Personal Statement
My name is Joss Thyssen I am running to represent the 8th district on Appleton’s Common Council. I was born, raised, and graduated high school in Appleton. Incidentally being born in the district I am now running to represent. In 2019, I attended Appleton’s Appycademy to learn valuable information about various city departments. I worked as a crossing guard for a nearby elementary school for the previous four school years. It was quite fulfilling for me, and I was saddened by my decision to leave as it allowed me to meet so many wonderful members of our community. In 2020, I went back to college to pursue a degree in Professional Communications at FVTC.
As a mother, my children and their future are what I look at for inspiration and motivation. Inclusivity & diversity, safety & health, and schools where our children learn are areas that I find important. Increasing and providing opportunities in our community. Despite our differences, the majority of us have similar goals. I care deeply for my community. The people, the businesses, the celebrations, and the future generations of Appletonians.
What are your plans/ideas to increase affordable housing in Appleton?
Affordable housing in Appleton is becoming an increasing problem. There are many that are forced from their homes and finding an affordable alternative is difficult if not impossible for some. There is an increased need for those seeking help at shelters, some who rent rooms at hotels, and others that become homeless and either sleep in their cars or couch surf simply because the cost to afford housing is increasing at a level higher than wages are in the area. Everyone in our community is valuable and deserves to have a roof over their head so I would work to make sure low-income and middle-income housing is addressed and discussed with developers of housing units.
Do you support the creation of a Climate Specialist Staff position, as recommended by the Climate Change Taskforce, for the City of Appleton?
Yes. I think it is a good idea to have a position at the local level for the city to achieve the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With a Climate Specialist on staff, Appleton can stay on course to reach the goal while also being a point of education and outreach to members of the community. I have read the Climate Action Plan Proposal submitted by the Taskforce on Resiliency, Climate Mitigation and Adaption at the end of 2021 and will support this recommendation.
What is your priority for how Appleton should utilize American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds?
The past two years of being in this pandemic has been something none of us expected or were prepared for. Residents and businesses alike. To that, I believe the funds should be allocated and prioritize public health and those hardest hit by the pandemic. Public health, mental health, housing, and struggling small businesses will best benefit from these funds.