Appleton City Council

Questions for survey:

1. Please submit a 200 word personal statement that includes a bit about yourself and why you want to run for office.

2. What are the most pressing issues in the office you are seeking?

3. What are your plans/ideas to increase affordable housing in Appleton?

4. The 2023-2025 budget saw a substantial increase to shared revenue for towns across Wisconsin, with stipulations on spending. What are your thoughts on those restrictions?

Vered Meltzer (Appleton, District 2)

This race is uncontested, no survey was sent.

1. I have lived in Appleton now for 17+ years. I came here to join the faculty at Lawrence University. During this time my wife and I have put our four kids through the Appleton school district, and several of our kids have worked for parks and rec programs. I have enjoyed the process of making Appleton home, becoming part of communities like St. Mary Catholic Church and joining the board of the Appleton-Kanonji sister city partnership. I have come to feel like it is time for me to give back to this community I have come to love. I will work to ensure that Appleton remains a safe and affordable city for families and young people. I love the way my District 4 is bisected by the Fox River, and contains much of the river trail, so the presence of the river will be a constant reminder for me that our natural spaces are part of the appeal of our city. As a professor at Lawrence University I work with young people all the time and I know that the energy of diverse voices and perspectives is what will make our city a vibrant and prosperous place to live.

2. I will start by saying that I broadly agree with the changes to the city that have come during this term of mayor Jake Woodford. I think Appleton should continue to move forward in its plans to have thriving public spaces like its library and downtown projects. These are markers for cities that are successful and retain businesses and young professionals. As someone who has lived in Appleton and seen the advantages it offers for children, I will be a strong supporter for our parks and rec programs and schools. Appleton has long been a safe place to live, and our neighborhoods and streets must continue to be places where everyone feels safe going about their lives. I see this position of alderman not as a matter of technical know-how, but as a place for the leadership that comes from knowing a city. My instinct as a leader is to look for places of connection and dialogue. We live in a country that is divided at every level, and as an alderman I will open up places where members of the community can hear each other and recognize the good intentions we share when it comes to our desire for a thriving community. This position requires someone who connects with the city.

3. A fundamental goal of mine will be to make sure that families and young people feel like they have an opportunity to find the stability of a home. In District 4, especially on the south side along Telulah and Kernan, it’s possible to see smaller houses that were once perfect for young couples or people entering retirement. I will use my vote on city council to support policies that nudge developers and businesses to construct and maintain apartments or houses that are affordable, and which actually meet the demographic needs of our city. I think it’s important for progressives to move away from the NIMBYism that keeps us satisfied with a status quo that is unaffordable for many. In addition I will support city contracts that employ local residents and provide a living wage. If Appleton is going to be affordable, then the city has to model the workforce stability and fair wages that allow people the opportunity to have a home.

4. Much of our experience of government happens at the local level, and I am committed to improving our common interactions with local government in every way I can. I thought Governor Evers’ emphasis on greater shared revenue with local communities was positive since it is often at the level of local cities that we see exciting programs and ambitious change. But the deal that ended up being struck with Republicans in Madison came with problematic restrictions. It was a tough deal for Milwaukee and public schools. This is a reminder that many of our decisions in Appleton will be shaped by what happens in Madison, and I am grateful for the progressive leadership of State Representative Lee Snodgrass. When it comes to the added revenue for the city we should continue to spend it in ways that improve livability and infrastructure.

Did not answer the questions provided.

As one that takes my responsibilities very seriously and makes decisions based on factual information, professional opinions, and citizen input, I’m not a member of any political party (D, R, I, L, or other) and have no interest in joining one at this time.  You’ll see in my official statement that I try hard to be neutral and open-minded in my approach and I always consider ALL viewpoints, not just one side.  I work hard to be prepared and make educated and informed decisions that I can fully explain or defend. 

1. I’m running for board supervisor because I want a better, more united Buchanan for my kids to grow up in. To that end, I’ve been an active member of the Parks Committee that is currently overseeing improvements to Springfield Park since its inception. I’m also a high school science teacher, proud owner of a little library, and recovering attorney. If elected my focus would be on improving quality of life and property values for the town’s citizens and I would strive to stay as open-minded as possible about the wants and needs of the citizenship. It’s everyone’s town, and I want people to feel that way. My budgetary priority would be improvement to our park/outdoor recreation areas because I think parks provide a wonderful venue to interact with each other in real life, and face to face interaction with your community is key to being able to move it forward and find common ground. If you have any questions, or would be interested in a yard sign (which say simply “Better Parks Vote Tom Meyer), feel free to email me at tom.meyer.jd@gmail.com.

2. I think from a public perspective the most pressing issue is making a long term decision on what kind of infrastructure our citizens are willing to fund. At current funding levels, all we will be able to afford is to bandaid over existing water and road problems. There just isn't enough revenue under the current model for a comprehensive solution. I think the best way forward is to have a referendum to approve an increase to the levy limit for the town. That will give citizens an opportunity to have the issue of a realistic solution to our road and drainage problems directly on the ballot, and if passed will give future Town Boards the resources needed to meaningfully address the problems in a comprehensive way. Or, if the referendum fails, the Board will be able to reevaluate the goals currently laid out in the 2018 Capital Improvement Plan based on its limited budget. I think portions of the Town run a real risk of being annexed by neighbor communities that would double our property tax bills, so citizens should be open minded about paying a little more in property tax now to stave off paying a lot more later.

3.  I think if you increase affordable housing before making the Town a place where people with low incomes can thrive, you set them up to be isolated. I think two big things need to change to make that happen. First, we need to increase the amount/quality of shared community spaces throughout the Town so there are places for all parts of the community to engage each other on equal footing. Second, I think we need to make the Town less transportation dependent over the next decade. Valley Transit has one route through town (11 or 19 depending on time of day), and it runs only on the western border. That likely won't change unless we can improve infrastructure to the point where we can have safe bus stops, which don't currently exist because the space next to roads is being used for ditches. We also have a shortage of safe areas to walk throughout the Town, so those would need to increase as well.

4. As I read it, the new shared revenue supplemental fund can be spent on police, fire, EMS, emergency response communication, public works, courts, or transportation. Those things represent the lion's share (over 90%) of the Town's normal budget, so I don't think the restrictions will harm the citizens of Buchanan as all of the funds can be fully utilized on parks, water, or road projects as those would qualify as "public works."

Tom Meyer (Buchanan, District 4)

1. My name is Tim Bantes, my wife Rhonda and I have been residents of Grand Chute for the past 19 years. Rhonda and I share nine children and ten grandchildren. I recently retired after a 38 year career in the fire and emergency services field, having the honor of serving as Grand Chute Fire Chief for the last 15 years of my career, I was active in Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association serving as their president in 2020. I was appointed to the State of Wisconsin Emergency Medical Board by Governor Walker and reappointed by Governor Evers. I am seeking the opportunity to serve our community with the same level of dedication, responsiveness, and integrity that I previously demonstrated as Fire Chief for 15 years. We don’t need personal agendas harming our Town’s future, and we definitely don’t need more unnecessary lawsuits costing Grand Chute taxpayers thousands upon thousands of dollars, Also as a representative of our community, it is my desire to combine our citizens’ input with my experience in local government to ensure a safe, fiscally responsible, sustainable, and excellent quality of life for all current and future generations of Grand Chute citizens.

2. To rebuild the public’s trust in Town Government:

   Over the past two years, the Town has been inundated with numerous civil lawsuits, ethical complaints, and criminal charges, all stemming from the actions of the Town Board. The magnitude and financial implications and dysfunction resulting from these legal issues, many lawsuits and the ethical investigations has negatively impacted the public’s trust in Town government. The possible illegal meetings with secret agendas currently under review by the Brown County DA Office is especially concerning, as such action could be depriving Town residents of their right to open, transparent government.

   Establish a vision for the Towns future:

   With considerable input from the community, Town staff has developed a comprehensive plan that identifies countless opportunities for future growth and development in Grand Chute, yet the past two years have been devoid of any meaningful discussion about a vision for our future. It is time the Town Board began focusing attention on this important topic, especially in areas such as existing and future land use; transportation infrastructure; including roads and pedestrian/bicycle transit; housing needs; economic development; park and recreation amenities; and community facilities. land use and development planning and do so This process must be undertaken ethically and honestly, with no personal agendas! This needs to be carefully accomplished with ample opportunities for citizen input.

   Concerns regarding crime trends and the use of emergency services:

   The Town has made substantial advancements in the area of public safety in the past decade, including the achievement of accredited status by both the Fire Department and Police Department, but emerging issues will require the Board’s attention. This includes an increase in the demand for services, the enhancement of emergency medical services, and the need to address critical space needs in both departments.

   The Town Board must be supportive, proactive, and fiscally responsible in addressing these issues.

3. Making sure we have open and honest conversations with clear dialogue on the expectations of citizenship on all levels of Town Government. Provide more opportunities via public forums and increase the Town’s use of social media not just for providing information but also for receiving information.

4. Follow the Plan: Town staff has developed a comprehensive plan that identifies countless opportunities for future growth and development in Grand Chute.

   It is time the Town Board began focusing attention on this important topic, especially in areas such as existing and future land use; transportation infrastructure; including roads and pedestrian/bicycle transit; housing needs. economic development; park and recreation amenities; and community facilities. land use and development planning, and do so This process must be undertaken ethically and honestly with ample opportunities for citizen input.

5. The key with any critical funding program such as shared revenue is not waiting 30 years to review said program to make adjustments or corrections. As for the said restrictions not every community is the same whether your talking populations, demographics or whatever so I think we need to have more flexibility for the use of shared revenue and provide more opportunities to address shared revenue spending at the local level.

1. My name is Jason Abendschein and I am running for the Village of Hortonville’s Board of Trustees. I grew up in Neenah, WI and graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a Secondary Education Degree. Upon graduating, I taught middle school and high school social studies for various school districts around the state of Wisconsin. It was during this time that I met my lovely wife Laura and we began our lives together. In 2014 I left the teaching profession and began a new career in the lumber industry, which is where I am at today. In 2021, my wife and moved to Hortonville and expanded our family with the birth of our son.

   Hortonville is the first place that has truly felt like home for us and this small community has so much to offer. My family and I enjoy the fruits of this community, and it is because of that deep fondness that I have decided to run for Village Trustee. As a member of the board, I will always have the best interests of the community and its citizens at the forefront of my decision making. Our community is doing a lot of good things and I want to keep that momentum moving forward. Our future is here, let us make it a bright one together.

2. The role of municipal government is to be an administrative body that takes responsibility for parks and recreation, police and fire departments, and public works. It provides a wide range of services to persons and properties within their boundaries.

3. The most pressing issues include sensitivity to personal agendas being pushed, attracting new businesses, and community participation. The board can solve these issues by being more transparent and better reaching members of the community. The members of the board need to have the wellbeing of the village and its citizens at the core of all decisions, not personal agendas. By electing officials who share those core beliefs the board will be equipped to reach out to the community, open new communication corridors and ultimately attract new businessand continue to help the community grow.

4. While on the surface the shared revenue increase is good news, unfortunately it is still lower than 20 years ago with how much inflation has risen. I am disappointed at the restrictions because the local municipalities should be able to decide how their portion of the funds would be suited for their local needs.

1. I have been a lifelong resident of Hortonville, and in addition to my role as a Village Board Trustee, I actively contribute to various subcommittees, including Public Facilities, Public Works, and Planning and Zoning. As a positive and progressive leader, I am dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of both village residents and businesses. Striving to be an unbiased, common-sense advocate, I aim to maintain a drama-free voice that represents the best interests of the community. With a family history rooted in Hortonville, my parents operated a business in downtown for nearly five decades. This connection fuels my deep commitment to the growth and success of our community. Alongside my husband, Ryan, with whom I’ve shared 24 years of marriage, we have raised three children here—making this community our cherished home.

2. Within the municipal government, specifically the Village Board, the body operates as a legislative entity. Trustees assume leadership roles with responsibilities that include crafting policies and influencing the future trajectory of the municipality. The emphasis on the collective nature of the governing body underscores the idea that authority is exercised as a unified unit, rather than through the individual members. As elected representatives chosen by our community members, it is crucial for us to keep in mind that our role involves serving and representing the community as a whole.

3. Main Street Reconstruction:

   • Revitalize the historic downtown business district by offering incentives to attract and retain our exceptional small businesses.

   • Enhance the variety of amenities and businesses accessible to both residents within our community and those outside.

   Public Safety in a growing community:

   • In small town settings, law enforcement frequently knows both community members and offenders, and the officers are often familiar figures within the broader community. Due to these intimate social connections, residents in small towns areas are more supportive of the police compared to their urban counterparts. As a board, it is imperative for us to focus on funding and maintaining our police, fire, and EMS staff by offering comprehensive training and robust support for their respective roles.

4. Our community boasts several well-established Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs), which serve as a mechanism for the municipality to encourage development and foster economic growth. However, the recently enacted local government funding legislation, known as the 2023 Wisconsin Act 12, introduces significant changes to the shared revenue program. Act 12 includes provisions specifying how construction within TIDs will be treated under levy limits. Notably, these changes will impact newly established TIDs starting in late 2024. While it is yet to be seen if this will impact future growth, the changes to TIDS will likely affect our ability to incentivize future development.

1. I decided to run for Hortonville Village Trustee at the suggestion of a few family members who thought I would be a good fit for the position.  I recently retired from a 33 year career as a middle school teacher, 28 of them for the Hortonville Area School District.  I have lived in Hortonville for over 20 years and my wife's family roots go back over 100 years. I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the many opportunities that the Wisconsin landscape offers, including hiking and camping, hunting and fishing, kayaking and downhill skiing.  I am interested in running for office because I see Hortonville poised to reinvent itself.  With the new bypass in place and less traffic going through our downtown, we have a unique opportunity to rebrand ourselves as a destination location, not just a pass through on your way somewhere else kind of town.  I am excited to be a part of that.

2. Municipal government's role is to help create a safe, growth oriented, and appealing place to live, work and visit.  The village board needs to take many things into account as they make decisions, these include fiscal responsibility as well as listening to residents concerns and needs helping make them a reality.  In Hortonville's case, the role in the next several years is going to include creating a new image as the downtown area changes due to traffic pattern changes from the new Hwy 15 bypass.

3. Some of the most pressing concerns is keeping and improving on the resources we already have, our parks, library, public services and such.  Being very new to local govt. I will not claim to have any answers at this point.  If elected, I would expect to do a lot of listening, learning and researching of options presented.  Talking with as many different residents as possible to get their input to help reach those decisions is also important.  As I previously mentioned, helping our existing businesses thrive in the new environment created by the bypass and luring new business in to create an even healthier business district will also be a pressing concern.

4. I have to be very honest in my answer here in that I know very little about the details regarding the budget or stipulations.  Being a first time candidate, I recognize that I have a lot to learn about what it takes to make a village work.  I am looking forward to that learning opportunity if I am entrusted with that responsibility.

Did not respond directly to each question.
I am running for a supervisor position within the Town Of Buchanan because I am originally from the TOB area and am very proud of our community. I want to continue to find ways to give back and contribute to the improvement to the TOB. I am committed to improving the quality of life and services for our taxpayers and I want to explore the best resources to continue doing so in a financially responsible way. The TOB would like to see services improved and an improved maintenance plan for our roads and projects with a clear form of communication.I want to be an advocate for those that have busy lives and can’t make it to town meetings.  I will focus on improving our parks and roads to increase safety for young families living in the Town Of Buchanan.  I want to build better relationships with developers and business' who want to work with our town.  I support small businesses, as I am also a small business owner and I want to build a more welcoming atmosphere to support more diverse and locally owned businesses to join our community.