MONROE - While five seats on the Monroe City Council are on Tuesday's election ballot, only one, in Ward 4, has more than one contestant. Alderman Jan Lefevre is being challenged by Dan DeMuth.
Aldermen Paul Hannes (Ward 2), Keith Ingwell (Ward 6), Dan Henke (Ward 8) and Charles Schuringa (Ward 10) are running uncontested.
The Times asked each of the Ward 4 candidates to answer a set of questions about Monroe city issues. Here are their answers:
Address: 2421 9th Street
Family information: Married to Lisa DeMuth. Lisa is a fourth-grade teacher at St. Victor School in Monroe. Lisa and I are truly blessed to have a 6-month-old daughter named Madeline Ann. Maddie's best friend is our puppy named Keebler.
Business or job position: I am a district training manager for Check Into Cash, Inc.
Community organizations: I am the chair for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life here in Green County. I am a member of St. Victor Parish.
Reasons running for office: I think that serving as a council member will allow me to give back to our community and to help protect Monroe's character and unique values, while also preparing our city for the challenges that lie ahead.
What specific expertise, skills and interests would you bring to the Council?
I have experience in a multi-unit management position which has allowed me to work very closely with creating and balancing budgets, profits and loss, and ensuring that my company operates according to state laws and legislation. I have experience working on committees, as well as experience with goal setting, and I am comfortable holding the correct individuals accountable if they were unable or unwilling to follow the set expectations.
Which city committees or boards would you like to serve on?
I would like to serve on several boards, if given the opportunity. Public safety, community improvement, license committee, and salary and personnel are a few of the boards in which I have a high level of interest serving.
Should the City of Monroe fill the city administrator position? Why, when and how should it go about doing that?
I feel there is a need for some position to be created. It doesn't necessarily need to be to the extent of a city administrator, but there definitely needs to be someone in place to hold people accountable, delegate duties, and to ensure polices and procedures are being followed.
What should the mayor's role be?
I feel that the mayor should have a direct interest in the City of Monroe. The mayor should oversee the city to ensure the boards and committees are productive and operating smoothly.
What should the city government's role be in economic development, and who should head up or oversee that work?
I've found Monroe to be a place where people want to live, work and raise a family. I feel that the city government needs to do all it can to ensure that Monroe continues to grow economically.
What is your stance on the city's second fire station on the west side? Explain.
I know in a perfect world, with an endless supply of financing, I would support putting up a second fire station to improve coverage and faster response times; however, I do not currently know enough of the facts and figures in the city's budget and available finances to take a stance on this topic yet.
How would you approach balancing next year's budget? Do you have any creative ideas for the Finance and Taxation Committee? What would you be willing to cut? What should absolutely not be cut?
I would do everything I could to ensure correct decisions are being made on important financial matters. I would push to see that we are controlling our capital expenses. I would take a good look at personnel to ensure that we are not overstaffed in unnecessary areas. One area I would like to avoid making any cuts from would be public safety. Public safety is very important not only to my family but to many other Monroe families, as well.
Would you be willing to lay off city personnel, and where, if it becomes necessary?
I hope that we would never have to face this situation. However, if it is inevitable and we become forced to make cuts, I would be willing to make cuts in any of the departments that are overstaffed. I would try and choose departments that would create the least amount of direct impact on the residents of Monroe.
On contentious issues, will you vote your preference and conscience, or with the consensus of your constituents?
I will be elected by and representing Ward 4. I think it is very important that I seek their input on hot-topic items. I will base my vote on the facts and what I feel is the best decision for the people of my ward and of Monroe.
What, in your opinion, is the main issue the City of Monroe faces, and how would you address it?
I think Monroe is facing the same issues that many small communities across America are today. The recent economic downturn has put a pinch on everyone's pocketbook. I would like to see us work to improve this in our community by finding ways to help new businesses and strengthen old ones. I want to see Monroe continue to have a vibrant downtown area, safe neighborhoods and be a place people want to plant their roots.
Other issues you believe need to be addressed and how:
We need to find a way to bring back spring cleanup, because my wife will not let me get a riding lawn mower until our shed is cleaned out, haha.
Aldermen Paul Hannes (Ward 2), Keith Ingwell (Ward 6), Dan Henke (Ward 8) and Charles Schuringa (Ward 10) are running uncontested.
The Times asked each of the Ward 4 candidates to answer a set of questions about Monroe city issues. Here are their answers:
Address: 2421 9th Street
Family information: Married to Lisa DeMuth. Lisa is a fourth-grade teacher at St. Victor School in Monroe. Lisa and I are truly blessed to have a 6-month-old daughter named Madeline Ann. Maddie's best friend is our puppy named Keebler.
Business or job position: I am a district training manager for Check Into Cash, Inc.
Community organizations: I am the chair for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life here in Green County. I am a member of St. Victor Parish.
Reasons running for office: I think that serving as a council member will allow me to give back to our community and to help protect Monroe's character and unique values, while also preparing our city for the challenges that lie ahead.
What specific expertise, skills and interests would you bring to the Council?
I have experience in a multi-unit management position which has allowed me to work very closely with creating and balancing budgets, profits and loss, and ensuring that my company operates according to state laws and legislation. I have experience working on committees, as well as experience with goal setting, and I am comfortable holding the correct individuals accountable if they were unable or unwilling to follow the set expectations.
Which city committees or boards would you like to serve on?
I would like to serve on several boards, if given the opportunity. Public safety, community improvement, license committee, and salary and personnel are a few of the boards in which I have a high level of interest serving.
Should the City of Monroe fill the city administrator position? Why, when and how should it go about doing that?
I feel there is a need for some position to be created. It doesn't necessarily need to be to the extent of a city administrator, but there definitely needs to be someone in place to hold people accountable, delegate duties, and to ensure polices and procedures are being followed.
What should the mayor's role be?
I feel that the mayor should have a direct interest in the City of Monroe. The mayor should oversee the city to ensure the boards and committees are productive and operating smoothly.
What should the city government's role be in economic development, and who should head up or oversee that work?
I've found Monroe to be a place where people want to live, work and raise a family. I feel that the city government needs to do all it can to ensure that Monroe continues to grow economically.
What is your stance on the city's second fire station on the west side? Explain.
I know in a perfect world, with an endless supply of financing, I would support putting up a second fire station to improve coverage and faster response times; however, I do not currently know enough of the facts and figures in the city's budget and available finances to take a stance on this topic yet.
How would you approach balancing next year's budget? Do you have any creative ideas for the Finance and Taxation Committee? What would you be willing to cut? What should absolutely not be cut?
I would do everything I could to ensure correct decisions are being made on important financial matters. I would push to see that we are controlling our capital expenses. I would take a good look at personnel to ensure that we are not overstaffed in unnecessary areas. One area I would like to avoid making any cuts from would be public safety. Public safety is very important not only to my family but to many other Monroe families, as well.
Would you be willing to lay off city personnel, and where, if it becomes necessary?
I hope that we would never have to face this situation. However, if it is inevitable and we become forced to make cuts, I would be willing to make cuts in any of the departments that are overstaffed. I would try and choose departments that would create the least amount of direct impact on the residents of Monroe.
On contentious issues, will you vote your preference and conscience, or with the consensus of your constituents?
I will be elected by and representing Ward 4. I think it is very important that I seek their input on hot-topic items. I will base my vote on the facts and what I feel is the best decision for the people of my ward and of Monroe.
What, in your opinion, is the main issue the City of Monroe faces, and how would you address it?
I think Monroe is facing the same issues that many small communities across America are today. The recent economic downturn has put a pinch on everyone's pocketbook. I would like to see us work to improve this in our community by finding ways to help new businesses and strengthen old ones. I want to see Monroe continue to have a vibrant downtown area, safe neighborhoods and be a place people want to plant their roots.
Other issues you believe need to be addressed and how:
We need to find a way to bring back spring cleanup, because my wife will not let me get a riding lawn mower until our shed is cleaned out, haha.