Candidates for Kenosha City Council answer questions | #citycouncil

The Kenosha City Council features six contested aldermanic races this spring, with 12 candidates vying for seats in districts 3, 4, 8, 10, 14 and 16.

The Kenosha News asked candidates to answer questions as they face off in the April 2 election in one of Wisconsin’s largest cities. The News listed the districts in numerical order and the candidates in alphabetic order.

Incumbents facing challengers include Jan Michalski, who is running against Tanya McLean in District 3; Holly Kangas, who is running against Cali Buchino in District 4; Anthony Kennedy, who is running against Kathryn Woods in District 10; and Dominic Ruffalo, who is running against Steven Guion in District 16.

Because Alds. David Mau, District 8, and Daniel Prozanski, District 14, decided not to run again both districts will have a new alderperson. Peni Keeling is running against Ricky Romano in District 8. Kenny Harper is running against Joel Trudell in District 14.

An (i) denotes the incumbent.

McLean: I am running for alderperson of District 3 because I believe all residents of this district deserve to be seen, heard and supported in terms of community safety, affordable housing, economic security, education, recreation, access to quality food and clean water.

Michalksi (i): I wish to continue to serve the city and the district to improve the lives of the citizens. I feel my experience in the position makes me uniquely qualified to deal with the challenges as they come up. I look at all sides of the issues. I feel that my being available to constituents ensures a quick response, and hopefully a quick solution. I’ll always keep my word. There are projects I’d like to see to completion.

Buchino: As a mom and small business owner, I know how to get the job done, on time, and under budget. As your next alderperson, I pledge o:

Support economic development that creates family sustaining wages.

Invest in our police, fire, and first responders.

Be your taxpayer watchdog. I’ll ask tough questions.

We need fewer politicians like my opponent and more “do-ers.” I refuse to accept bureaucracy and excuses as the norm. I’ll answer your calls and fight for you.

Kangas (i): I am running for re-election because I am passionate about helping people. I consider it an honor to represent District 4 and the entire city. I have lived here my entire life because I love my hometown.

I want to live in a city where everyone is equal and where all can prosper and live without fear. A place where our children receive a good education and return after college to live, work, and raise a family. A place where people are happy to live here. It requires dedicated people with time to devote. I am retired, so I am a full-time Alderperson available 24/7 to help people who need it.

During my last three terms, I have sponsored and co-sponsored important legislation. I speak my mind and I don’t follow the crowd. I am always well-informed at Common Council meetings to ensure I am making informed decisions.

Keeling: I have been planning to run for alderperson since the Chrysler Kenosha Engine Plant shutdown in 2010. At the time I lived in District 13. A co-worker and fellow board member at UAW Local 72 was also interested in running. I elected not to run against him as I was not sure what my immediate plans were on the employment front.

Two years ago, the district boundaries changed, and my home became part of District 8. I reached my 10-year mark as an employee of the city and decided it was the right time.

I was an elected UAW representative at Chrysler, first as the office and clerical unit chair, then as the financial secretary treasurer, vice president, and finally as president.

I listened and learned while employed by the city, making connections with staff and gathering an understanding of what needed to be done as a city alderperson.

Romano: I am running for alderperson to bring a fresh perspective and set of eyes to the city and help the city advance further as new technologies are becoming available. I want to help incorporate those advancements for our citizens and workers.

Kennedy (i): I believe in the potential of Kenosha. I want to help fulfill Kenosha’s potential by representing our district and our neighborhood in a way that promotes future growth and opportunity for today’s Kenosha and tomorrow’s Kenosha. I want to always honor and sustain the hard working people whose tireless work ethic helped build the 10th District. I am proud of the work I performed in support of our city and our neighborhood. I want to continue to ensure that we make investments in public welfare, public safety and economic development. I believe government at its core should be functional. However, I believe good government, when done well, should be aspirational. I want to do my part to make that happen.

Woods: Some of Kenosha’s City Council members have been in their positions way to long. The evidence is shown in the way that they vote. They have forgotten that they are representatives of the people, and tend to vote for what they think is best. In order for fresher and more positive changes to occur, we need to have new people with different perspectives to step in and to have an open mind moving forward. As a lifelong resident, I want to give back to my community. Being newly retired, I am dedicated to providing my full attention to the future of Kenosha by assessing what is not only good for Kenosha, but what is also good for my constituents. Reaching out, being accessible, transparent, and honest is my stance on being a productive representative.

Harper: I’m running for alderperson to be an advocate for the constituents of the 14th District. Residents deserve an alderperson who will listen to their concerns and will address needs with urgency.

Trudell: (Candidate did not reply)

Ruffalo (i) : I’m running for alderperson to make a difference in the City of Kenosha. I have a lot of common sense. Also make the city safer and a better place to live for all.

Guion: (Candidate did not reply)

McLean: Prioritizing the well-being and needs of all residents is crucial for fostering a thriving and inclusive community.

Michalksi (i): Public safety is the No. 1 concern. We need police and fire department personnel to have all the tools they need to protect our citizens, including adequate staffing and training. We need emergency services restored in the east side of town. More traffic enforcement is also a need.

We also need to increase affordable housing options in the city. Blight must be removed but low income families need more options. Street improvements must continue as quickly as possible.

Buchino: The City of Kenosha is a wonderful place to call home, and I am passionate that people know that. We have many new and innovative projects that will be completed in the coming years, wonderful parks, and the city hosts events every season with countless resources that bring immense value to our communities. Even so, many of our residents are unaware of these resources and their opportunity to take advantage of them, and many feel unsafe in their communities. I believe that we must focus on education and accessibility to help engage our current citizens, and foster an environment that others will want to make their family a part of. Creating more affordable housing and putting emphasis on educating the public with accurate statistics regarding crime in the City of Kenosha will help assuage many concerns for local families and families wanting to move to the wonderful City of Kenosha.

Kangas (i): I believe public safety is the most important issue. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own homes and our city. This means always supporting fire and police so we are all well protected.

We also need affordable housing here as there is a real lack of homes and apartments that are affordable for everyone.

Bringing new employers here with good-paying jobs and good benefits is extremely important.

Of course, real estate taxes are always a concern. Thankfully, we were able to slightly lower taxes this year.

I am on the Finance Committee and take that role of fiscal responsibility very seriously.

Lastly, our roads are in dire need of repair and replacement. I hope the new mayor addresses this need.

Keeling: The most common issues I hear about as a candidate and as a former employee of the Police Department and the mayor’s office are the conditions of the roads in Kenosha and the reckless driving on every street in town. There is no quick fix for repairing every road and no easy answer for the way people drive, but I intend to do everything I can to help find solutions to these and other issues presented to Kenosha Common Council.

Romano: One of the most pressing issues the City of Kenosha is facing is the lack of proper housing, medical care, and grocery stores. As alderman I am going to fight for the citizens to make sure they have the necessary access to them. Another pressing issue the city is facing is the rampant rise in crime. I would like to further technological advancement to our city’s first responders to help combat crime and give them the necessary tools to help aid in doing their jobs efficiently and effectively.

Kennedy (i): Affordable housing. I have always said the flavor of this town is a shot and beer kind of town. Solid hard-working people who have cared about this city have made Kenosha a special place. If our city becomes so pricey that new people entering the workforce (think new teacher, new fireperson or new police officer as an example) can’t afford to live here then we are losing an essential element of our city. We need to establish a way to stabilize our neighborhoods so people can live here and put down roots.

City employee retention. The City of Kenosha is not the City of Kenosha without the amazing often thankless jobs performed by our city employees. We are unable to provide the services demanded by our constituents without the city employees. Doing our best to retain current employees and recruiting good quality candidates is essential to keeping our city moving forward.

Woods: New housing is being constructed all over the city. I have been told that the city population has stayed the same, so why all the new construction? Do we really need a high-rise apartment complex on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan? Something is not adding up.

It’s time to stop putting a band-aid on roads and sidewalks by using asphalt. It’s ridiculous that there is a three year wait for residents to get their sidewalks replaced.

My most pressing issue is the non-utilization of Wilson Elementary in District 10. I have learned it could have had occupancy this fall, but now it is no longer on the table. Again, something is not adding up.

Harper: The traffic safety is issue affecting the district.

A pressing issues affecting the city is affordable housing.

Overall, public safety and public health continue to be issues facing our city

Trudell: (Candidate did not reply)

Ruffalo (i): The most pressing issues in my district are with the casino property. Also, a new public safety building west of the interstate.

Guion: (Candidate did not reply)