Mike Rivers
Age: 37
Address: 323 6th St.
Family: Married
Occupation: President and CEO of RIVCOM Computer Sales and Service
Community involvement: Sponsor of Swiss Roots, Monroe Cheese Days. RIVCOM donates computers to senior citizens, non-profit organizations and low-income families in the area.
Education: James Madison Memorial High School; Edgewood College, general business and management; Pat Ryan, Chicago, Ill., Finance and Insurance Management; MATC, Computer Repair Technician.
Personal description: Born and raised in Verona and Madison. Hobbies include walking and biking. I am a member of Badger Bimmers Wisconsin Chapter of the BMW CCA. Fishing, football and hockey; spending time with family and friends.
Previous experience and achievements:
I have successfully started, from the ground floor up, three businesses in this area since 1999; two of the companies I have sold within the past six years. I have also acted as a consultant to numerous people regarding business start-ups and business management over the last 15 years.
What two issues are the City of Monroe now facing, which do you consider most important? How would you recommend the city handle them?:
New business development and business retention. There are way too many vacant buildings; we need to become more aggressive within these areas.
Balance our city budget. We have to look more closely at what funds are available, just like we do in our own households. If we keep imposing tax hikes to pay for everything, we will continue to lose residents and businesses, and keep this city from ever expanding. We also need to focus more attention on government grants that are available, which would benefit the city financially.
What vision of Monroe would you bring to the Common Council regarding its short-term future (three to five years)?:
I would like to see the residents of Monroe get more involved with what is going on in the city. I believe people need to attend the council meetings and the mayor's open forums, and voice their ideas or concerns. I plan to hold two to four listening sessions a year within Ward 9, if I'm elected. I have spoken to hundreds of people over the last few months and have heard the same thing from many people - to please keep them better informed.
Richard Thoman
Age: 49
Address: 419 4th Ave.
Family: Married 27 years to Jane (Gibbons). Five children: Daniel, 21, who is in the U.S. Army in Germany; Joseph, 20, and Andrew, 18, both in college; Timothy, 11, and Becky, 8.
Occupation: Co-owner of AmericInn Lodge and Suites and the Super 8 Motel in Monroe, and own and manage rental properties.
Community involvement: County Board Supervisor, on various committees; City of Monroe Visitor and Tourism Committee; Chamber of Commerce member, Monroe Bible Church board member.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Management and Communication, Associate Degree in Accounting.
Personal description: Born in Monroe and raised on a farm in Green County. Worked in construction, then employed nine years at a phone company as an accountant, and in motel management since 1998. I enjoy taking trips, attending sporting and community events, motorcycle riding, and I am active in my church.
Previous experience and achievements:
I am in my second term as County Board Supervisor for the 9th Ward. I also have been on the city's Visitor and Tourism Committee for many years. I feel being the owner of several businesses helps me understand the importance of city government and the challenges property owners face. I employ and manage employees which helps qualify me for this position.
What two issues are the City of Monroe now facing, and which do you consider most important? How would you recommend the city handle them?:
The first issue is the fiscal challenge we face in these economic times. I believe we need to assess where we are spending our tax dollars and how we can keep spending in control. We need to make sure that we aren't doing unnecessary and redundant things, but at the same time we need to look out into the future and make sure we are not creating a liability in the future to save a few dollars today. We need to look at city business a lot like we would run our own businesses. One suggestion I would recommend is that of hiring a city administrator who could tie things together and keep continuity in the direction of the city when new officials are elected. Secondly, Monroe needs to keep up on having the proper infrastructure so that we can serve the needs of people and have room for expansion.
What vision of Monroe would you bring to the Common Council regarding its short-term future (three to five years)?:
I try to approach issues with common sense. I feel it is important to have the proper infrastructure in place so that we can attract businesses and people to our city. We need to be proactive instead of reactive. The city has to do all it can to make it as easy as possible for businesses to locate in our community, while still maintaining a well thought out plan. Reducing property taxes will also encourage people to stay in Monroe as well as attract new people and businesses to locate here.
Age: 37
Address: 323 6th St.
Family: Married
Occupation: President and CEO of RIVCOM Computer Sales and Service
Community involvement: Sponsor of Swiss Roots, Monroe Cheese Days. RIVCOM donates computers to senior citizens, non-profit organizations and low-income families in the area.
Education: James Madison Memorial High School; Edgewood College, general business and management; Pat Ryan, Chicago, Ill., Finance and Insurance Management; MATC, Computer Repair Technician.
Personal description: Born and raised in Verona and Madison. Hobbies include walking and biking. I am a member of Badger Bimmers Wisconsin Chapter of the BMW CCA. Fishing, football and hockey; spending time with family and friends.
Previous experience and achievements:
I have successfully started, from the ground floor up, three businesses in this area since 1999; two of the companies I have sold within the past six years. I have also acted as a consultant to numerous people regarding business start-ups and business management over the last 15 years.
What two issues are the City of Monroe now facing, which do you consider most important? How would you recommend the city handle them?:
New business development and business retention. There are way too many vacant buildings; we need to become more aggressive within these areas.
Balance our city budget. We have to look more closely at what funds are available, just like we do in our own households. If we keep imposing tax hikes to pay for everything, we will continue to lose residents and businesses, and keep this city from ever expanding. We also need to focus more attention on government grants that are available, which would benefit the city financially.
What vision of Monroe would you bring to the Common Council regarding its short-term future (three to five years)?:
I would like to see the residents of Monroe get more involved with what is going on in the city. I believe people need to attend the council meetings and the mayor's open forums, and voice their ideas or concerns. I plan to hold two to four listening sessions a year within Ward 9, if I'm elected. I have spoken to hundreds of people over the last few months and have heard the same thing from many people - to please keep them better informed.
Richard Thoman
Age: 49
Address: 419 4th Ave.
Family: Married 27 years to Jane (Gibbons). Five children: Daniel, 21, who is in the U.S. Army in Germany; Joseph, 20, and Andrew, 18, both in college; Timothy, 11, and Becky, 8.
Occupation: Co-owner of AmericInn Lodge and Suites and the Super 8 Motel in Monroe, and own and manage rental properties.
Community involvement: County Board Supervisor, on various committees; City of Monroe Visitor and Tourism Committee; Chamber of Commerce member, Monroe Bible Church board member.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Management and Communication, Associate Degree in Accounting.
Personal description: Born in Monroe and raised on a farm in Green County. Worked in construction, then employed nine years at a phone company as an accountant, and in motel management since 1998. I enjoy taking trips, attending sporting and community events, motorcycle riding, and I am active in my church.
Previous experience and achievements:
I am in my second term as County Board Supervisor for the 9th Ward. I also have been on the city's Visitor and Tourism Committee for many years. I feel being the owner of several businesses helps me understand the importance of city government and the challenges property owners face. I employ and manage employees which helps qualify me for this position.
What two issues are the City of Monroe now facing, and which do you consider most important? How would you recommend the city handle them?:
The first issue is the fiscal challenge we face in these economic times. I believe we need to assess where we are spending our tax dollars and how we can keep spending in control. We need to make sure that we aren't doing unnecessary and redundant things, but at the same time we need to look out into the future and make sure we are not creating a liability in the future to save a few dollars today. We need to look at city business a lot like we would run our own businesses. One suggestion I would recommend is that of hiring a city administrator who could tie things together and keep continuity in the direction of the city when new officials are elected. Secondly, Monroe needs to keep up on having the proper infrastructure so that we can serve the needs of people and have room for expansion.
What vision of Monroe would you bring to the Common Council regarding its short-term future (three to five years)?:
I try to approach issues with common sense. I feel it is important to have the proper infrastructure in place so that we can attract businesses and people to our city. We need to be proactive instead of reactive. The city has to do all it can to make it as easy as possible for businesses to locate in our community, while still maintaining a well thought out plan. Reducing property taxes will also encourage people to stay in Monroe as well as attract new people and businesses to locate here.