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Monona
Home ZIP code
53716
Monona has made real progress on affordable housing, including Broadway Lofts, which added 56 income-restricted units serving residents at 30–60% of Dane County median income, plus 55 senior units at 30–80% AMI. But Dane County is projected to grow 40% by 2050, and Monona is fully built out, so new housing must come through infill and added density, which is more expensive. We are addressing this through our comprehensive planning process, including zoning, redevelopment, and corridor planning to support additional affordable housing.
onona must manage growth through deliberate infill and redevelopment, not sprawl. Development supports city services and helps keep taxes in check under state levy limits, since the levy can only grow with net new construction. Projects should be located where infrastructure can support them, while prioritizing public safety, traffic flow, and emergency access. We must also preserve historic character and protect natural areas like our lakefront and parks through comprehensive planning.
People want Monona to stay safe, well-run, and livable as growth pressures increase. The top priorities I hear are responsible redevelopment, housing options that keep Monona accessible, maintaining strong public safety, fixing and funding core infrastructure, and protecting our parks and lakefront. My approach is practical, fiscally disciplined, and planning-driven, with clear communication and a focus on results, not rhetoric.
I bring both real-world and policy experience. As a small business owner, I’ve built and grown Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, managing budgets, operations, and more than 150 employees, including through the uncertainty of the pandemic. That kind of crisis leadership, making tough decisions while supporting people, is directly relevant to city governance. In Monona, I’ve served on the Plan Commission, chaired Public Safety and Parks and Recreation, and worked on Personnel and Finance. I’ve also served on the Madison Housing Committee and the County Housing Strategy Workgroup, with years of focus on housing and redevelopment policy. I’m deeply community-minded, from volunteering with Scouts, to serving on the council of the Italian Workmen’s Club
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Home municipality
Monona
Home ZIP code
53716
Preferred pronouns
she/her/hers
We’ve made strong progress in increasing our supply of housing, which helps reduce demand and overall cost. In addition, we can support zoning changes to allow lower parking requirements and greater housing density, including creative solutions like ADUs. We can work to attract developers with experience and interest in affordable housing. And from our DEI Plan, we can use TID extension funds to reach those in most need, reinforce our affordable housing commitments within our new Comprehensive Plan, and build in reporting measures to track progress and accountability.
Balance” does not necessarily mean a “trade”. We can welcome new development, new neighbors, and also maintain public safety, expand efficient/mass transportation, preserve our history, and protect our natural spaces when we make these goals known to all involved and work together. The development process already includes traffic and safety studies. Historic preservation tax credits offer opportunities without as many restrictions as some may think. And natural areas can be preserved with a commitment to this goal, green design/infrastructure, and even financial (TIF) incentives.
Citizens want their council to (1) spend their tax dollars responsibly, and (2) give them a voice in matters that affect them. In 2024, our residents passed a close vote - in good faith - to permanently increase their own property taxes so city staff could be fairly compensated. They sacrificed and trusted us to do the same by not spending beyond that - and we delivered. Outside the budget, my top priority is always to be accessible, responsive, and trustworthy. I truly enjoy talking with neighbors on matters they feel strongly about, and I hope they’ve felt heard, understood, and respected.
I’m looking forward to continued work with our mayor and city administrator to implement the goals within our DEI Plan and Sustainability Plan, ensuring they are integrated throughout our new Comprehensive Plan and include measures for feedback and reporting. I look forward to learning more about our development process and exploring new opportunities there; to finding more ways to connect, inform, support, empower, and protect vulnerable citizens and businesses; And to building relationships with current and new colleagues and friends. I'm sincerely grateful to my community for continuing to put your faith and trust in me. Thank you. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out and/or introduce yourself when our paths cross.
