New Glarus Village Board
Six candidates are running for three spots on the village board. Incumbents are Mark Janowiak, Eric Gobeli and Peggy Kruse. Also running are Ben Kahl, Barbara Anderson and Tammy Newberry. All candidates were asked to submit answers to questions.
Position sought: New Glarus village board
Age: 44
City/town of residence: Village of New Glarus
Family: Alex ,21; Aden, 11; Abby, 10; Ally, 10; Andrew, 8
Education: I went to Monroe High School after which I attended ITT Tech in Greenfield
Occupation: Owner, Swiss Aire Motel
Previously elected positions held: I am currently a first term village of New Glarus trustee, two years
What are the top issues facing this district/ municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
It is clear to me that the biggest challenge we face today is convincing the library board that a huge new building is not a priority for the village. Our library needs more space, I think that is something we can all agree on, but that does not equate to a new building. Our library board comes to the village year after year asking for an increase in operating budget for the 2,000-square-foot space they currently have. I am not nearly convinced they can build and operate a new 14,000-square-foot building without an even larger increase than what they have asked for in the last two years. It is important to note that we haven't had the money available to give them these operating budget increases. What will happen if they build a large new building, and then tell us they need more money to operate it, when we don't have that money to give them? What good is a huge new building, if it's only open three or four days a week? I would like to see the library continue their fundraising effort, which is something that should always continue, well into the future. I will continue to stay focused on the priorities for the village: Maintaining a balanced budget, infrastructure, street repairs and improving core services, without raising taxes.
What are other key issues facing this district/ municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Community growth and development should be a priority for the village. As a business owner, I see the potential for commercial and retail business growth. There are several buildings and lots suitable to meet many different needs. New Glarus has some of the finest and brightest professionals in the area. Their talents, coupled with our status as a tourist destination and the popularity and draw of the New Glarus Brewing Company, create very unique opportunities for a small community such as ours to grow. That growth can help facilitate some tax relief and create economic growth for New Glarus. Street projects and infrastructure are also a concern, the condition of some of our village streets are beyond maintenance. The last two years we have been able to take on some of the most deteriorated streets and there are more to come in 2015. It can be challenging to do these large projects and balance the village budget at the same time. My time in the village board and public works and public safety committee has made me very aware of the delicate balance between these two competing priorities.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
The last 2 years have been challenging, but at the end of the day I believe I have made the best decisions on behalf of the village as a whole. Village trustee can be a thankless position and it is difficult to make everyone happy. I'm not running for village trustee for gratitude or accolades, I'm running for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and improvement of the community my family and I call home. I will continue to work hard and utilize my business experience to make informed and financially sound decisions. I have worked hard over the last two years trying to make wise decisions to the benefit of New Glarus. There is still a lot of work to be done, more than can be done in a single 2 year term. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue the work I've started. With that in mind, I hope on April 7 I have earned the privilege of representing the people and businesses of New Glarus for another two years.
Age: 44
City/town of residence: Village of New Glarus
Family: Alex ,21; Aden, 11; Abby, 10; Ally, 10; Andrew, 8
Education: I went to Monroe High School after which I attended ITT Tech in Greenfield
Occupation: Owner, Swiss Aire Motel
Previously elected positions held: I am currently a first term village of New Glarus trustee, two years
What are the top issues facing this district/ municipality and how would you work to resolve them?
It is clear to me that the biggest challenge we face today is convincing the library board that a huge new building is not a priority for the village. Our library needs more space, I think that is something we can all agree on, but that does not equate to a new building. Our library board comes to the village year after year asking for an increase in operating budget for the 2,000-square-foot space they currently have. I am not nearly convinced they can build and operate a new 14,000-square-foot building without an even larger increase than what they have asked for in the last two years. It is important to note that we haven't had the money available to give them these operating budget increases. What will happen if they build a large new building, and then tell us they need more money to operate it, when we don't have that money to give them? What good is a huge new building, if it's only open three or four days a week? I would like to see the library continue their fundraising effort, which is something that should always continue, well into the future. I will continue to stay focused on the priorities for the village: Maintaining a balanced budget, infrastructure, street repairs and improving core services, without raising taxes.
What are other key issues facing this district/ municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
Community growth and development should be a priority for the village. As a business owner, I see the potential for commercial and retail business growth. There are several buildings and lots suitable to meet many different needs. New Glarus has some of the finest and brightest professionals in the area. Their talents, coupled with our status as a tourist destination and the popularity and draw of the New Glarus Brewing Company, create very unique opportunities for a small community such as ours to grow. That growth can help facilitate some tax relief and create economic growth for New Glarus. Street projects and infrastructure are also a concern, the condition of some of our village streets are beyond maintenance. The last two years we have been able to take on some of the most deteriorated streets and there are more to come in 2015. It can be challenging to do these large projects and balance the village budget at the same time. My time in the village board and public works and public safety committee has made me very aware of the delicate balance between these two competing priorities.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
The last 2 years have been challenging, but at the end of the day I believe I have made the best decisions on behalf of the village as a whole. Village trustee can be a thankless position and it is difficult to make everyone happy. I'm not running for village trustee for gratitude or accolades, I'm running for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and improvement of the community my family and I call home. I will continue to work hard and utilize my business experience to make informed and financially sound decisions. I have worked hard over the last two years trying to make wise decisions to the benefit of New Glarus. There is still a lot of work to be done, more than can be done in a single 2 year term. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue the work I've started. With that in mind, I hope on April 7 I have earned the privilege of representing the people and businesses of New Glarus for another two years.