Monroe Common Council
Odd-numbered wards on the Monroe Common Council are up for election this April. In Ward 1, incumbent Tom Miller is unchallenged. In Ward 3, incumbent Michael Boyce is unchallenged. In Ward 5, incumbent Charles Koch is unchallenged. In Ward 7, incumbent Louis Armstrong is unchallenged. Armstrong is also running for mayor. In Ward 9, incumbent Richard Thoman is challenged by Chris Dearth.
Position sought: City Alderman - 9th Ward
Age: 55
City/town of residence: City of Monroe
Family: Married over 33 years to Jane (Gibbons) Thoman with 5 Children and 3 grandchildren
Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Wisconsin in Management and Communication. I also have an Associate Degree from Blackhawk Technical College in Accounting.
Occupation: Self-Employed - Owner/operator of hotel properties and apartment properties
Previous elected positions held: Green County Board Supervisor (9th District) and City of Monroe Alderman (Ward 9)
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
I believe that we need to keep property taxes in check without sacrificing much needed services and amenities for our city. I believe the best way to resolve our budget issues is at committee levels and by working closely with the department heads and their employees to find ways of streamlining and saving where possible. This includes making good use of technology when possible and using more efficient machinery. When possible, unnecessary labor costs can also be controlled through attrition. It is our responsibility to represent our constituents and use tax revenues wisely.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
We need to make sure that tax revenues are used to serve the city and that waste is eliminated. We also need to work in harmony with the county and state to ensure there are no duplications of services keeping costs at a minimum. The city has several capital projects that need attention if we are going to keep and attract more businesses and property owners. Good infrastructure is very important to promote Monroe as a community, however we have to be sensitive to our citizens by keeping taxes low. I believe we can help attract growth in Monroe by reducing the regulations that discourage businesses and individuals from building or expanding.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe I am the best candidate for this position for several reasons. First of all, I am a property owner so I am affected greatly by any tax levies. Secondly, I have several years of experience at both the county and city levels. I was born and raised in the Monroe and Green County area and am concerned for the success and prosperity of the residents. I am very involved with the community and am a common sense person with an open mind. I plan to stay in Monroe for the remainder of my life and want to see the best for our region.
Age: 55
City/town of residence: City of Monroe
Family: Married over 33 years to Jane (Gibbons) Thoman with 5 Children and 3 grandchildren
Education: I have a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University Wisconsin in Management and Communication. I also have an Associate Degree from Blackhawk Technical College in Accounting.
Occupation: Self-Employed - Owner/operator of hotel properties and apartment properties
Previous elected positions held: Green County Board Supervisor (9th District) and City of Monroe Alderman (Ward 9)
What are the top issues facing this district/municipality and how would you work to resolve it?
I believe that we need to keep property taxes in check without sacrificing much needed services and amenities for our city. I believe the best way to resolve our budget issues is at committee levels and by working closely with the department heads and their employees to find ways of streamlining and saving where possible. This includes making good use of technology when possible and using more efficient machinery. When possible, unnecessary labor costs can also be controlled through attrition. It is our responsibility to represent our constituents and use tax revenues wisely.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
We need to make sure that tax revenues are used to serve the city and that waste is eliminated. We also need to work in harmony with the county and state to ensure there are no duplications of services keeping costs at a minimum. The city has several capital projects that need attention if we are going to keep and attract more businesses and property owners. Good infrastructure is very important to promote Monroe as a community, however we have to be sensitive to our citizens by keeping taxes low. I believe we can help attract growth in Monroe by reducing the regulations that discourage businesses and individuals from building or expanding.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I believe I am the best candidate for this position for several reasons. First of all, I am a property owner so I am affected greatly by any tax levies. Secondly, I have several years of experience at both the county and city levels. I was born and raised in the Monroe and Green County area and am concerned for the success and prosperity of the residents. I am very involved with the community and am a common sense person with an open mind. I plan to stay in Monroe for the remainder of my life and want to see the best for our region.