Age: 26
Occupation: Bruce Company of Wisconsin
What qualifies you for the position: I believe in bringing some much needed diversity to the city council. I also think I can better represent my constituents by improved communication between them and city hall.
Community involvement: Member of the St. John's United Church of Christ. Education: 2002 graduate of Monroe High School.
Previous experience and achievements: Campaigned for Mayor of Monroe in 2010.
Other: As alderman of Ward 10, I would bring the effort to make our local government more open, transparent and trustworthy. I would be honored to serve as an honest steward of the people.
Q: In expectation of falling revenues (such as state shared revenue) and increasing costs (such as health care and pension plans costs), what should the City of Monroe do to balance its budget next year?
A: In the case of shared revenue, we must hope for the best while expecting the worse. During this uncertain economy, families gather at their kitchen tables and find a budget their incomes allow. As elected representatives of the people, the city council should also seek a fair, as well as accountable, budget that best serves the people of Monroe. Together we can achieve this by debating and hopefully eliminating any and all wasteful spending.
Q: Equalized property values in Monroe's five Tax Increment Districts (TID) fell by about $6 million total last year. If a TID does not raise enough tax revenue annually and does not have enough excess funds to meet its debt payment, the city must pay those shortfalls from its general fund. This was a concern during the budget meetings this past fall. What should the City do to help generate tax revenues specifically for these districts and to increase business, industrial and job growth in the city in general?
A: I believe it all starts with better management. We should not simply ignore any financial until it becomes a problem that needs immediate attention. The City of Monroe needs to change into a more business-friendly environment. We must be open to all options of job growth. Not only do we need these jobs to improve these districts, but to improve our local economy as well. As alderman, I would do everything necessary to facilitate such growth for Monroe and my constituents.
Q: Mayor Bill Ross has said, what is good for Green County is good for Monroe, and therefore, he has worked with Green County Economic Development Corporation, Green County Department of Tourism and other county offices and municipalities to promote economic growth in the area. The opposite saying, what is good for Monroe is good for Green County, could also be true. Monroe Main Street, Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cheese Days Committee have worked to promote more tourism to Monroe. What should the city do to help promote Monroe - its history, its products and its recreational opportunities - as a destination for more visitors?
A: As I have mentioned in the past, Monroe's charm and small town atmosphere really help promote our great community. Again, this should not solely rely on the people. All the previously mentioned entities are a tremendous asset for our tourism industry. We should work together to promote local attractions and festivals. I believe our promotional portfolio need an overhaul to better suit our needs. We also need to make visitor information more abundant and accessible.