Position sought: New Glarus Village Trustee
Age: 42
City/town of residence: Village of New Glarus
Family: My wife Tracy; three sons Alex, 19; Aden, 9, Andrew, 6; and two daughters, Abby and Ally, both 8
Education: I went to Monroe High School after which I attended ITT Tech in Greenfield.
Occupation: My wife and I own and operate the Swiss Aire Motel in New Glarus. Previously, I spent 12 years as an industrial maintenance technician.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
One of the most debated issues facing New Glarus is the proposed library, with regards to both its funding and location. I am excited about the opportunity for a new library. But I am concerned that the proposed plan will leave our library isolated and financially challenged. Currently there is a convenience and peace of mind in having the park, pool, visitor center, bike trail, city hall, shops, restaurants, police, fire and library in one community-friendly "kid safe" zone. I think removing a keystone like the library from that area would be detrimental to this unique combination of recreation and services. I support holding a referendum to give New Glarus residents a chance to decide officially what the future of our library is to be.
Another concern I have is the Cooperative Boundary Agreement being negotiated between the village and the Town of New Glarus. Briefly - the township wants the village to forego annexation (expansion) for 20 years, which will limit our ability to grow our tax base. In return the township will make payments to the village, but with the conditions that all money paid to the village must be used solely to increase the operating budget of the library. I appreciate that the township wants to protect its borders, and I want the village and the town to maintain a good relationship. But we also need to do what is best for the future of the village. I will insist on an agreement that is fair.
Finally, I am concerned about the village's management of its debt limit. New Glarus faces both a state imposed debt limit, and a self-imposed limit. The self-imposed limit is 75 percent of the state limit. I like the cautious approach that New Glarus has taken to borrowing, and hope we continue down that path. Flirting with our self-imposed limit would be financially dangerous. I am concerned that borrowing large sums of money for the library or other projects may push us over that limit, which would drive your property taxes rapidly higher.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
One of the most common concerns I hear from my fellow New Glarus residents is that our property taxes are uncomfortably high. As a business owner, I understand their concerns. The village portion of your property tax bill accounts for only 1/3 of your total tax bill. As a village trustee, I will work hard to control and hopefully even reduce the village portion of your tax bill, without sacrificing core services. The best way to accomplish that is through careful and well-planned growth.
Doing so will be challenging, as there are future needs we must prepare for, as well. Road projects will need to be planned and paid for, making sure storm sewer run off and snow removal are adequate remains a priority, as does controlling utility costs. Finally, our police, fire and EMS departments must have the tools and resources needed to keep us safe. New Glarus is a growing community and we need to make sure the quality of our streets and services keeps pace with growing demands.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel my business experience is an asset that will help me make informed and financially sound decisions. I bring a unique point of view: if elected, I would be one of only two people on the board with young children, and one of only two with a substantial business investment located in New Glarus. Both my family and my business are counting on a well-run, family-friendly community.
Age: 42
City/town of residence: Village of New Glarus
Family: My wife Tracy; three sons Alex, 19; Aden, 9, Andrew, 6; and two daughters, Abby and Ally, both 8
Education: I went to Monroe High School after which I attended ITT Tech in Greenfield.
Occupation: My wife and I own and operate the Swiss Aire Motel in New Glarus. Previously, I spent 12 years as an industrial maintenance technician.
What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?
One of the most debated issues facing New Glarus is the proposed library, with regards to both its funding and location. I am excited about the opportunity for a new library. But I am concerned that the proposed plan will leave our library isolated and financially challenged. Currently there is a convenience and peace of mind in having the park, pool, visitor center, bike trail, city hall, shops, restaurants, police, fire and library in one community-friendly "kid safe" zone. I think removing a keystone like the library from that area would be detrimental to this unique combination of recreation and services. I support holding a referendum to give New Glarus residents a chance to decide officially what the future of our library is to be.
Another concern I have is the Cooperative Boundary Agreement being negotiated between the village and the Town of New Glarus. Briefly - the township wants the village to forego annexation (expansion) for 20 years, which will limit our ability to grow our tax base. In return the township will make payments to the village, but with the conditions that all money paid to the village must be used solely to increase the operating budget of the library. I appreciate that the township wants to protect its borders, and I want the village and the town to maintain a good relationship. But we also need to do what is best for the future of the village. I will insist on an agreement that is fair.
Finally, I am concerned about the village's management of its debt limit. New Glarus faces both a state imposed debt limit, and a self-imposed limit. The self-imposed limit is 75 percent of the state limit. I like the cautious approach that New Glarus has taken to borrowing, and hope we continue down that path. Flirting with our self-imposed limit would be financially dangerous. I am concerned that borrowing large sums of money for the library or other projects may push us over that limit, which would drive your property taxes rapidly higher.
What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?
One of the most common concerns I hear from my fellow New Glarus residents is that our property taxes are uncomfortably high. As a business owner, I understand their concerns. The village portion of your property tax bill accounts for only 1/3 of your total tax bill. As a village trustee, I will work hard to control and hopefully even reduce the village portion of your tax bill, without sacrificing core services. The best way to accomplish that is through careful and well-planned growth.
Doing so will be challenging, as there are future needs we must prepare for, as well. Road projects will need to be planned and paid for, making sure storm sewer run off and snow removal are adequate remains a priority, as does controlling utility costs. Finally, our police, fire and EMS departments must have the tools and resources needed to keep us safe. New Glarus is a growing community and we need to make sure the quality of our streets and services keeps pace with growing demands.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I feel my business experience is an asset that will help me make informed and financially sound decisions. I bring a unique point of view: if elected, I would be one of only two people on the board with young children, and one of only two with a substantial business investment located in New Glarus. Both my family and my business are counting on a well-run, family-friendly community.