By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay City Council will see multiple contested seats with primaries on Feb. 20.
District 4 Incumbent William Galvin will face challengers Dane Lasecki, Jon Shelton and Douglas Yates.
District 6 Incumbent Steve Campbell will face challengers Paul Boucher and Joey Prestley.
In District 10, Ben Delie, Eric Kuzma and Jeff Osborne will be on the ballot.
In District 11, Incumbent Melinda Eck will face Michael Poradek and Christina Thor.
Only two candidates will advance to the April 2 spring election from each district.
District 4
William Galvin (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I have an associates degree in criminal justice. I was a Green Bay Police Department officer for 34 years. I retired as a district captain. During my career I was in charge of the Community Police unit, was a shift captain, and as a district captain, was responsible for the police response to anything happening in an area that constituted 25% of the city’s population. I have been an alderperson for District 4 for eight years. During that time I was on the protection and policy committee, and am currently a member of the personnel committee, finance committee, ethics committee, Green Bay Stadium District board, and the facilities committee.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
I would like to expand development of housing, commercial, and industrial development. Improve the interaction and processes between different city departments and the public making it easier and faster for developers, entrepreneurs, and business owners to help our City grow to meet our needs. Work closer with Brown County Health and Human Services Department and other NGOs to better address our homeless issues to better help the homeless to address their needs and reduce their numbers. The City also needs to address its aging infrastructure needs.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
I am available to my constituents through email, phone, texting, USPS, and two forms of social media. I can tell you after 8 years, they take advantage of all of those mediums. Since becoming an Alder, we have made it easier for constituents to attend council and committee meetings the use of Zoom. We have developed on our web site a Request for Service icon that allows anyone the ability to have complaints or compliments or request service with out having to go through phone trees or sending emails. I post when there are programs open for the public to become involved in or if they are interested in becoming a member of a committee, have helped them apply to the mayor’s office for that. I have also attended neighborhood association meetings when possible to listen and address to their concerns.
Dane Lasecki
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
Running for city council in 2024 is a natural progression of my commitment to Green Bay. I bring a robust background and deep-rooted commitment to Green Bay’s Fourth District. Holding a bachelor of science in political science and urban planning from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a master of professional studies in political management from George Washington University, my education provides a foundation for effective public policy advocacy. With extensive experience in federal policy-making and local government work, coupled with my current role as a Brown County Planning Commissioner, I offer a well-rounded perspective crucial for impactful decision-making on the city council.
Complementing my academic and professional pursuits, I am also deeply rooted in the community as a small business owner here in Green Bay. This firsthand experience has given me unique insights into the challenges faced by our local business community and a profound appreciation for their critical role in the economic fabric of our district and city.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Looking forward to the upcoming term, my comprehensive vision and commitment to the city is rooted in fostering robust economic growth, enhancing local infrastructure, and preserving our rich historical heritage. I am a proud small business owner in Green Bay, and this firsthand experience has equipped me with unique insights into the challenges faced by our local businesses and their critical role in our community’s economic fabric.
Amid a crowded primary, my campaign distinguishes itself by being solely centered on solutions. In a political landscape often overshadowed by divisive rhetoric and partisanship manipulation, I firmly believe that tangible, actionable plans are the key to addressing the pressing issues that affect our district and city. I am committed to fostering economic growth by streamlining regulations and creating a growth-friendly environment that attracts diverse industries while retaining and supporting local businesses. Simultaneously, I recognize the need for a strategic approach to infrastructure development involving comprehensive maintenance plans, smart growth strategies, and public-private partnerships.
Preserving our historical heritage is equally crucial to me. I envision collaborative efforts with residents, historians, and preservation organizations to expand historical preservation zones. District 4 encompasses the most historically rich neighborhoods in the city, and expanding historical preservation zones in Astor, Navarino, and Joannes will create cohesion across the district while giving our neighbors new resources and opportunities to beautify their homes. My campaign stands as a beacon of solutions-focused leadership, focusing on tangible solutions and community-driven initiatives to build a stronger, more vibrant District 4 for all.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
To actively involve constituents in the decision-making process, I am committed to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and community engagement. In addition to traditional in-person meetings, community forums, and newsletters, my innovative approach involves leveraging technology to create a real-time web platform. This platform will provide residents with direct insights into how their tax dollars are being invested and the overall state of the city’s financial affairs.
Transparency and accountability go hand in hand with community involvement. By offering residents a user-friendly online platform, I aim to demystify the city’s financial decision-making processes, making it easier for constituents to understand and participate in the decision-making that directly impacts their lives. This platform will not only showcase ongoing projects and initiatives but also serve as a means for residents to voice their opinions, offer suggestions, and hold local government accountable.
In today’s interconnected world, providing residents with accessible information is crucial. My commitment to a real-time web platform aligns with my broader vision for an engaged and informed community where every resident has the tools and knowledge to actively participate in shaping our city’s future. This approach aims to bridge the gap between local government and the community it serves, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration that will propel our district and city forward.
Jon Shelton
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I am a life-long educator and union activist. In 2013, I earned a Ph.D. in US History, and ever since, I’ve worked as a professor of democracy and justice studies at UW-Green Bay. I’ve taught and mentored hundreds of successful students since that time, and I’ve been elected to numerous leadership positions on campus, including President of UWGB-United, our faculty and staff union. In 2021, I was appointed by Mayor Genrich to Green Bay’s first ever Equal Rights Commision, where I proudly served as the ERC’s first vice chair and helped to create a report, which we presented to city council, entitled “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Recommendations to Promote Equal Housing Opportunity in Green Bay.” I have also done a good deal of work with our immigrant and refugee communities as a board member of COMSA, a non-profit resource center in Green Bay. And, I have been elected to leadership roles in several statewide organizations: for the past eight years, I’ve served as Vice President of Higher Education for the American Federation of Teachers-Wisconsin and on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Labor History Society, an organization devoted to ensuring we tell the history of working people in our state.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Our city is at an important crossroads. We have seen contentious debates on city council over the last year about whether we should celebrate the inclusion of some of our own friends and neighbors such as the LGBTQ+ community. As a member of the Equal Rights Commission, I believe our city should do everything it can to support dignity for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and people of color. I’ll advocate to advance the work the ERC has already done to enhance our city’s score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, by, for instance, pushing for a city ordinance to ban conversion therapy. Through the ERC report I referenced above, we’ve also learned how difficult it has become for so many people in Green Bay to find good housing, particularly marginalized people like victims of intimate partner violence and immigrants. I will work to advance the recommendations the ERC put forward last year in our housing report, including rewarding landlords that treat their tenants fairly and prioritizing direct city investment in affordable housing. Finally, given the scale of the global climate crisis, the city must be on the front lines of creating a carbon-free infrastructure. I will be a vocal advocate for the recommendations of the Green Bay Sustainability Commission’s recently announced Clean Energy Plan, which calls for, among other things, reducing carbon emissions in city buildings and Green Bay metro to zero by 2050.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
The United States is a nation founded on the principle of representative democracy. As an American, I’m really proud of that, and I hope, as you read this, you are too. Our nation was the first in the world to do it, even if it was far from perfect in the beginning. At our nation’s founding, women couldn’t vote, nor could African Americans–even in parts of the country where they were not bound by the despicable practice of slavery–and, in most states, white men who did not own enough property couldn’t fully participate either. The story of our nation is one in which those who have been excluded broke down barriers to their political rights and demanded full citizenship. That legacy, which we all share, has deeply shaped me and is a major part of my decision to run for this office. If I’m elected to the city council, the profound responsibility of representing the working people in my community, in all of their diversity, will drive every decision I make. So that means I will continue knocking on my neighbors’ doors and going to community meetings after the election, of course, but it also means I will lean on my constituents to make their voices heard in the council chambers so that we can advance the values, together, the vast majority of people in Green Bay believe in.
Douglas Yates
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I am currently working as a pipefitter/welder out of the UA Local 400. I have a Diploma in welding from Bay De Noc community college. I’ve lived in Green Bay now for almost 8 years and I have a sense of civic responsibility. I’ve been married for 15 years and am a father of four kids — three boys and a girl. I don’t have any experience in government other than I ran 2 years ago. I don’t think that is a detriment, I have a vested interest in seeing the city prosper for the future for my children.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
One of the main developments I want to see happen in Green Bay is to light the darkest areas of my district. The lighting in District 4 is extremely poor. If you are walking home from work at night or school from an afterschool activity you can take any direct route, you have to take indirect paths to be able to see and feel safe. We are one of the highest taxed cities in the state and we can’t provide a safe street to walk down.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
Social media is basically key in getting connected with your constituents. You have to be available for them and you have to interact with them when they need you. We are asking to become a public servant, the public doesn’t keep the same hours as I do, I have to be reachable at all hours. The best way to achieve that is social media, but tried and true methods work as well. In person communication is the best form.
District 6
Paul Boucher
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I have lived in the Green Bay area for most of my life. I received my bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin in sociology. I have spent years researching the community and its needs.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
The Mason Street bridge project hopes to open up the grid pattern in downtown Green Bay. The best way to open up the grid pattern is to build a Mason Street tunnel. This will help people cross town, including emergency services, bus services, Ubers, taxis and Door Dash. Tunnels have no moving parts and last hundreds of years.
We really need indoor temperature controlled parking ramps, if we truly believe in electric vehicles.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
The best way to get constituents involved is to get people involved at a younger age. When constituents learn to care about elections, they stay involved. I will work to get the voting age lowered at the local level. Similar to what other communities have done. Some say young people don’t know anything about elections; well, I have talked to many adults who are perfectly willing to admit that they don’t know anything about elections. If we get people involved in democracy early, we all benefit.
Steve Campbell (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
Personal: Age 63; married 40 years with three adult children.
Education and experience: Preble High School graduate 1979, Machinist Degree NWTC, 33-year homeowner in District 6, Brown County Foster Care Provider Emergency Placement Home (1994-1997), successful business owner for the last 28 years, National Federation of Independent Business Member, Professional Archery Instruction in Schools and Community involvement in Hunter Education.
City experience: Green Bay City Deer Hunt Proficiency Administrator, current city council member/alderman, Current City Improvement and Services Committee Member, current City Parks Committee (vice chair).
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
The developments that I would like to see in my city the next term is to maintain and Foster Pro-Active vs. Reactive Community Policing like we recently created. To continue to foster fiscal accountability for your city tax dollars and expenditures like they are my own. Committed to making neighborhoods safer and family friendlier community. Advocate of community voter education and involvement of open and transparent elections. Developing and maintainingour great park system.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
The means I would use to further involve my constituents in my city district would be to continue to keep open communication through my Facebook page and YouTube channel by posting important issues that will be discussed at common council and committee meetings. Advocate and encourage involvement to attend meetings to voice their concerns and opinions and promote involvement in neighborhood associations and continue building relationships and maintaining direct communication through texts, emails and phone calls and continuing to be visible out and about in the neighborhood.
Joey Prestley
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I moved to Green Bay in 2014 to attend UW-Green Bay. After graduating, I substitute taught in the Pulaski Community School District, got my MA in journalism and science communication from UW-Madison and returned to Green Bay. I currently work as a communications specialist at UW-Green Bay, and I am a board member and organizer for Green Bay Fringe Inc, a performing arts nonprofit. I have also volunteered and worked for local and national political and issue campaigns for the better part of a decade. Though this is my first time as a candidate, I think my roles as a leader, educator, political campaigner and journalist qualify me for the role of alder. I’m prepared to listen to the people, prioritize proven, data-driven solutions, communicate effectively with my constituency and lead with compassion.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Move toward 100% sustainable energy on a more advanced timeline than the current 2050 plan. Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure solutions. Make roads more pedestrian-friendly to allow greater foot traffic to local businesses, like those on University Avenue. Create good, union jobs with competitive wages. Improve the reach and reliability of public transit. Promote resources for the elderly and disabled. Fully fund the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary and other public green spaces. Lower marijuana possession charges to $0, effectively decriminalizing it. Raise the minimum wage in Green Bay to better reflect the cost of living. Provide resources for tenants facing discrimination or other unjust treatment by landlords. Develop affordable housing. Fully fund elections to ensure free and fair participation in democracy.
Lift the voices of our Latino, Hmong, Somali, and First Nations neighbors, celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride, and generally embrace the diversity of thought and culture that makes District 6 and all of Green Bay so wonderful and vibrant.
These are issues I’ve heard from people in my district, and I would like to continue to receive input from my neighbors about what they want to see council address.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
As an alder, I would involve my constituents in the decision-making process through both conventional and new channels. I would advertise my city email address as a means of contact, keep active in neighborhood groups, mail out a newsletter, and attend events in my district. I also plan to reach more constituents through dedicated social media channels where I can explain and field questions about upcoming votes. I want to take advantage of recent interest, especially from young people, in local politics and use my experience as an educator and communicator to bring transparency and understandability to Green Bay’s City Council.
District 10
Ben Delie
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
Occupation: utility worker for 15 years at Green Bay Area Public School District
Education: Green Bay Southwest High School, attended NWTC
Relevant Experience: Leadership (president) of AFSCME Local3055, labor management committees and working groups.
I decided to run for Green Bay City Council alder because I have the city’s best interests at heart. I’m a lifelong Green Bay resident and my love of this community runs deep. During my lengthy tenure with the Green Bay Public School District, including my leadership role as union president, I have dedicated myself to finding common sense solutions to some very challenging problems, such as addressing the effects of declining enrollment. I intend to use that problem-solving ability to achieve those same goals and outcomes on a larger scale. In my eyes, there’s no better way to accomplish that than by being an advocate for positive change in the great city where I live and raise my family.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Growing up on Green Bay’s west side, I remember how great it was to be able to go to the neighborhood park and participate in all sorts of activities under the supervision of some great park attendants. By upgrading our park shelters, playing surfaces, fields, and related equipment, we will ensure safe spaces for our citizens of all ages to get out and enjoy themselves. I would also advocate for upgrades to better accommodate our special needs citizens.
Green Bay’s revival of the Broadway District has been a huge success. As a city council we should continue working on further developments and additional events along the Fox River. By taking advantage of this tremendous resource, the city will attract more businesses, citizens, and visitors to this area and Green Bay as a whole.
In addition, the council should address the long-range plan for revitalizing the Military Avenue corridor. This high-traffic area has the potential to provide a major revenue stream for the city. Address the long-range plan for revitalizing this area, like the revitalization of the Broadway District.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
As Green Bay becomes more and more diverse, it is critical that we continue to foster a community where everyone has a voice and feels respected and accepted. As a city we can better accomplish this by revitalizing Neighborhood Associations throughout the city. Neighborhood Associations help encourage residents to get engaged in the issues affecting their own neighborhoods. By engaging residents of this district, we can better identify their concerns and opportunities for improvement and discuss solutions that will aid in the safety and security of our community. As the Alder in the district where my family and I live, I would welcome the opportunity to participate in such an association. I would certainly be eager to provide an update on city council issues important to those in my district, while also listening to their concerns and suggestions for improvements. I would also encourage residents to reach out to me individually.
Eric Kuzma
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I am a first-generation American, born and raised in Green Bay in a proud union family. I am deeply invested in Green Bay and want to see the city thrive. My family worked hard to make it in this country, and I want to give back to the community that has given us so much.
For nearly seven years, I have been working in public service at the Brown County Library, helping my community. Being elected to the city council would allow me to help the community in a deeper way.
I hold a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MS in Human Values and Contemporary Global Ethics from King’s College London (UK), and a masters in library and information science from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee. I have worked in libraries for over 20 years, in various urban environments such as Madison, London (UK), New York City and Boston. This diverse experience has honed my skills and broadened my perspective, equipping me with the tools to effectively serve diverse communities.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Green Bay is a city with immense potential, and I’m passionate about making it even better. The three areas that are crucial to the city’s growth and development are the following: public safety, housing and infrastructure and education.
In terms of public safety, it’s heartening to see that crime rates have decreased by 13% from the previous year, and crimes against persons, property, and society are at a five-year low. However, drug overdoses have increased by 50%, indicating that more work needs to be done in this area. It’s important to continue investing in public safety, especially when it comes to addressing mental health issues, drugs, and homelessness.
When it comes to housing and infrastructure, the Green Bay Public Market is an exciting investment in downtown Green Bay that is expected to bring in one million visitors annually. This is a great business investment that also brings the community together in an exciting new space. Additionally, working with community partners to address the homelessness crisis is crucial. There is a lack of affordable and safe housing in Green Bay and addressing this issue will make Green Bay safer and a better place to live.
Finally, education is a critical area that needs attention. It’s concerning to see that only 27% of Brown County students meet third grade reading targets. Third grade is an important indicator because up to third grade, children are learning how to read. After third grade, children use reading to learn other things. Not meeting third-grade proficiency standards can lead to lifelong struggles in education. This is a community crisis, and we all can play a role in addressing reading proficiency. Community leaders, organizations, schools and libraries can all come together to fix this problem.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
To ensure that I am effectively representing my constituents, I believe that open and accessible communication is key. I am committed to being available to constituents through various channels, including phone calls, emails and social media. Encouraging attendance at city council and relevant committee meetings will provide a direct avenue for residents to voice their concerns.
To foster community engagement, I will use my Facebook page to share council proceedings, encouraging constructive feedback and fostering healthy discussions on issues impacting Green Bay. I welcome residents to share their love for the city and provide solutions for improvement. Additionally, I will be holding office hours, in-person meetings by appointment and monthly Saturday coffee shop sessions to further enhance accessibility. These opportunities will allow for meaningful conversations about the future of Green Bay and help me better understand the needs of my constituents.
Jeff Osborne
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
My family has lived in the district for 15 years and we’ve been fortunate enough to share in this community with our family and close friends. I graduated from NWTC and have worked in Green Bay for the last 22 years. Through hard work and dedication to self-improvement I have gained first-hand knowledge of several different types of business structures. Being involved in fleet sales/service and acquisition, negotiating large service and product contracts, logistics, data analytics and team management are some of the areas that I have built my career on. I have not pursued any work in the public sector previously and see opportunity to bring my knowledge of cost savings and efficiency practices to the city of Green Bay to reduce expenses.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Talking to constituents in my district revealed that there are a few important items that need to be prioritized. The thing that I heard the most was concern over crime. Several people I spoke with talked about their concerns over instances of drive by shootings, theft and the ever-growing threat of hard drugs becoming more prevalent in Green Bay. Our law enforcement officials and community leaders have proposed different solutions, but maintaining current Green Bay Police Department numbers and planning for growth should be a top priority.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
I would encourage constituents to attend council meetings either in person or by viewing on You Tube. This is a great way to get involved as the details beyond headlines and hearsay are available to anyone that would like to get the information directly from the source. I would actively invite anyone to engage the discussions over proposals to become an active participant in the dialogue at council and committee meetings. Unless it’s a hot button topic, in person attendance and You Tube views are usually very low for these meetings. Being able to stay informed of what items are included in the local agenda is a great proactive vs reactive approach when items are coming up for debate or a council vote. Another way to involve constituents is to either attend existing or assist in creating new neighborhood associations. Several districts in Green Bay currently have active associations but there are also districts that have dissolved the associations due to lack of participation or volunteers to organize. The city of Green Bay website offers the availability to formally request the creation of new associations and provides a platform to share news and upcoming events. Becoming involved or at the minimum subscribing to the newsletters and reviewing the meeting broadcasts are great to keep engaged on extremely local events.
District 11
Melinda Eck (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
Education: NWTC Associate’s Degree-Early Childhood Education, Accounting
I have served on different boards that have helped cultivate leadership skills. Currently, I am the president of the board for the John Muir Park Neighborhood Association and that has sparked me to be more community-minded. I am also a member of the Green Bay Neighborhoods which has helped me to really get a pulse on what is happening in Green Bay and specifically what the needs are in the neighborhoods. I have also been a part of the team for the Community Leadership Institute which is put on through NeighborWorks America. This training included various classes and labs to learn how to become effective leaders in our community. After the training, our team organized and hosted our own local Community Leadership Institute. We, as a team, hosted this for two years. This was a great opportunity to learn to work as a team to make a positive impact on our community through helping to build leaders locally. Also, I am the Executive Director of a local non-profit which includes overseeing all operations, marketing, fund-raising, accounting, teaching classes for teens and adults, that teach conflict resolution, communication skills, and relationship skills. All these skills and experiences have helped me to be an effective public servant.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Infrastructure improvements-We need to find solutions to improve our roads such as doing more resurfacing using new technology that allows for long term stability versus completely replacing them in or to catch up with the improvements needed in a more economical way. We do this smarter by score-card and re-prioritizing the highest importance first, to maximize our investment.
Making our city safer by attacking crime and sex-trafficking and fentanyl problem- Alder Grant and I worked together to get a Spa Business Ordinance passed to equip our GBPD and Inspection Department to enforce and prosecute sex-trafficking through unlicensed operators masquerading as legitimate massage therapists. The ordinance takes effect Feb 1. I ensured this effort was done with the vital input of legitimate licensed professional massage therapists, the GBPD, and the law department to protect Green Bay from this blight.
Replace the almost 100-year-old fire stations 1 and 3 and build a new modern combined facility- Alder Grant and I were able to secure $1million of ARPA funding to help reduce the taxpayer burden. In addition, we established Green Bay Metro Fire Foundation and are soliciting donors to contribute to a long-overdue project.
Address the housing shortage — I have also been working hard with a local developer to creatively problem-solve and increase the tax base long-term. Specifically, an approved new sub-division in my district will provide 15 residential homes with potential for more in the future; bringing the dream of home ownership to reality.
New development on Military Ave at the old Sears and Shopko sites.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
I believe that we, as leaders, need to identify problems/issues and then come up with solutions to improve the quality of life for the citizens. No matter how big or small a problem/issue might be, we must analyze it and come up with the solution that will best serve the people based on character, integrity, leadership and mutual respect. I currently have my phone number and email posted on the city’s website, a website with a feedback form, and a Facebook page with messenger to allow constituents easy access to share their concerns and needs with me. I have had listening sessions and will continue to provide them to encourage residents to meet me face to face and share their needs and concerns. In addition, I will continue to attend the various neighborhood association meetings to hear feedback from citizens. I am committed to having an open line of communication that would allow my constituents to share their needs and concerns with me. I will be responsive to their needs and represent them at city hall. It is our job as city council members to listen to all residents within our districts and serve them.
Michael Poradek
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
I am proud to call Green Bay home and am running for city council to serve this community that I know and love. I have been a homeowner in our district for over ten years and a lifelong area resident. After graduating from St. Norbert College, I pursued graduate studies in administration and leadership which I hope to put to good use as your alder. I bring over a decade of professional experience in nonprofit administration along with diverse experience in volunteer community engagement.
I currently serve on the city’s planning commission, focusing on economic development and housing. For the past seven years I have served in neighborhood leadership, first as president of Fireman’s Park Neighborhood and now also as Chair of the city-wide Green Bay Neighborhoods for all recognized neighborhoods. I am also privileged to be a board member for St. Vincent de Paul Green Bay, vice president and a Brown County trustee for the Nicolet Federated Library System Board and a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
I am committed to serving as a nonpartisan official in this nonpartisan role, focused on the local issues that impact us daily. On Jan. 30, I was proud to lead a city-wide nonpartisan pledge with several fellow candidates from other districts, committing to leaving partisan affiliations “at the door” and not accepting partisan funding.
I hope to bring new ideas, authentic leadership, and community-based solutions to make Green Bay an even better place to live, work and call home.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
Besides being available and responsive to resident concerns and questions, I plan on focusing on three areas that are of primary concerns for neighbors and that I have recognized from following our city government over the past few years:
Road repair: Every election cycle, roads are discussed. It’s finally time we work to allocate enough resources within a long-term plan, not short-term fixes, for repairs. To maintain our over 500 miles of roadways we need to ensure our city’s budget is capable of repairs in an ongoing cycle that meets the estimated lifespan of the roads.
Public safety: In order to address current and future issues impacting our community, public safety officials need the support, training, and personnel necessary to continue to be proactive, addressing issues from speeding to violence. I would also like to see our community officers having the opportunity to be more present in our neighborhoods to interact with residents, which relies upon staffing needs being met.
Economic growth: Especially on our city’s west side and our Military Avenue District, we need to invest in common sense economic development that benefits both residents and visitors while strengthening the tax base. This includes finding ways to meet the needs of both business and housing development while working with developers who are committed to projects that support and reflect the unique needs of Green Bay.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
Being involved in neighborhood leadership, I recognize the need if elected to serve as your alder to be readily available to respond to your questions and concerns, and most importantly to listen. Feedback from neighbors across the district is essential for me to be able to stay connected to the issues that we are facing across our district, and to find ways for our city government to better respond to those issues. I look forward to receiving your calls, emails, or meeting in person to discuss questions and concerns.
Serving as a planning commissioner for the city, I have always valued hearing input and opinions from members of the community when addressing projects. I know the importance of doing the homework necessary to make an informed decision. I am also always willing to ask questions of stakeholders and city representatives, both to ensure I have the information I need to vote, but also to directly respond to resident concerns which arise. I will bring this same approach to serving as your alder on the city council.
Communication on updates outside of the election season is also key, whether through print materials, newsletters, online or at events. Over the next two years I plan to be present in our district as I have in neighborhood leadership, being visible and available for neighbors to talk with me. I also plan to continue to host events like my recent campaign “meet and greets” to foster even more conversation.
Christina Thor
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position?
As a daughter of refugees, I grew up in poverty and understood economic challenges at a young age. District 11 is where I started my family, became a first-generation homeowner, and learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and caring for my neighborhood. I care deeply about the people here, and I believe that those most impacted by the issues should be part of finding the solutions.
As a nonprofit executive director and servant leader, I have a deep understanding of the needs of our communities and the disparities that perpetuate cycles of inequities. I have implemented evidence-based programs to support them. I have secured hundreds of thousands of dollars to support community initiatives locally and broadly throughout Wisconsin. I understand the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy in effective leadership.
My experience in public policy led me to believe in the true power of people-centered policies. From fighting for family-supporting policies in Washington D.C. to working on state and local legislation, such as raising the minimum wage and paid leave, I have demonstrated my commitment to using rational thought and data, and community concerns, to create, support and improve policies.
In my role with 9to5, a nonpartisan economic justice organization, I am the chair of the Wisconsin Care Coalition leading the Paid Family and Medical Leave statewide campaign, and working with local childcare providers, parent advocates, and caregivers throughout our state to advance affordable child care in Wisconsin. I am a leading member of the AAPI Coalition of Wisconsin, former board member of the Hmong American Partnership and ColorBold Business Association, former task force member of ESTHER Immigration Taskforce and former member of the National Association of Social Workers-Wisconsin Legislative and Social Policy Committee.
Building on my experiences, I hope to work with you to co-create an inclusive Green Bay with healthy homes, neighborhood jobs, and community safety alongside my neighbors. I have a track record of prioritizing people and driving progress, and I am confident that I am the strongest candidate to effectively serve and represent the needs of all families in District 11.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term?
From my conversation with Green Bay residents, some of the largest concerns they have is city transparency, accessibility and accountability. People want to be part of the decision-making process and be heard on decisions that impact their lives. I would like to see transformative investments in community outreach, civic education, and community engagement, through different modes of communication and in different languages, so that the information is accessible to everyone in our city.
I have also talked with renters and homeowners, and we all share concerns about the need for more fair and affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, because without access to affordable homes, people struggle to find stability in their lives. That becomes a barrier to education, employment, and well-being, and ultimately, a resilient community.
Another concern I discussed with residents was our overcrowded prisons and our need to find a systemic solution that addresses the root causes of crime and focus on prevention rather than punishment. I’d like to see investments in a community-first public safety approach that prioritizes crime prevention and community engagement over traditional policing tactics, which involves investing in social services, education, and programs that help address the root causes of crime.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
I come from a multigenerational community that faces daily challenges relating to accommodations in language, disability, education, and opportunity, and I know that it’s not uncommon in other families. I am deeply and personally invested in accessibility.
I will involve my constituents in the decision-making process by ensuring I dismantle these barriers for all families, because everyone deserves to fully participate in the decision-making processes that impact their lives.
I will cultivate a culture that values and respects every individual and their unique needs. It means designing systems, buildings, technology and services that are usable by all, and removing barriers that prevent individuals with disabilities or other challenges from participating fully in society.
I am committed to providing interpreters, bilingual facilitation, translated material, and additional support and education, when it comes to public forums, town halls, council meetings, informational and listening sessions, one-on-one meetings and any other events that require accommodations.
I am committed to two-way communication, an open door policy, and open office hours, where constituents can speak to me freely about any issue that is affecting them and discuss what kind of support they seek. I also welcome feedback and collaboration, and I am committed to transparency by having clear and accessible information available on current issues, pending decisions and potential impacts.