Age: 64
Occupation: Business Owner
What qualifies you for the position: I have been on city council for six years, and I feel I have gained tremendous knowledge serving on several committees. I led the way and was successful in seeing that the residents on 16th Street did not have to pay for road infrastructure on their street. I was
instrumental in seeking the formation of an ad hoc committee regarding guidelines for the Super-Walmart when they were planning to build in Monroe (because there were no zoning ordinances regarding big box stores in Monroe). I keep the safety of our residents uppermost in my mind, as evidenced by having the steps on the north side of our square changed during the Main Street revitalization program. I have served on the Salary and Personnel Committee and have been heavily involved in labor negotiations for the past several years. I am a problem solver and have always tried to find a solution that satisfies the needs of the majority while finding an alternate satisfactory solution for the minority. I am a team builder and player. I'm good at conflict resolution. I have gained respect from both the current and the past Mayor as well as most alderpersons I have served with. I have tried to maintain an informative and close working relationship with my constituents.
Community involvement: Monroe Rotary Club, past President, voted "Outstanding Rotarian" two years in a row; Kiwanis Board of Directors; Monroe Housing Authority Board of Commissioners; and Green County Historic Museum board member; member of former Monroe Toastmasters Club and of former NAMI chapter.
Education: Wisconsin State University-UW Whitewater, and Southwestern College, Winfield, Kansas, business education and administration.
Previous experience: Have served in leadership positions in several clubs and organizations.
Other: Before moving to Monroe, Vice President of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (local chapter), and the Chamber of Commerce. I headed a committee that for the first time was successful in raising money to fund other committees, as well as being the first woman to head any committee with that Chamber.
A: We can't wait until next budget to start working on addressing expected lower revenue sharing from the state. We have to start working on cutting nonessential expenses, operating expenses and capital expenditures right away. In June or July, our Governor is expected to start the process of providing less revenue to the municipalities. If we wait to address these shortfalls at the next budget talks, it will be too late. The city will have to pay for committed expenses with monies we won't have, and we are not allowed to make up for it in additional property taxes. You can't sustain a municipality with less revenue sharing while not allowing more property taxes; therefore, we need to take immediate action.
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: The city has to go back to its original marketing plan and also work on developing new business. Because the city cannot increase property taxes and has to pay its debts, we need to be very pro-active in letting businesses know that "Monroe is open for business." The city needs to keep working with people who are committed to promoting Monroe, such as our Chamber of Commerce.
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: The proposed Destination Center downtown is a positive step in the right direction. Having a Destination Center promoting the history, products and opportunities encourages more tourism, puts us on the map as a premier place to visit and allows visitors to see the beautiful scenery and points of interest around Monroe. Monroe is rich in offering many opportunities in the culinary industry with bakeries, restaurants, wineries, breweries, cheese factories, dairy farms and our farmer's market. As Monroe becomes more well known and encourages people to take the travel road to a town of charm, history and good food, I can envision our town as a desirable destination for international travelers as well.