https://publuu.com/flip-book/446565/2382666/page/30
I typed the answers out here in case you don’t want to go to the PDF above or if the link gets taken down:
1. How would you evaluate your city’s current efforts to increase the amount of affordable housing? Are there additional steps the city should take to address this issue?
1. We are making progress but there is more work to be done. As Mayor, I supported three workforce housing developments, two of which are complete and full of people. I’ve also supported housing development that includes starter homes to make home ownership attainable for middle class families. My guiding principle is that if you’re good enough to work in Verona, you’re good enough to live in Verona. Too often people look for a silver bullet, but there’s no easy solution to the housing crisis. It’s going to take broader policy changes and project by project successes. I’m up for this challenge.
2. How should your city balance the need for development with other concerns, such as public safety, traffic, historic preservation, and conservation of natural areas?
Housing demand is high in Verona and Dane County because of jobs and the high quality of life here. So we know we need to allow more housing to be built. New development doesn’t have to conflict with public safety, historic preservation, and conservation of natural areas. When developers want to build, we can negotiate for natural areas to be preserved. I also supported the preservation of the Matts House and the Verona Graded School. We do have to work on traffic; however, if we don’t allow housing to be built in Verona, it’s going to be built further out, which will make traffic even worse
3. Are there other compelling is- sues on which, if elected, you think you can make a difference?
3. As Verona grows, it’s essential that we keep building community spaces, because ultimately, what is a city? It’s a collection of people. If we have spaces where people can get together and meet their neighbors, we’ll keep our sense of community, we’ll keep what makes Verona special. As Mayor, I have a record of successfully supporting community spaces. And, we’ve managed to do this while being fiscally disciplined. As Mayor, I’ve worked hard to lower the amount of borrowing the City does, which means less money going to interest payments and more money being invested in our community.
4. Describe your specific experience (educational, occupational, civic, and community) that prepares you to effectively serve as mayor.
4. After having the honor of serving as Verona’s mayor since 2018, I’m of the firm belief that a person’s values and work ethic qualify them for office, not their background. For informational purposes, I’m a former Epic employee of over 11 years, a proud father, and dedicated to our community. However, I believe I’m qualified to serve as mayor because of my stand in favor of open government, responsible budgeting, protecting our environment, representing neighborhood concerns, building community spaces, and supporting city services like the library, senior center and fire department.
