I participated for the second time last night in a League of Women Voters Candidates Forum. This time there were just two candidates "debating": myself and my opponent, Mr. Hamblin. Gone were the multiple contested races and the full panel of candidates as in '07. At that time, two ex-Neenah police officers were on the ballots for Districts 1 and 2, making for very lively and significant races.
Another change this time: because there were only the two of us, the League allowed each of us two minutes to respond to the questions. That is an enormous difference from the standard one minute. I remember in '07 that I saw the 15-second warning sign frequently. This time, only once or twice.
The city of Neenah will upload the video of the forum very soon. I'm quite interested to see it because of what my brother, Dan, said.
He was sitting in the audience next to my wife, Janet, and he said that he watched the both of us very carefully. He had some very pertinent and revealing things to say about how I and my opponent presented ourselves, sometimes quite surprising things. I will post the address of the video here when it becomes available so that you can judge for yourself.
Here is the text of my opening remarks:
My name is Steve Erbach and I live at 1017 Babcock St.
For the past five years I've written regular pieces for the Appleton Post-Crescent. From reading those pieces you'd know that, in general, I favor smaller, less obtrusive government and more individual freedom. Lower taxes, fewer regulations, and self-reliance rather than reliance on government are my watchwords, too.
Besides serving on the Council in '06 and '07, I was a Cubmaster and Assistant Cubmaster at two Neenah elementary schools for six years. I'd like to adapt the Cub Scout motto -- Do Your Best -- as a theme for my re-election to the Council:
I promise to do my best to keep an eye on the budget as carefully as Council President Stevenson; to guard property rights with as much determination as Alderman Piergrossi; to speak out on issues as clearly as Mayor Scherck; to be as tenacious as Alderman Hemes; to be as fair as Alderman Bates; to be as supportive of the community as Alderman Zaretzke; to be as smart about money as Alderman Lange; to be as down-to-earth as Alderman Ahles; to be as committed to Neenah's well-being as Alderman Hillstrom; and to be as solid a citizen as Alderman Rhoades.
Now, I'm not going to be a pushover. I feel that there are a number of things the city does that could stand a fresh look -- for example, the city planning philosophy that says "anything not expressly permitted is forbidden"; the way new sidewalk installation is handled; the way some city services are delivered; and the continued reliance on TIF to fuel growth.
Neenah has done extremely well. I love living here; and I'd love to listen to what the people of the Third District have to say, and I'd love to represent them to give them the strongest voice possible as Neenah makes its way through these troubled times.
I was able to make eye contact with five of the nine aldermen as well as the Mayor during the time I mentioned them by name.
After the forum I greeted many of the people that were there. I spoke briefly with State Assemblyman, Dean Kaufert, too. He was generous enough to allow me to use the banquet room in his Under the Dome tavern (116 Main St., Neenah) for my election night party (you're all invited!). He was kind enough to say that when people asked him about me he told them that I had energy and was involved and interested and that I asked questions. Very considerate of him to say that, I thought.
I didn't stay for the Board of Education portion of the Candidates Forum as my brother was visiting from Afghanistan and I wanted to spend a little time with him since he came all that way! I was interested in seeing Scott Butler as well as the only non-incumbent candidate, Betsy Ellenberger, but I'll have to content myself with watching the recording of the event. At least there is a recording this time!