Voter Guide

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Sheboygan Alderperson District 3 Choose 1

City of Sheboygan Alderman, District 3 (Wards 5 & 6).City alderpersons are elected to 2 year terms. Elections for odd-numbered districts occur during odd-numbered years and elections for even numbered districts occur during even-numbered years.The Common Council represents the residents of the City of Sheboygan as the legislative body responsible for setting the governing policies of the City. It is made up of 10 elected officials, one representing each district, and is chaired by the Common Council President, who is elected citywide and a Vice President. It is our job to work cooperatively with the Mayor and the City administration to ensure that tax dollars are responsibly spent and that all residents have access to the services and programs that make urban living safe, affordable, and desirable.The Common Council meets the first and third Monday of each month in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall. Meetings begin at 6:00 pm. A public comment period is one of the first items on the agenda. See City of Sheboygan website for more information.

Voter Guide

Candidate picture

Michael Close (NP)

Biographical Information

Relevant Experience President of the Historic Grant Neighborhood Association
Campaign Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570515418533
Campaign Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mike_close_for_sheboygan/

Why are you running for office?

I am running for Alderperson of District 3 because I believe in the potential of our community to grow sustainably while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. As a business analyst and president of the Historic Grant Neighborhood Association, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of thoughtful development and community engagement.

My campaign focuses on three primary objectives: advocating for strong, resilient neighborhoods and small businesses through incremental and financially sustainable development; ensuring fiscal responsibility by prioritizing responsible investments aligned with Strong Towns principles; and fostering community engagement by strengthening connections between residents and local government through open communication and accessible decision-making processes.

I am committed to working collaboratively with all residents and advocacy groups to address our community's challenges and seize opportunities for growth. By focusing on these priorities, we can build a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future for District 3 and the entire city of Sheboygan.

Cite major goals you want to accomplish and how you plan to achieve those goals.

Housing Development: Sheboygan's housing market requires a multifaceted approach to meet the needs of its residents. By revising the current zoning codes and promoting the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and mixed-use housing, we can offer flexible living arrangements that cater to various demographics, including seniors, young professionals, and growing families.

Support for Small Businesses and Incremental Growth: Sheboygan's economy thrives on the success of its small businesses. By providing resources, mentorship programs, and streamlined regulatory processes, we can foster an environment where small enterprises flourish, leading to sustainable economic growth.

Enhancing Walkability and Transportation: Creating a pedestrian-friendly city is essential for the well-being of our residents and the vitality of our local economy. By investing in infrastructure like bike lanes, and more accessible public spaces, we encourage community building, healthier lifestyles, and boost foot traffic to local businesses.

Enhancing Transparency: Transparency is fundamental to fostering public trust and ensuring responsible governance. To enhance transparency, I advocate for proactive financial reporting and meticulous oversight of Tax Incremental District (TID) expenditures. TIDs can be instrumental in stimulating economic development, but it's crucial to maintain comprehensive records of spending and project outcomes. By ensuring that TID plans and expenditures are accessible and regularly updated online, we can facilitate public understanding and oversight of these initiatives.

Community Engagement: Active community engagement is vital for informed decision-making and fostering a sense of ownership among residents. We can expand existing outreach efforts by utilizing new digital platforms, social media, and community workshops to ensure more residents are represented. Additionally, establishing regular town hall meetings and focus groups can provide residents with direct channels to voice their concerns and suggestions. Collaborating with local organizations and community leaders can further enhance participation and ensure that diverse perspectives are considered in the decision-making process. By prioritizing transparent communication, we can strengthen the relationship between the city council and the community, leading to more effective and inclusive governance.

How will you assist in bringing affordable housing to the community?

Sheboygan’s housing market demands a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to ensure that all residents have access to affordable and high-quality living options. By modernizing zoning regulations, we can encourage a broader range of housing types, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), duplexes, townhomes, and mixed-use developments. These changes will provide more flexible living arrangements that accommodate the needs of seniors looking to downsize, young professionals seeking affordable starter homes, and growing families in need of additional space. Additionally, incentivizing the redevelopment of underutilized properties and supporting innovative housing solutions we can help create more options for Sheboygan residents.

How does your experience qualify you for the position?

Serving as president of the Historic Grant Neighborhood Association, I've actively engaged residents and collaborated with local organizations. Initiatives like our annual Adopt-A-Family holiday gift drive and Dumpster Day have fostered community connections and have shown me that there is much more work to be done to help our neighbors in need.

With over a decade of experience in program and project management, I've worked with large-scale IT programs and transformative technologies like artificial intelligence. This background equips me with the skills needed to navigate complex, publicly accountable projects, and maintain accountability and transparency throughout. Moreover, understanding the current technological landscape is essential for Common Council members to effectively contribute to Sheboygan's growth, especially as technology continues to evolve rapidly.

Born and raised in Sheboygan by working parents who spent most of their careers in Sheboygan’s factories, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. On top of a career in project and program management, my time working at Rockline early in my career has also provided me with valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by local businesses and their employees.

Finally, as a parent of three boys - two attending the Sheboygan Area School District and one regularly attending local daycare - I have a vested interest in our community's future and making sure this city thrives for future generations.

How will you assist with attracting talent and making your community attractive to young adults starting their careers?

Attracting and retaining young professionals in Sheboygan starts with ensuring we have unique and affordable living spaces available. Many young adults seek walkable neighborhoods with diverse housing options, and we need to support development that meets those needs. By following Strong Towns principles, we can encourage mixed-use developments that integrate housing, businesses, and public spaces, making our city more dynamic and livable. Smart zoning policies and reinvesting in existing neighborhoods will help create an environment where young professionals can find a place to call home without being priced out.

Economic opportunity is another key factor in making Sheboygan attractive to young talent. We need to support local entrepreneurs, reduce barriers for small businesses, and attract companies in high-growth industries. Additionally, with the rise of remote work, Sheboygan should invest in co-working spaces and digital infrastructure, like publicly available internet, to appeal to professionals who can work from anywhere but want to live in a community with a high quality of life. Strengthening these economic foundations will provide meaningful career opportunities and encourage young people to build their futures here.

Beyond jobs and housing, a thriving community culture is essential to attracting and retaining young professionals. We should invest in public spaces, expand biking and transit options, and cultivate a strong arts, music, and food scene. Creating more events, social opportunities, and outdoor activities will help build a sense of connection and make Sheboygan a destination where people want to stay and grow. By focusing on these areas, we can position Sheboygan as a city where young professionals choose to live, work, and thrive.

Voter Guide

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Daniel Peterson (NP)

Biographical Information

Why are you running for office?

Candidate has not yet responded.

Cite major goals you want to accomplish and how you plan to achieve those goals.

Candidate has not yet responded.

How will you assist in bringing affordable housing to the community?

Candidate has not yet responded.

How does your experience qualify you for the position?

Candidate has not yet responded.

How will you assist with attracting talent and making your community attractive to young adults starting their careers?

Candidate has not yet responded.