Election 2018: City of Monroe
There are five open seats on the April ballot for Monroe Common Council. Incumbents Richard Thoman, Rob Schilt and Michael Boyce are seeking re-election. Aldermen Charles Koch and Tom Miller are stepping down. Write-ins Mickey Beam and Donna Douglas are looking to take the remaining two spots.
Position sought: At Large City Alderperson
Age: 57
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Married 35 years to wife Jane. We have 4 Sons, 1 Daughter, 3 Daughter-in-laws, & 4 Granddaughters
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Communications & Associate Degree 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?
High real estate tax is one top issue facing this municipality in my opinion. 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. We need to find ways of streamlining and saving wherever possible.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
We have identified a housing need through the comprehensive study which was conducted. We need to make housing a priority both for professional people as well as low income individuals. Without housing it is difficult to grow and attract a workforce for our industries and businesses. The city also 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 good community to reside in. We need to prioritize projects without creating an undue tax burden on our citizens. Strong economic development will attract industry and businesses to our city which will increase our tax base and therefore create more revenue to our city to lesson the tax burden on existing residents.
Age: 57
City/town of residence: Monroe
Family: Married 35 years to wife Jane. We have 4 Sons, 1 Daughter, 3 Daughter-in-laws, & 4 Granddaughters
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management and Communications & Associate Degree 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?
High real estate tax is one top issue facing this municipality in my opinion. 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. We need to find ways of streamlining and saving wherever possible.
What are other key issues facing the district/municipality, and how would you work to resolve them?
We have identified a housing need through the comprehensive study which was conducted. We need to make housing a priority both for professional people as well as low income individuals. Without housing it is difficult to grow and attract a workforce for our industries and businesses. The city also 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 good community to reside in. We need to prioritize projects without creating an undue tax burden on our citizens. Strong economic development will attract industry and businesses to our city which will increase our tax base and therefore create more revenue to our city to lesson the tax burden on existing residents.