Home municipality
Fitchburg
Home ZIP code
53711
Preferred pronouns
he/him
Fitchburg's current efforts have been weak and slow. There have been a lot of discussions and endless meetings, but not much action. Fitchburg is about to release its housing plan draft, and I am hopeful there will be some considerable proposals, but there is a lot of reluctance by current leadership to actually make anything happen. Fitchburg has some funds available that can only be used for this purpose. I would like to see some real efforts involving public-private partnerships that will address this issue directly. Affordability matters.
Currently, Fitchburg owns a large amount of greenspace, either solely or with other governmental entities, I am proud of the efforts we have made in this respect, many of which I was a part of in previous terms on the Common Council. Public safety, particularly traffic issues, are ongoing concerns, and through better road design and other traffic calming strategies, we have made some strides in increasing safety in neighborhoods. The recent relocation of our fire stations has also provided better response times for fire and EMS. However, staffing needs still need to be addressed.
Affordability is the main issue I hear about. Food is more expensive, and other basic costs of living have continued to be at issue. In District 3, we really need a local grocery store for the thousands of residents who must drive to find food. With the rapid growth in the district, more basic amenities should be available within walking distance. I am hopeful that this will be addressed soon, but it requires solid leadership to facilitate this. I hope to help provide this leadership moving forward.
I have served on the Common Council in the past, with over 20 years of experience, as well as serving as mayor. I have also served on almost every city committee and commission the city has, so I am well acquainted with how to get things done. We need more action, and less talk.
Home municipality
Fitchburg
Home ZIP code
53711
Preferred pronouns
He/Him/His
Fitchburg is one of the fastest growing cities in Dane County with a population of roughly 36,197, which has led to housing challenges. Fitchburg has explored multiple ways to create more affordable housing, driven by a 2019 Housing Plan and funded by a $9.4 million Affordable Housing Fund established from closed Tax Incremental Districts (TIDs). The city should continue to expand rental options, increasing owner-occupied units for economically disadvantaged neighbors, and preserve existing affordable housing through mutually beneficial partnerships.
Fitchburg should balance growth with safety, traffic, preservation, and conservation by responsibly planning in alignment with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, using intersectionality to guide growth and protect delicate spaces. The city should invest in infrastructure coupled with development, police and fire capacity (the new police facility), fully functional streets, and utilities using targeted funding. Furthermore, we should protect historic resources and natural areas with design standards and green infrastructure.
The top priorities for neighbors are housing, transportation, and education. Housing remains a critical issue for many neighbors. I will continue to advocate for diverse rental and home ownership options and push for policies that support residents across all income levels. We have taken meaningful steps to remove transportation barriers. I remain committed to strengthening and expanding transportation options. Fitchburg is a city without a centralized school district. I am committed to continuing to support programs, partnerships, and resources that benefit our youth.
Research, evaluation, educational policy, community engagement, and public policy are at the intersection of my professional and civic portfolio. These unique experiences have allowed me to bring an analytical, community-focused, and culturally relevant approach to city government. This includes synthesizing and communicating information in a digestible manner to meet neighbors where they are, not bombarding them with confusing political rhetoric, and including historically marginalized voices in the decision-making process.
