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Candidate Profile: Jim Slater
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Position sought: New Glarus Village President/New Glarus Village Trustee

Age: 54

City/town of residence: New Glarus

Family: Married with three children and two grandchildren

Education: MATC Internet Web Developer

Occupation: Regional sales manager, Trident Contract Management

Previous elected positions held: New Glarus Village President for past four years



What are the top issues facing this district and how would you work to resolve it?

The only way we are able to raise revenue is based on new growth in the village. I would like to finally build a new library in New Glarus which I believe will encourage people to build and buy homes. We are well on the way to raising over half the cost of a new building through private donations and I hope we can see this long overdue project completed.

We also are presented with an opportunity for a cooperative boundary agreement with the Town of New Glarus which would help fund the operating expense of the new library. There are some final negotiations to safeguard the growth of the village while still working with the town to protect their ability to serve their citizens as well. We are all part of a big community and we are small enough to be able to work together to forge a win-win partnership.

I will also work to streamline the permitting process for new construction and get agendas and other information available to the public prior to meetings so more people can participate.



What are other key issues facing the district, and how would you work to resolve them?

We need to encourage citizens to become more involved in issues as they are in progress instead of after policies are enacted. I will continued to push for transparency by publishing our agendas and other information on our website, as far ahead as possible so people can come to meetings which affect them and have their voices heard.

We also need a concerted effort to build out our empty downtown areas. I will work to attract business and encourage growth in these undeveloped and underdeveloped areas.



Why are you the best candidate for this office?

My past performance has shown that I only have the best interest of the New Glarus community at heart and I vote accordingly. I have donated many hours to the community as a volunteer fire fighter, ambulance driver and my participation with many other volunteer board organizations such as New Glarus Area EMS, New Glarus Fire Department and New Glarus Vision. All these groups have strengthened my knowledge of community needs and how to get people to work together.

I have stated my plans clearly so people know exactly what they are getting when they vote for me and I will work to deliver the best value I can for the taxes people have to shell out.