there since. In 2008, I campaigned and was again elected as 5th Ward Alderman, at which I presently serve.
2) Aldermen and the mayor work closely together and with the city administrator and other city employees, as well as the public. How would you describe your personality and management style?
I would describe myself as open, positive and accessible. I have always tried to return any message and have listened to all public comments and suggestions. My management style could be described as very low keyed. If I see a way something can be improved, I will approach the department head and discuss the pros and cons to reach the appropriate decision.
3) Council members are charged with the duty of hiring and firing city employees, as well as negotiating with their unions for salary and wage increases and benefits, such as vacation time and sick leave. It is of public interest to know, how much in the way of campaign contributions you have received from city employees? Would you accept any?
I do not accept any campaign contributions. I would not want to be beholden to anybody.
4) What should be the policy of allowing the public to speak at council meetings? Department heads? Other employees? Without advanced notice on the agenda?
I do not believe the council meetings can be too open. Anyone wishing to address the council should be allowed at the proper time as the agenda allows without previous notice.
5) The city is in the midst of determining its continued use of the Green County Landfill/ Transfer station, and whether to buy new trucks and trash bins to continue collecting residential trash as a city service or to hire a private company for the service. What do you believe would be the city's best decision on these issues? How much should the city consider the effects its decisions has on other communities that use the county landfill transfer station?
We are still gathering information before determining the proper procedure. If we continue with municipal collection, it will require a large investment in replacement equipment. If we privatize the collection process, will we be held captive by private contractors? The landfill/transfer station should be a county-wide decision that we can all work together on.
6) Would you encourage the city to use Zero Based Budgeting? (This would require every line item of the budget to be approved, rather than only changes; the amount of money approved for expenditures is based on actual need instead of an automatic increase from the year before. This requires a thorough review process of every item with no reference to previous level of expenditure.)
Every tax dollar has to be discussed and approved before it can be spent, period. This should be done in the fall budgeting process before the final budget is approved. Department heads then have the approval to operate within their budget up to a certain dollar amount, $5,000/$10,000, without further approval. You can hang whatever title or name you want on the budget process.
7) How do you, as a city council member, plan to help facilitate or foster economic growth and development in the city and neighboring communities?
Number one: Streamline the application process. Set and support guidelines for the Chamber, GCDC, Administrator, etc. and give them the freedom to execute contracts. Number two: Support shows and advertising to sell the area. Number three: Growth in one community is growth for all. Number four: Invest in further land development for expansion.
8) Have you ever failed to pay taxes when you were supposed to (i.e., on time)?
No.
Address: 903 24th St.
Occupation/Employer: Retired, formerly self-employed, Chuck's Automotive Services and Repair
Community involvement: Public service since 1965: member of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, 1965-87; Lifetime member of the St. John's United Church of Christ, served six years on council and continue to serve as team leader on usher and communion team, and serve on property committee; Kiwanis member for many years; member for many years and past officer of Moose Lodge No. 754; participant in Monroe Main Street Farmers Market.
Education: 1959 graduate of Monroe High School.
Previous experience and achievements (in government or other entities): City of Monroe Ward 5 alderman, 1988-96 and 2008-present; Police and Fire Commission, 1996-present.
1) What you have done to prepare yourself to become a city councilman?
I have been involved in public service since 1965, when I joined the Monroe Fire Department and served 22 years. I served as 5th Ward alderman from 1988 until 1996, when health issues forced me to withdraw. I was appointed to the Police and Fire Commission in 1996 and have served there since. In 2008, I campaigned and was again elected as 5th Ward Alderman, at which I presently serve.
2) Aldermen and the mayor work closely together and with the city administrator and other city employees, as well as the public. How would you describe your personality and management style?
I would describe myself as open, positive and accessible. I have always tried to return any message and have listened to all public comments and suggestions. My management style could be described as very low keyed. If I see a way something can be improved, I will approach the department head and discuss the pros and cons to reach the appropriate decision.
3) Council members are charged with the duty of hiring and firing city employees, as well as negotiating with their unions for salary and wage increases and benefits, such as vacation time and sick leave. It is of public interest to know, how much in the way of campaign contributions you have received from city employees? Would you accept any?
I do not accept any campaign contributions. I would not want to be beholden to anybody.
4) What should be the policy of allowing the public to speak at council meetings? Department heads? Other employees? Without advanced notice on the agenda?
I do not believe the council meetings can be too open. Anyone wishing to address the council should be allowed at the proper time as the agenda allows without previous notice.
5) The city is in the midst of determining its continued use of the Green County Landfill/ Transfer station, and whether to buy new trucks and trash bins to continue collecting residential trash as a city service or to hire a private company for the service. What do you believe would be the city's best decision on these issues? How much should the city consider the effects its decisions has on other communities that use the county landfill transfer station?
We are still gathering information before determining the proper procedure. If we continue with municipal collection, it will require a large investment in replacement equipment. If we privatize the collection process, will we be held captive by private contractors? The landfill/transfer station should be a county-wide decision that we can all work together on.
6) Would you encourage the city to use Zero Based Budgeting? (This would require every line item of the budget to be approved, rather than only changes; the amount of money approved for expenditures is based on actual need instead of an automatic increase from the year before. This requires a thorough review process of every item with no reference to previous level of expenditure.)
Every tax dollar has to be discussed and approved before it can be spent, period. This should be done in the fall budgeting process before the final budget is approved. Department heads then have the approval to operate within their budget up to a certain dollar amount, $5,000/$10,000, without further approval. You can hang whatever title or name you want on the budget process.
7) How do you, as a city council member, plan to help facilitate or foster economic growth and development in the city and neighboring communities?
Number one: Streamline the application process. Set and support guidelines for the Chamber, GCDC, Administrator, etc. and give them the freedom to execute contracts. Number two: Support shows and advertising to sell the area. Number three: Growth in one community is growth for all. Number four: Invest in further land development for expansion.
8) Have you ever failed to pay taxes when you were supposed to (i.e., on time)?
No.