Town of Brooklyn
In the Town of Brooklyn, Rob Bartle and Rex Tilley are running for Supervisor 2. Incumbent Russell Cichy is unopposed for treasurer. Garth Langhammer, the incumbent, is unchallenged for chairman. Incumbent Jeff McNeely is running for Supervisor 1, while incumbent Amy Ross is unopposed for clerk.
Position sought: Second supervisor on the Brooklyn Township Board
Age: 61
City/town of residence: Brooklyn
Family: Together my wife Joan and I have 10 kids and 18 grand children so far
Education: Graduated from Evansville High school in 1973, spent 4 years in the Marine Corps and attended MATC on the G.I. bill for Diesel school and small engines. After I retired in 2012 I returned to MATC for a course in construction and remodeling.
Occupation: Retired
Previous elected positions held: None
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Road safety and funding will always be a small town's biggest financial hurdle. Coming up with a plan that works with county, state, and surrounding municipalities is a challenge. Our board has done a wonderful job and I would definitely rely on the experience within the current membership. The one thing I could add is my belief that we should not build anything we are not willing to maintain. Coming up with ways to spend money is easy; asking for funds through tax revenue because of poor planning is a tough row to hoe.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
An issue that arose this winter was a vote by the village of Brooklyn to back out of the shared fire district. Not being on the board, all the facts weren't available to me. It was clear that these issues should have been mediated long before the vote. The signal it sent to our residents and businesses or anyone wanting to move here was devastating. The thought that eliminating EMS and Fire service was even considered was ludicrous. Thankfully our township board saw this for the crazy notion it was and is helping to negotiate a resolution.
I am very much in favor of ways to introduce small organic farms or innovative ideas like the alpaca and sheep setups on Benson rd. I am very much opposed to large animal operations such as thousand head dairy factories. Finding a balance between township ordinances and private property rights can be tough but can be done through open lines of communication.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have been a lifelong resident of Brooklyn. I know a lot of the people and the stories behind how we got to where we are today. I spent 31 years at the Madison Metro Bus company and I believe I bring a unique perspective to our township. I am a member of the Blue Jean Nation. It is a political group trying to bridge the gap between urban dwellers and country folks.
For 31 years I experienced a culture shock as I drove from Brooklyn to Madison. Trying to explain to a farmer who works sunup to sundown 7 days a week, why a UW professor has a right to tenure. Explaining why we should support the UW School System with our taxes even if we can't afford to go to college. Why it's the right thing to allow bicycle races to tie up our roads during the growing season. The ever present opinion that if, I can't have it why should they have it. I would like to create a situation where discussions are had and common sense rules the day.
Age: 61
City/town of residence: Brooklyn
Family: Together my wife Joan and I have 10 kids and 18 grand children so far
Education: Graduated from Evansville High school in 1973, spent 4 years in the Marine Corps and attended MATC on the G.I. bill for Diesel school and small engines. After I retired in 2012 I returned to MATC for a course in construction and remodeling.
Occupation: Retired
Previous elected positions held: None
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
Road safety and funding will always be a small town's biggest financial hurdle. Coming up with a plan that works with county, state, and surrounding municipalities is a challenge. Our board has done a wonderful job and I would definitely rely on the experience within the current membership. The one thing I could add is my belief that we should not build anything we are not willing to maintain. Coming up with ways to spend money is easy; asking for funds through tax revenue because of poor planning is a tough row to hoe.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
An issue that arose this winter was a vote by the village of Brooklyn to back out of the shared fire district. Not being on the board, all the facts weren't available to me. It was clear that these issues should have been mediated long before the vote. The signal it sent to our residents and businesses or anyone wanting to move here was devastating. The thought that eliminating EMS and Fire service was even considered was ludicrous. Thankfully our township board saw this for the crazy notion it was and is helping to negotiate a resolution.
I am very much in favor of ways to introduce small organic farms or innovative ideas like the alpaca and sheep setups on Benson rd. I am very much opposed to large animal operations such as thousand head dairy factories. Finding a balance between township ordinances and private property rights can be tough but can be done through open lines of communication.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have been a lifelong resident of Brooklyn. I know a lot of the people and the stories behind how we got to where we are today. I spent 31 years at the Madison Metro Bus company and I believe I bring a unique perspective to our township. I am a member of the Blue Jean Nation. It is a political group trying to bridge the gap between urban dwellers and country folks.
For 31 years I experienced a culture shock as I drove from Brooklyn to Madison. Trying to explain to a farmer who works sunup to sundown 7 days a week, why a UW professor has a right to tenure. Explaining why we should support the UW School System with our taxes even if we can't afford to go to college. Why it's the right thing to allow bicycle races to tie up our roads during the growing season. The ever present opinion that if, I can't have it why should they have it. I would like to create a situation where discussions are had and common sense rules the day.