Monday, December 2, 2024
Serving Algoma, Casco, Kewaunee, Luxemburg and all of Kewaunee County
KEWAUNEE - Three of four seats on the ballot for the city's Common Council are being contested in the April 6 general election. Two incumbents face challengers, one from a former mayor and alderperson, while two political newcomers square off for another slot on the council.
Arthur Schiller is challenged by former councilman and mayor John Blaha for his District 1 seat, Wendy Shelton and Evan Gibbs advanced from the Feb. 16 primary to face off for a District 2 seat after incumbent Jeff Dworak decided not to seek re-election, and incumbent Joe Mills faces Robin Nelson in District 3.
Also, Richard Taylor is running unopposed to replace David Kuehl as alderperson for District 4 after Kuehl filed noncandidacy papers.
The Star-News asked the candidates to take part in a short survey to let voters know who they are and why citizens should vote for them. They were limited to 100 words, and answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Here's what they had to say:
Blaha: I am very concerned about the city’s financial position. Over the next 10 years, it plans to borrow/spend nearly $40 million dollars. While we all want to see our community expand and grow, I feel this is far too aggressive of an expansion plan. Given the size of our community, I do not feel we are financially capable of repaying such debt. This includes the city’s position on purchasing Salmon Harbor Marina and the possible purchase of Snug Harbor. I do not feel that taking a profitable business off the tax roll is in the best interest of our taxpayers.
Schiller: To continue the fight to stabilize the city’s finances (limiting new debt to the funding of long-term capital improvements), secure the services of talented and dedicated employees and public servants, and look for ways to grow our city’s tax base to provide a hedge against inflationary expense pressures and deliver the services that you desire.
Blaha: I feel my experience, my knowledge of past policies and projects and, most of all, my ability to communicate with people makes me the better candidate. I believe in transparency and accountability. I look at myself as not only a representative of the 1st district but a representative of every member of our community, no matter where they live.
Schiller: I believe myself to be a good and well-qualified candidate with a strong record of service. The voters will decide who the “better” candidate is.
Blaha: I plan to ensure that the city does not incur more debt than we are able to repay. I also feel we need to get back to standing committees, allowing the council members to have more direct involvement in the council’s decision-making process. I will continue to support the businesses, industry, fishing and tourism in our community, and I would like to help the Community Center find a new location.
Schiller: The next two years will present challenges to finance the necessary replacement of century-old municipal infrastructure as well as the continuing quest for additional tax base.
Schiller: To instill in our local media the civic responsibility of regularly and accurately reporting on municipal activity. Our meetings, whether in-person or face to face are nearly devoid of attendance by the Fourth Estate.
Blaha: Currently, City Hall is closed to the public, other than by appointment, due to COVID-19. I feel that City Hall needs to be re-opened to allow people to enter at any time and conduct business. Of course, we need to keep the employees and the public safe, and there are viable methods to do that. Virtual meetings were fine in the beginning, but we need to have in-person meetings. Short and simple, everyone that wants a vaccine should be able to get one, and that will help put this COVID-19 issue behind us.
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Gibbs: I want to do anything I can to help my community. I believe too little has been done for too long and it's time for some new, younger blood to get involved.
Shelton: I have a strong belief in community involvement and I would like to forge a better partnership between the community and the council to make decisions for the city.
Gibbs: Although I've only lived here a short time, I'm fully invested in raising my family here. I want to do what I can to help our city grow and flourish, for my family and all the families who call Kewaunee home.
Shelton: I’ve been in leadership positions in many local not-for-profit organizations. I am currently the president-elect for Kewaunee Rotary Club; have served as a board member and secretary for the Marquette Historic District; have been on the marketing committee for Holy Rosary School; and served as treasurer for a private school. Given my experience, I feel my skills are well-suited to work for the community as an alderperson.
Gibbs: My focus is developing our harbor area with the goal of drawing private investors. Tourism has taken a hit from our lack of easy lake access. Without a thriving harbor, Kewaunee is going to continue to struggle.
My other goal is to secure funding to build Kewaunee a community center. There's little for our children to do during the colder months. I believe we need a dedicated community center where activities can be done year-round.
I also plan on working closely with our chamber and businesses to find ways to market Kewaunee and make our town a strong tourist destination.
Shelton: I would like to promise the citizens of the Second District that their tax dollars are being spent wisely. I’ll also strive to maintain a safe, family-friendly community that ensures Kewaunee stays a great place to live.
Gibbs: I do not support any mask mandates. I feel every individual has the right to protect themselves as they see fit.
Shelton: We have wonderful first responders in this town and they need our support. Police, firemen, ambulance and health care workers regularly help us through troubled times, on both a community and personal level. These people should feel confident and secure that the city supports them as they help us through this difficult COVID-19 pandemic.
Mills: I’m running for re-election because we’re at a critical juncture in our government. There is a movement afoot trying to turn the clock back and revert the city back to what it was 50 years ago. The simple fact is that would be economic suicide. I have some key ideas that would provide the city with substantial savings on expenditures and give a huge boost to our economic power. Smart planning is the key to our future. Oh, did I mention I have a degree in planning?
Nelson: I love Kewaunee. I have great respect for our government and would consider it an honor to represent the people of District 3.
Mills: No counselor has worked harder in establishing trust and respect between myself and the staff/department heads. I think this is critical in the functioning of our city. My experience, education and intellect is helpful as well.
Nelson: I have been married 40 years and have experience as a small business owner in Kewaunee for over 39 years, verifying I have commitment. My profession has afforded me the advantage of serving the people of Kewaunee confirming I am credible and accountable. I have become a great listener along with being creative and objective.
Mills: Economic stability. The council and staff have worked very hard to take the city from a $500,000 deficit in the general fund to a projected cash surplus beginning this year. We can’t stop now.
Nelson: A priority would be our infrastructure. Street repair is a necessity. People tell me they avoid streets because of their poor condition. The budget is also a concern.
Mills: Huge strides have been made by the new administration on the national level and we can see light at the end of the tunnel. We should continue to follow their guidance.
Nelson: Education. Help people to understand the diversity of struggles people are experiencing at this time, and the importance of maintaining one's health is crucial.
Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Kewaunee Common Council: Meet the candidates in the April 6 election
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