Darlington City Council
David Gough, the incumbent, is the only candidate running in the First Aldermanic District. Donald Osterday, the incumbent, is being challenged by Mark Nelson for the Second Aldermanic District. There is no candidate in the Third Aldermanic District.
Position sought: Alderman, 2nd Aldermanic District (Wards 3 and 4)
Age: 69
City/town of residence: Darlington
Family: Wife, Dianne
Daughters, Danielle Hardyman (husband, Pat)
Denise Lancaster (husband, Aaron)
Education: BS, UW-Platteville, Comprehensive Math-Science ,major; MS, UW-Platteville, Science Teaching; MS, UW-Madison, Counseling and Guidance
Occupation: Retired educator, Middle School Math, science teacher, Middleton, six years; high school counselor, Darlington, 29 years; instructor/supervisor, eight years part-time, UW-Platteville
Previous elected positions held:
Elected several times to the 2nd Aldermanic district position
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
For several years, the city council has tried to address citizens concerns about property maintenance. I will continue to encourage voluntary compliance but will seek more enforcement of ordinances when necessary. Making citizens aware of the ordinances is important and a "gentle reminder" is often all it takes to get yours mowed, walks shoveled, and porches painted.
All small towns are struggling to keep/attact businesses. When the opportunity arises, I feel that I can be effective acting as a recruiter.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Keeping infrastructure updated - streets need to be resurfaced, water and sewer lines replaced, and equipment repaired. All of this is costly to municipalities and good decisions need to be made regarding financing these projects. When to borrow and the amount to borrow at any given time is critical. Priorities have to be established and long range planning is a must.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Experience as an alderman is helpful in understanding city operations. I take the position very seriously and try to be informed and prepared for each meeting. The Darlington community is important to me. My parents ran a small business here and my family has solid roots in the city. I know the people and get input from them on most issues. As a school counselor for 29 years, I am well aware that there are two sides to every situation. I believe that I have the problem-solving communication skills to do a good job in this position.
Age: 69
City/town of residence: Darlington
Family: Wife, Dianne
Daughters, Danielle Hardyman (husband, Pat)
Denise Lancaster (husband, Aaron)
Education: BS, UW-Platteville, Comprehensive Math-Science ,major; MS, UW-Platteville, Science Teaching; MS, UW-Madison, Counseling and Guidance
Occupation: Retired educator, Middle School Math, science teacher, Middleton, six years; high school counselor, Darlington, 29 years; instructor/supervisor, eight years part-time, UW-Platteville
Previous elected positions held:
Elected several times to the 2nd Aldermanic district position
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
For several years, the city council has tried to address citizens concerns about property maintenance. I will continue to encourage voluntary compliance but will seek more enforcement of ordinances when necessary. Making citizens aware of the ordinances is important and a "gentle reminder" is often all it takes to get yours mowed, walks shoveled, and porches painted.
All small towns are struggling to keep/attact businesses. When the opportunity arises, I feel that I can be effective acting as a recruiter.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Keeping infrastructure updated - streets need to be resurfaced, water and sewer lines replaced, and equipment repaired. All of this is costly to municipalities and good decisions need to be made regarding financing these projects. When to borrow and the amount to borrow at any given time is critical. Priorities have to be established and long range planning is a must.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Experience as an alderman is helpful in understanding city operations. I take the position very seriously and try to be informed and prepared for each meeting. The Darlington community is important to me. My parents ran a small business here and my family has solid roots in the city. I know the people and get input from them on most issues. As a school counselor for 29 years, I am well aware that there are two sides to every situation. I believe that I have the problem-solving communication skills to do a good job in this position.