Occupation: Retired/YMCA Executive Director
What qualifies you for the position: No
previous political experience. I have been involved in the community as a resident of the 8th ward for 25 years. Directed a Non-Profit in Monroe for 23 years.
Community involvement: Member of the Monroe Police and Fire Commission; Monroe High School Athletic Cheesemaker Booster Club officer; member and volunteer St. Victor Parish; MAC Volunteer; AARP VITA/TCE volunteer; President of Monroe Kiwanis Club.
Education: egree in education from UW-Stevens Point with majors in social science and physical education/health. Certified Senior Director of YMCA of USA
Previous experience: First elected government position.
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: The proposed state budget and cuts will put Monroe and every other municipality in a tight budget situation. Balancing the budget without cutting services will be a challenge.
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: Solving the fall in tax revenue is a budget concern also. Increasing growth in business and industry can be a positive if the growth is controlled and done with solid committed business. There is no easy solution in a tough economic environment.
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: Together the Green County Economic Development Corporation, Department of Tourism, the Chamber, Main Street and Cheese Days have done a great job promoting our area. Continued solid efforts by all will produce results.
A: The proposed state budget and cuts will put Monroe and every other municipality in a tight budget situation. Balancing the budget without cutting services will be a challenge.
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: Solving the fall in tax revenue is a budget concern also. Increasing growth in business and industry can be a positive if the growth is controlled and done with solid committed business. There is no easy solution in a tough economic environment.
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: Together the Green County Economic Development Corporation, Department of Tourism, the Chamber, Main Street and Cheese Days have done a great job promoting our area. Continued solid efforts by all will produce results.