Feb 25

Written by: Steve Erbach
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 4:05 PM

I received a request from Bernie Peterson of the Appleton Post-Crescent to fill out the standard candidate's questionnaire by March 2nd.  Here are my answers to the main questions:

Political Experience: Neenah Common Council Alderman, 2006-2007; Neenah Public Services & Safety Committee, 2006-2007; Neenah Waterworks Commission, 2006-2007; Mayor's Citizen Advisory Board, 2007-present.

Do you have a campaign Web site? (If yes, please include its address): Yes!  www.NeenahPolitics.com

Why are you running? (Limit 100 words): The easy answer: I was scolded by both the Mayor and the Council President at a Public Services & Safety Committee meeting last September when I advocated the defeat of a new ordinance regulating newspaper vending machines.  That was the last straw!  I had been interested in running for office again since I was defeated by a very slim margin in 2007: only 22 votes out of 1014 cast!  In local elections every vote counts.  I will be one LESS rubber stamp guy on the Council...and I hope to make the operation of the city more understandable to everyone in the 3rd District.

What are the key issues? (Limit 100 words): The effects the economic uncertainty will have on city projects and services.  The federal government doesn't want to stimulate NEW projects; it will "stimulate" projects that are "shovel-ready".  Thus the city will be forced to pay more attention to preparing projects that might qualify for "stimulus" funds. Neenah will also be affected strongly by the DNR's implementation of federal storm water quality standards.  We are on the hook for millions of dollars in unfunded federal and state mandates.  Stretching the concept of doing more -- or at least the same -- with less will be our watchword.

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