VOTE411 Voter Guide

I moved to La Crosse 36 years ago for an employment opportunity. Instead of moving on, I chose to make La Crosse my forever home, to raise my family here, and I will eventually retire here. While I have served the community in various ways via my employment, active church involvement, and as a Board member with the local NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill) affiliate, I have decided that now is the time to to give back by serving on City Council. I have a desire to improve upon the direction in which our community is headed. I am concerned about population decline, rising taxes, mistakes made "helping" our homeless population, cost of debt service, declining focus on essential services, and loss of local businesses to name a few.

City Administrator: This position is being promoted as a way to save money. While I am not against creating the position, I am concerned about the assumption it will save tax money. The position begins with a costly price tag, will have a big impact on how city government operates, should first be approved by voters via referendum, and the administrator must demonstrate measurable results.

Homeless: Many mistakes were made by the current leadership. While it appears they have learned from the mistakes, the errors made have damaged the city's reputation. Homelessness is a social problem the city cannot fix. The Pathways Home project is better, but unproven and the issue of homelessness is nation wide.

Taxes: La Crosse has a reputation for high property taxes. It is a known fact there are many people who refuse to live in La Crosse because of the property tax issue. We must reduce taxes to attract people, business and maybe Shelby and Campbell will want to become part of our community.

As a resident of the far south side of La Crosse's District #13, there is a sense my district is forgotten. The south side of La Crosse has potential for growth and to attract businesses to the district. Two years ago we found ourselves unified with our effort to stop the current City Council and Mayor from turning the former Maple Grove Motel into a homeless encampment/bridge housing. There were several problems with the City's plans beginning with their lack of transparency with residents and local business, the purchase price, poor understanding and foresight of the harmful implications of going forward with the project. I was involved with many others to help to stop the project.

It is my intention to be available to constituents via telephone and email. I would be happy to meet with anyone who requests to meet with me to freely discuss any issues or concerns. Should I be elected, my role as a City Council member is to listen and carefully consider any and all concerns of persons living in my district.

I am running for city council to serve my community in a new way. My work and volunteer experience has been in the non profit sector for more than 33 years. I will bring a new perspective and engage the community in local government and seek input to make informed decisions.

I am an executive director of a local nonprofit, a volunteer with a global organization that helps abused children, and engaged community member. I value inclusion and representation at all levels of local government.

Pathways Home is the City of La Crosse and La Crosse County's coordinated homelessness action plan is an important part of addressing the needs of our unhoused community members. In addition to the plan, we need diverse housing options to meet the needs of our unhoused community members. Supportive housing options, affordable units, and additional short term solutions.

Hiring a City Administrator would allow elected officials to focus on policy and community goals, while they oversee daily operations and ensures efficient services. The position would provide continuity and stability when elected officials change. Additionally they can provide historical context to assist in decisions.

Engaging the community in local government, providing opportunities for open communication and to receive feedback from voters will help find collaborative solutions. To address housing needs, find creative uses for vacant properties, and support new businesses we need all of us working together.

When engaging with voters in District 13 during the campaign the concerns shared were homelessness,

Communication is important to ensure all perspectives are included in decisions being made. Representation matter. I would communicate through email, phone calls, messenger on social media, and provide multiple ways for engagement.

On social media share what is happening in local government, opportunities for community engagement by sharing events, and work to strengthen our community connections.