By Press Times Staff
The Fourth District in De Pere will see a contested common council race on April 2.
Alderperson Casey Nelson, elected April 2017, will go against Brandi Kiskis.
The Press Times reached out to each candidate and gave them the same questions with a word limit of 100 for each answer.
Casey Nelson​
Occupation: Hematology/oncology pharmacist at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Green Bay.
Immediate family: Wife (Nicole), three children (Drew, 4, and Kate, 3, and Alexis, born March 14).
Any organizations you belong to: Brown County Falls Prevention Subcommittee, De Pere Mental Health Outreach.
Why should people vote for you?
I’ve worked hard to make De Pere a more welcoming and desirable place to live and raise a family.
While some may disagree with certain positions I’ve taken, it’s hard to argue that I haven’t put in a great deal of time and energy into this position.
I’m proud to have started our Mental Health Outreach program, where we host regular sessions to learn and talk about mental health topics.
I’m also proud of my work to create a Sustainability Commission, where we focus on keeping De Pere wonderful for future generations.
If re-elected, I’ll continue to work hard.
What needs to happen in regard to the two planned aquatic facilities?
The November referendum is a great example of local advocacy in action.
Those that opposed the closing of Legion Pool worked hard to show the council and residents the importance of having pools on both sides of the river.
I believe the best route to take is scaled-back aquatic centers on both the east and west side.
The city is working hard to gather public feedback regarding the pools by having surveys, public input sessions and an open house.
This is the best way forward – listen to what the public wants and do our best to make it happen.
What change you would like to effect on the common council?
Our common council works well together and strives to listen to all sides of an argument when making decisions.
We treat each other with respect and dignity, and while we disagree often, we lack the petty squabbling that is often seen in other communities.
Therefore, I don’t know that any substantial changes to how our council functions is necessary.
One change I believe we do need is more diversity on the council.
Our city would be better served with representation that better mirrors the community, and we should do better at encouraging women and minorities to run for office.
What would you like to see take the place of Shopko when it closes?
My hope is for a grocery store.
There was great disappointment when the plans to open an organic grocery store next to Shopko fell through, and I would like to see a similar business emerge to take Shopko’s place.
As we build up the downtown, we need better access to quality, healthy food sources to appeal to those that prefer to live somewhere they don’t need a vehicle to access basic services.
A downtown grocery store would fit nicely with our long-term plan for our downtown.
Brandi Kiskis
Occupation: Legal investigation specialist.
Immediate family: Married, rescue animals.
Any organizations you belong to: Coordinator, Key to Happiness Rescue; V.I.P. Ashwaubenon Public Safety; Junior Achievement; Green Bay Marathon volunteer; HEA volunteer; Habitat for Humanity; United Way; and foster with KTHR.
Why should people vote for you?
My principals and vision, coupled with a desire to actively listen to my neighbors, is why I’m the best person for the alderperson position.
Our district needs an active voice and leader who will share concerns with the mayor/council and act on your behalf.
The council is in need of open dialogue and diversity to bring forward all the community viewpoints when passing agenda items.
I’ll strive to be a strong part in propelling De Pere forward while being fair and transparent.
My long-term goal is continuing the forward momentum of our city and still maintaining our hometown appeal.
What needs to happen in regards to the two planned aquatic facilities?
The council and Board of Park Commissioners will need to continue moving the momentum forward on both the VFW and Legion pool construction. Recently an open house was held in March to review the pool designs and encourage community involvement.
I look forward to working with the Board of Park Commissioners to bring the projects to fruition in a timely manner for the residents to begin enjoying the aquatic centers.
What change would you like to effect on the common council?
I’d be a strong leader and visionary for the district while shaping our area and continuing forward with a hometown feel.
This includes engaging the community in projects, as well as encouraging the use of parks and local businesses.
In Southwest Park, the additional playground equipment is a catalyst in getting neighbors outside and communicating with one another.
I’m interested in encouraging growth within our district, however, I don’t wish to see the industrial park negatively impact neighborhoods.
This will be an area where our voices will need a strong leader to bring forward creative ideas from our community’s perspective.
What would you like to see take the place of Shopko when it closes?
It’s important for city council to work side by side with the Planning Committee to minimize the impact the closing of the downtown store and possible distribution center may have on the city.
I will encourage multi-use ideas for the sites.
This may include multiple retail and/or office space on the ground level and apartments/townhomes on any additional floors if a revamp or new building is needed on each site.
This will maximize the growth potential for each location while creating additional jobs and bring new residents to De Pere.