By Press Times Staff
DE PERE – A primary will be held in District 2 on the common council, where two-term Alderperson Jonathon Hansen is being challenged by Dan Gaumer and Susan Netzel.
Hansen has represented District 2 since 2017, and is coming off a November loss to Eric Wimberger for the 30th District State Senate seat.
District 2 covers the southeast portion of De Pere.
The Press Times asked the candidates the same questions and gave them 100 words to respond to each.
Jonathon Hansen
Why are you running to represent District 2 in De Pere?
Since I was first elected in 2017, we have made great progress in De Pere, and I am running to carry on that work.
We forged a path forward to construct a new Legion Pool, generated unprecedented momentum for the Brown County Southern Bridge, lowered the property tax rate by 2 percent, and implemented a pandemic relief loan program for our small businesses.
I also really enjoy communicating with my constituents, and keeping them up-to-date with ongoing projects, including personally hand-delivering constituent newsletters to every house in the district, and mailing them to all apartments and businesses.
What makes you qualified for this elected position?
I have a proven record of accomplishments during my two terms as an alderman.
I always respect the fact that local government is a nonpartisan body, and focus on pragmatic solutions to problems, not ideological agendas.
I received a B.A. from UW-Madison and an M.A. from Marquette University, and have always been active in the community.
My background as a former educator while in graduate school, legislative aide at the State Capitol, and my current position as a mortgage specialist assisting small community banks gives me a well-rounded skill set to address the issues facing our city.
What should be done to maintain growth in De Pere and retain the small-town feel of the city?
We have struck a good balance on this in recent years by facilitating major new developments, including the Mulva Cultural Center, expansions of our industrial parks, and many new businesses in our downtown, while also striving to ensure that we protect the historic and small-town charm of De Pere.
For instance, I introduced sweeping reforms to make our façade grant program more beneficial for our small businesses.
Since those reforms were enacted, we have seen a surge of investment in our downtown, and many endangered historic buildings have been rehabilitated as a result.
How will you make sure the city doesn’t go over budget and spend money on unnecessary projects?
Unlike the federal government, the city has to annually balance its budget.
Every year when we receive the 300-plus-page draft budget, I carefully comb through it line-by-line to ensure there is no unnecessary spending.
I then bring any questionable expenditures to our budget discussions, and subject them to thorough scrutiny.
Fortunately, the council and city staff have done an excellent job in recent years ensuring that all budget dollars go towards providing core essential services to our residents.
We have also been aggressively paying off debt, and I will continue to make that a priority if I am re-elected.
What’s one thing you’d like to see changed in De Pere?
We have done a lot to support our small businesses and need to continue to build upon those programs.
I have been in discussions with staff about creating a new program to provide loans for startup small businesses that locate in De Pere, and that proposal will be coming before the council this spring.
I will also make continued development of our downtown a priority, especially redeveloping South Broadway and the old Shopko site.
Finally, we need to continue exploring ways to expand affordable housing options in the city.
Dan Gaumer
Why are you running to represent District 2 in De Pere?
My family’s dog ran off recently.
He escaped at about 10 p.m. and was, thankfully, recovered at about 3:30 p.m. the next afternoon.
I know the outcome would’ve been different if this amazing community hadn’t come together and made it possible.
Strangers called, messaged and volunteered time and resources to reunite us with him.
Prior to that day, I had no idea who these people were, but I feel I owe the community for such acts of kindness.
I believe this is one way I can repay the community, by being their voice at the local level.
What makes you qualified for this elected position?
What makes me qualified is that I’m over 18, I live and vote in the district I wish to represent, I’m a U.S. citizen and not a felon.
Now, what makes me the best candidate is that I’m a U.S. Army retiree with over 21 years of service to our country with most of it in leadership positions.
I’m well-versed at being the voice for people, and want to continue this role for my neighbors in District 2.
My sole job is to be a husband, a father and, hopefully, to be your voice.
What should be done to maintain growth in De Pere and retain small-town feel of the city?
People move to De Pere because it’s De Pere.
It’s quaint and comfortable, yet within a reasonable distance of anything you need.
It’s an amazing community to raise a family, to learn, to grow and prosper.
De Pere doesn’t need mega malls or skyscrapers or taxpayer-funded enterprises which could eliminate our small-town feel.
Maintain the amazing downtown area on either side of the bridge, keep the many parks well-maintained and safe and the police well-trained.
There is room for growth, but it’s up to the people to ensure it’s the proper way we want to grow.
How will you make sure the city doesn’t go over budget and spend money on unnecessary projects?
The same way I make sure my checking account doesn’t go over budget.
I have a certain budget, I prioritize necessities, I do research, and I make a purchase.
If there are still necessities, I cut costs or get creative.
Balancing a budget is the same, no matter the size.
Spending has to be monitored and approved.
If a project is unnecessary, it can get re-prioritized or funding can get allocated by other means. The project or purchase is what matters.
We have to evaluate the cost versus the benefit and make the best decision for the community.
What’s the one thing you’d like to see changed in De Pere?
De Pere is the best community in the area, but there’s always room for improvement.
Living most of my adult life in the military, safety was always a priority.
Although safety is everyone’s responsibility, much falls on the community, as well.
The train tracks which cross the west end of downtown must be better marked or guarded.
A young man’s life was lost on Nov. 22 and could have easily been prevented with more adequate safety measures.
How many times have you crossed those tracks on either Main or Reid streets and were surprised by the presence of a train?
Susan Netzel
Why are you running to represent District 2 in De Pere?
I am running for Alderperson in District 2 so that I can be a voice for De Pere residents, their families and their businesses. I have lived in De Pere for over 20 years.
I am local.
I work and raise my children here.
I am married to a De Pere small business owner.
I believe I have the experience, education, drive and knowledge of the city needed to represent the residents of De Pere.
I am passionate about De Pere and I want to serve the community I call home.
What makes you qualified for this elected position?
I believe I have the qualities, skills and determination to be a great representative of De Pere.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration from UWGB.
I am currently employed part-time with the Unified School District of De Pere as an aide II/playground supervisor and enjoy working with teachers and students that live in our community.
I am also a former branch manager of a local credit union.
I have experience being a board member, treasurer, approving budgets and voting on agenda items.
I also enjoy volunteering in the community for a local hospice care facility.
What should be done to maintain growth in De Pere and retain small-town feel of the city?
Maintaining growth while retaining a small-town feel is important to me and to many residents of De Pere.
As your alderperson, I would communicate with residents, local businesses, the De Pere Chamber of Commerce, Definitely De Pere, and members of the Historic Preservation Committee to make sure that new construction, remodels, etc., retain and preserve our small-town feel.
I would work with other alderpersons and city staff to promote and approve economic development and retention of small businesses in De Pere.
How will you make sure the city doesn’t go over budget and spend money on unnecessary projects?
Maintaining a balanced budget is important to me.
As your alderperson, I will vote on items so that the City of De Pere maintains a balanced budget.
I am fiscally responsible and have experience balancing and approving budgets.
I served as treasurer for a non-profit organization and have experience being a branch manager of a credit union.
As your alderperson, I will pledge to act and vote in the best interest of the De Pere taxpayers.
I will do my best to keep and maintain low taxes in De Pere.
What’s the one thing you’d like to see changed in De Pere?
One thing I would like to see changed in De Pere is the traffic congestion, especially at peak commuting times.
We need to continue to support the development of the southern bridge to better accommodate the needs of our growing community. Minimizing traffic congestion in our downtown and providing easier access into our business parks will spur more economic development in our community.
This is critical to making De Pere a destination for residents, visitors and businesses.