DARLINGTON — The City of Darlington will hold a primary election Feb. 18 for the first district seat. Incumbent Cindy Corley is being challenged by Bernard Biraki and Ray Spellman.
1. Occupation
2. Family background
3. Previous political experience
4. What do you feel are the most important issues facing the City of Darlington?
5. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision making process in your town?
6. The demographics in Darlington are unique to a community of our size in Southwest Wisconsin. Do you have any plans/ideas on how to better bring these two communities together?
Bernie Biraki
1. Pension, United States Navy
2. First generation American, born in Chicago, son of parents immigrated from Yougoslavia. Graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in 1983. Wife: Tammy; daughter: Emily; Member of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Darlington.
3. Ran against incumbent Dave Gough (2019).
4. 1) Sewer system upgrade; 2) Industrial Park upgrade; 3) Ambulance Service; 4) MLS construction of swimming pool with Burbach Aquatics; 5) Migrant worker housing; 6) Looking at Canoe Fest in 2021 with road project going on.
5. I plan to make it easier for them to get involved by adding public meetings with an emphasis on their thoughts.
6. The Irish, Swiss and Germans have immigrated successfully and the Hispanics will too.
Cindy Corley
1. Lands’ End-order services
2. Husband of 31 years, Tom. Our combined family of six children are Debby, Rodney-deceased, Jackie, Sarah, Katie, and Jessica. Our grandchildren include Heather, Alisa, Mitchell, Cain, Sydney, Ashlynn, Maylee and Kase. Our great-grandchildren are Ava and Cassius.
3. I am proud to be the fourth woman to serve on city council. My current committee appointments are Finance and Personnel, Water and Sewer, Cable TV, Policies, Procedures and Ordinances and Swimming Pool Committee.
4. Lack of housing that meets the demands and expectations of today’s young families, lack of housing options for retirees and seniors, and continued property maintenance and infrastructure improvements. Some residents have expressed concerns about property taxes. A final concern is that there are buildings within city limits that have been for sale and still remain unoccupied.
5. I have encouraged our residents to attend council meetings. The City of Darlington has a great website where council agendas, meeting minutes and committees are posted. When appropriate, public information meetings can be held.
6. Although our demographics are unique in Darlington, there are more than just two communities that have been thriving as one meshed community. I personally would like to empower and encourage our youth with community activities and programs to continue to strengthen and improve out ever growing community and demographics. Our youth are the future of our community.
Ray Spellman
1. Retired, 20 years, farm implement dealer in Darlington, 20 years, civil engineer
2. My wife Wendy; daughters: Elizabeth, and Emily who is married to Miah; granddaughters: Reagan and Alice
4. Financial responsibility has to be a top issue of any organization; the swimming pool and the Main Street/Galena Street Highway 23 reconstruction project. Keeping our youth in the community.
5. The answer seems obvious of course, but it is to ask them, then listen, then respond and react accordingly. During the nomination signature gathering process of running for office, many of the residents I visited had issues on their minds, with suggested solutions.
6. The two communities in Darlington share a community. Both have the same traditional needs and concerns: housing, the workplace, first time buyers, and for our aging population are a priority.