By Kris Leonhardt
Editor-in-chief
GREEN BAY – Multiple seats will be contested on the Green Bay City Council, as the spring election is held on April 2.
District 1
Barbara Dorff
Please provide your background, education, and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I was born and raised in Milwaukee. My father was a WWII Veteran and auto mechanic, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom until she became a public school teacher when I was in high school. I was raised in a traditional household and taught to respect and honor my parents, elders, and country.
My husband (a Vietnam veteran and educator), our children, and I moved to Green Bay 34 years ago. We have lived in District 1 for 21 years. I was an associate principal at Preble High School and the principal of Red Smith School during those years. I ended my 38-year career in education as the executive director of pupil services, serving 20,000 students and their families in the Green Bay Area Public School District.
I have a master’s degree in counseling and post-master’s certification in Leadership from UW-Madison with coursework in public finance.
I continued to serve my community after retiring from education. I was on the city council for six years and served as vice president for one term. My committee assignments and appointments included police and fire commission, finance (chair for four years), personnel, traffic bike and pedestrian, protection and policy, and redevelopment authority. I currently serve as a special voting deputy and am on the zoning and planning board of appeals, the Professional Football Stadium District board, and the NEWCAP board.I have also served on the United Way, Marion House and Big Brother Big Sisters boards of directors.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
Economic development is essential to the continued growth of the city. Increased business and real estate development help to lower property taxes because the burden is spread to more payers.
Public safety is always a major concern across the community. Although some districts are considered “relatively safe,” people travel throughout the city for shopping, work, school and recreation. Supporting the work of the police and fire departments as they continue to research and implement innovations to increase public safety and public confidence must be a priority.
Increased attention to our infrastructure, including our roads, bridges and the environment, is absolutely needed. Everyone uses our roads and bridges and is affected by those environmental factors that we can influence. Deteriorated road surfaces, aging bridges, and street flooding continue to be problems that need our increased attention.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process?
Communicating with stakeholders is the first step when including constituents in decision-making. Building and nurturing relationships with residents and with the city staff who assist them is a top priority and one of my greatest strengths.
I have always communicated openly and promptly with my constituents and other city residents. My personal phone number and email are on my website, and I respond to both usually within hours.
During my six years on the Council, I listened and was very responsive to citizen requests. I promptly and actively pursued ways to help constituents resolve their concerns. I have been and will always be an advocate for all.
I will continue attending neighborhood association events and meetings when they do not conflict with city council meetings. Once elected, I will post information on my city council Facebook page and neighborhood pages allowing postings. Feedback from constituents has always been part of my decision-making process.
Jennifer Grant (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
First elected two years ago, I hit the ground running with a pro-active and results-oriented style, which is an essential leadership quality. My diverse background with a strong foundation in leadership and the finance industry provides a unique perspective on managing resources effectively and fostering community engagement. Commitment to servicing my community and understanding their needs comes from my lifelong love of this city and the values that make it so important to each of us.
My connection to Green Bay, graduating from Green Bay East High School coupled with a bachelor’s degree from Lakeland University, my time as an alder, coach, an engaged member of my neighborhood association in addition to over a decade in the finance industry serves me well in this role. I plan on continuing to leverage my previous experiences while remaining open to new ideas and perspectives to make meaningful contributions to our amazing community through creative solutions to complex challenges and drive for positive change.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
Working with Alder Eck, $1 million of the $9 million of ARPA funds requested were secured toward the construction of a new fire station, replacing our two oldest stations. In collaboration with many, we also assisted with the formation of the first GB Metro Fire Dept. Foundation, which will enable the department to pursue additional fundraising opportunities in the future.
After touring the two facilities, I learned of some of the advanced safety measures they would be able to implement and the ability to specifically cut down on costs; for example the city of Green Bay has been paying extra to customize our fire trucks to fit the smaller doors at station No. 3. Over the years, the costs have increased and the ability to make certain improvements on these old buildings are cost prohibitive. These efforts will ultimately lead to improved facilities for firefighters, enhanced operational efficiency and cost savings to the entire department.
The benefits of the new fire station, such as streamlined operations, reduced maintenance costs, and upgraded facilities, will undoubtedly contribute to the overall safety and well-being of Green Bay residents.
Furthermore, creating private sleeping and bathroom areas for both men and women will provide a safe and inclusive environment within the fire department.
This project will have a lasting positive impact on our community, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition and look forward to the continued impact of the foundation.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Transparency and accountability to those I serve is one of my core commitments. I will continue to be quick to respond to constituents concerns and actively provide updates along with notifying affected residents of upcoming issues and votes the best I can. An active Facebook presence, personal direct contact, regularly attending neighborhood association meetings and other special community events are some of the ways I try to engage with residents to continue to build trust and deepen the relationships developed over the past few years.
District 2
Jim Hutchison (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I graduated from Hartford Union High School followed by a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from UW-Platteville, worked as assistant city engineer for the City of West Bend, then went to UW-Madison and graduated with a masters degree in civil and environmental engineering. I spent the last 20 years of my career working on the Fox River PCB contaminated sediment dredging project. I was elected alder of District 2 in the last election and have served on the finance committee, personnel committee, the plan commission, and the Equal Rights Commission of Green Bay. I have responded to constituent concerns, worked with city staff to find answers to questions and have learned to listen when important and relevant facts and procedures are discussed. I have been humbled by the level of concern and the ingenuity of those who have contacted me concerning issues within District 2.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
I would like to see a continuation of reduced crime in Green Bay by the police department’s effective intervention plan where attention is given to interceding in potential perpetrators of crime. I would like to see the successful development of the downtown area, especially along the river, to enhance tourism and the growth of the arts and businesses. I look forward to development of the far east side industrial areas to create jobs, provide desired services and to lower tax rates on residential properties. There is still room to grow on the east side and the growth should be well thought out and planned with transparency. I would also like to see the development of street maintenance procedures that include more cost-effective methods if they prove to be effective in both the short and long term.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
The public can make comments at the committee and commission meetings and at the Common Council meeting. The agendas are posted publicly for each of these meetings. The issue for constituents is finding out about agenda items that directly affect them. The city is tasked with letting property owners within a certain distance (usually around 200 feet) of an agenda item issue for Plan Commission and other committees if appropriate, but renters may not find out in a timely fashion. Sometimes the issues are not stated fully in the limited space of an agenda item. The best of all worlds is that constituents stay abreast of issues coming before the common council. Neighborhood associations may play a role in identifying issues for a neighborhood. As alder, I will try to give notice to interested constituents of pending agenda Items if they let me know what specific issues in which they are interested.
Andy Nicholson
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I was born and raised in Green Bay and am a graduate of Preble High School. After earning a bachelors degree from UW-Oshkosh, I worked in law enforcement. Living away from Green Bay as a young man helped me to realize what a great place Green Bay is to raise a family. After my law enforcement career, I became the owner of Nicholson Hardware which has been around over 90 years. Owning my business has taught me budgeting and fiscal responsibility. With my past experience as Green Bay city alderman, I know how to cut through red tape to help constituents solve problems. I’ll treat your tax dollars as carefully as my own paycheck.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
The city of Green Bay needs to explore the idea of creating another business park. This would bring in additional property taxes and jobs. There hasn’t been a new industrial park creation for over 30 years.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I touch base with my constituents to talk to them personally and listen to their concerns and opinions. I also keep constituents informed of important upcoming issues with annual newsletters and surveys.
District 4
Covered prior to the Feb. 20 primary.
District 5
Robert Maccaux
Did not respond to several call and emails.
Craig Stevens (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
My background has been in real estate management for the past 23 years and I hold a degree in business management. I have been on the city council for the past three terms. I currently sit on the protection and policy committee as the chairperson. Also, as a member of the traffic, bike and pedestrian commission along with the water commission as a liaison for the city council.
My priority has been and will continue to be the welfare of the people of District 5. I have demonstrated my commitment to listening to the people, then acting. People trust me at my word and know that I have their best interests at heart.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
If I am re-elected, I will fight to continue improving our streets. We have increased funding for street upgrades, but we also need to start looking for different funding sources for street improvements/replacements. Speeding is the No. 1 concern within many neighborhoods of the city. As a member of the traffic, bike and pedestrian commission, we have requested a change in how we are handling speeding problems through how we design and build streets. This request is currently being worked through and we will have recommendations shortly coming back to the commission.
As the city continues to grow, we need to look at all types of affordable housing options. Currently, there is a property being built within District 5. This project will bring an additional 48 affordable housing units for city residents. We need to continue to look for different investment opportunities to build affordable housing for people of all ages and incomes.
We also need to welcome new business to the city. We have seen growth on the east side of Green Bay in the past few years, but we need to continue working with business investors to bring the best options to our city.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I have always had an open-door, transparency policy. I am available by phone, text, and email. I also have a Facebook page for communication. Emails and texting have been the number one way of communicating with the residents of District 5. If I am re-elected, I will continue to use these means of involving the residents within the district.
District 6
Covered prior to the Feb. 20 primary
District 7
Adrian Liddicoat
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I’ve lived in Green Bay the last 32 of my 37 years. I’ve lived in District 7 for about a decade now. I have an associate’s degree from NWTC in computer support. I’ve stood in roles that require listening and providing beneficial results to people for my entire adult life, like sales and healthcare IT support. You have to have good people skills when a nurse calls you at 3 a.m., crying from frustration because she can’t remember her password and needs to document a patient death before she can go home and sleep after sitting with a despondent family for most of the day.
I’ve always performed sales as either my primary or secondary job (when I was in computer support). I genuinely enjoy getting out and interacting with people and making their day, their work, or their customer experience better.
I think my best qualification for alder is that I’m not a politician. I listen to and talk to my constituents the same way I talk with my friends. I come from the same socioeconomic background as most of the people in my district. I live in a 100 year old starter home, I drive a 22-year-old car, and I’ve forgone healthcare when I simply couldn’t afford it. I am more relatable to my constituents because we have shared common struggles.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
I’ve spent a lot of cold evenings talking to my neighbors in District 7, and I want what they want — for our district to be a great place to call home. I want the city to make intelligent investments in District 7 and the community. Equitable public safety must always be one of those investments. We need more streetlights on the East side of my district. I’ll work to get more police patrols in areas where there are kids playing in the streets, and areas where there’s high drug crime. District 7’s quality of life requires street repair, improvement and side streets repaved. Our alleys need to become a priority for repair and snow removal.
And I will work through the City budget process with a magnifying glass. My constituents — who statistically are among those struggling most in the city — must not have their money wasted.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I’ve met a lot of people on this journey who already know what I look like because I run past their houses. I run all the time in the spring, summer, and fall, and people recognize me. What’s sad is, most know me more than they know the current person who says he represents them. So many people I’ve talked to have no idea who their city council member is, that he’s being replaced, and who’s running to replace him.
As a member of the city council, I commit to being the most transparent person in local government. I’ll continue to be present in the community, to go knock on doors, to go say, “Hi, I’m Adrian Liddicoat, I’m your city councilman, what are your concerns and comments about District 7 and Green Bay in general?” That’s the wording I’ve used hundreds of times in the past 3 months, and I’m going to keep using it. I’m going to remain accessible and say those words at front doors throughout the year, not just when I’m running for office.
I’ll provide a simple summary of city council business via Facebook or Rumble or YouTube so that people can understand what’s going on in their government.
Community involvement is incredibly important. I’m refusing donations to my political campaign right now, asking anyone who wishes to donate to give that money instead to the NEW Homeless Shelter or other charities in our district. With these donations to charity, our district will improve during my campaign. On this journey I’ll meet hundreds of wonderful people. Together we’re going to start improving the District 7 Community.
Alyssa Proffitt
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I am a working mother of two toddlers who’s actively engaged in the community. My career as a supervisor of physician coding liaisons allows me to work fully remote, and my husband is a stay at home dad which allows us to be extremely present in our neighborhood.
I’m an active board member of the Joannes Park Neighborhood association and was grateful to serve a term as vice president and president the following year. During the year I was president, we were able to establish the first community fridge in Green Bay with the hopes to see the project expand beyond our neighborhood. I’m hopeful we’ll see that expansion by spring. I recently was elected to a second term as secretary of Green Bay Neighborhoods. I have a passion for this city, and getting to see all the work happening at the neighborhood level inspires me. My career is one that requires immense collaboration and effective communication, which are qualities I feel will translate naturally to city council.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
According to the U.S. News & World Report, Green Bay is the number one city to live in. A priority needs to be housing to accommodate not only those who’ve already decided to call Green Bay home, but any who may be considering Green Bay as their future home. The reality is the cost of living is rising, and the cost of rent specifically is an unmanageable number for all too many neighbors. I’ve had the great pleasure of watching an exciting development in close proximity to my residence, and I’m looking forward to supporting continued development within the city with an emphasis on housing. Additionally, I think it’s vital we continue to improve our parks within the city.
Not only as a mother, but as a neighbor who works remotely, I see the value and importance of third spaces in our city. If we place priority on revitalizing and reimagining our parks, we foster an environment that not only benefits the next generation, but engages neighbors.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Thus far, I’ve been having many wonderful conversations with neighbors right at their door. My intention is to build even more relationships with individuals in our district. I’ve been an active resident myself, and I plan to continue to be visible and approachable in our community. I have social media, email, and have shared my phone number on campaign literature as additional avenues to connect directly with me.
District 8
Jim Ridderbush
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
My life and work experiences, plus a long track record of honesty and commitment to my neighbors and community are what qualify me to represent District 8. I have lived in the Marquette Park neighborhood for my whole life and am a graduate of Green Bay West High School. I also have some additional education through University of Wisconsin-Madison School for Workers. I have been vice chair of Green Bay Neighborhoods for four years and President of the Marquette Park Neighborhood Association for 12 years. These positions have given me a lot of experience in engaging my neighbors, understanding their needs and building strong neighborhoods. I have been a board member with United Way of Brown County for four years. That experience helps me better understand the needs of our community and how to meet them. I have been a union representative at JBS for 11 years. In that job, I listen to people, create compromises and solve problems all day long – skills that I think will be very helpful as an alder. Finally, I work in a packinghouse with a diverse workforce that includes immigrants from 14 different countries who speak 17 different languages. This experience has helped me understand the needs of our city’s diverse populations and has made me appreciate the economic and cultural contributions they make to our city.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
There is a shortage of affordable housing in our community, and I would like to see the city and council work together to support efforts to address the problem. I would like to see incentives to bring and keep businesses in the city. This would help create jobs, attract new residents and expand our tax base. I would like to see good economic development in the Shipyard District including retail and affordable housing. And, like everyone else who lives in Green Bay, I would like to finally see the coal piles gone.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Because of my work with the neighborhood associations, the Greater Green Bay Labor Council, United Way and lots of volunteering, I am out in the community a lot, meeting and talking to people. I would encourage them to tell me how they feel about what is happening in the city and issues before the council. I prefer talking to people face-to-face but I would also have a Facebook page which included my email address and telephone number so that constituents could communicate on issues or tell me how they would like me to vote and why. I would encourage anyone who has strong opinions to attend City Council meetings and share their thoughts with all the alders. Finally, I can promise that no matter how constituents reach out to me or whether or not we agree, I will listen to their thoughts and treat them with the respect they deserve.
Chris Wery (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I am a graduate of West High School and UW-Green Bay. I have served district 8 as Alderman for 20 years and pride myself on communication with residents and excellent customer service. I have served as Cub Scout Master at Annie Jackson School and coached youth baseball and soccer at Colburn Park.
I currently referee soccer for SAY and WIAA. I am a member of St. Agnes Parish and the Knights of Columbus. I previously brought communion to the homebound and helped deliver food with the Meals on Wheels program.
I have been married for 29 years to Renee and we have 2 children that proudly attended West High School. They are currently in college.
I am a proven independent on our city council and refuse to bow down to any outside interest or be a rubber stamp for any mayor. I use common sense and always do my homework on issues we handle. I am not someone who gets elected and is never seen or heard from. I am not afraid to speak up or speak out and have proven this to the chagrin of many.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
The city needs to grow its commercial and industrial sector. Good employers and increased tax base are what we need. We must keep our tax rate under control during these high inflation times. Renewal of depressed housing and business locations should always be a focus to prevent our city from falling into decay. I have been a determined advocate for fixing more roads each year. We are doing better, but have so much farther to go. I will continue to press for more road repair and better ways to achieve this. We should continue to empower our police to address small issues which will in turn help prevent larger issues. The Packers need to partner with the city to help develop the business area between Holmgren and Ashland. They have put much time and money into Ashwaubenon. It is time they focus on Green Bay as well, especially since the city does own the stadium and have always been there for them when they asked. Let’s see some better teamwork to get where we all want to go.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I was the first alderman to have a website, which has now transitioned to a Facebook page. I have over 1,500 email addresses that I use to send reminders or provide information on city projects. I also ask opinions via surveys on topics city council is discussing. I am known for my newsletters that get delivered to everyone in the district. I take great pride in keeping people informed and welcome feedback on issues.
With almost 9,000 people in the district, there will always be a wide range of ideas and opinions. My responsibility is to take these opinions and do my best to represent them at city council. I am not on council to represent a political party, a union, the mayor or any other outside interest. I am there to speak for the residents of our district by using common sense. I take that to heart. If re-elected, I will strive to reach even more people and gather more feedback. I take great pride in my customer service and in helping residents figure out the workings of city government. I may be a 20 year veteran, but I still have the enthusiasm of a newcomer thanks to the incredible support of the great people of District 8.
District 9
Brian Johnson (Incumbent)
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I was born into a working-class family and grew up in my family’s bait shop cleaning fish. I’ve worked as a farm laborer, hospitality worker, construction, and for a chamber of commerce helping small business owners. I’ve personally been a small business owner, and currently serve as an executive director of a nonprofit organization. I earned an AAS degree from UW-Green Bay and a BA in political science from UW-Madison. I am the father of two young daughters, and I’m invested deeply in the future of our community.
I have been elected and served as the alderman of District 9 for six years. I am currently the vice president of the Common Council, chair of the finance committee, chair of the Ad-Hoc Facilities Committee, and a member of the personnel committee, public arts commission and landmarks commission. I attend and participate in many of the other committees because I believe participation is a strong indicator of effective representation.
I serve on the board of the Fort Howard Neighborhood Association, Hope Center Food Pantry and I co-chair the Greater Green Bay Chamber’s downtown taskforce where a significant part of District 9 resides.
I resolve hundreds of constituent inquiries every year. This has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of local policy to achieve the best results for our district. This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly, and it’s a significant time commitment if one is to achieve the same level of results that I have for our neighborhoods.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
Roads. We need to focus on accelerating resurfacing programs. We are doing 40% more than the 10-year average and District 9 is seeing the most support in the City’s capital improvement plan, but we need to do more. We are evaluating new alternatives to the way we perform construction work, and assessing financial models to create a more equitable way with how we approach funding road reconstruction which could include the elimination of the wheel tax.
Economic Development. The best way to stabilize the tax base is to foster development in our community. I supported developments like the $500 million Green Bay Packaging expansion, Georgia Pacific is currently constructing a $500 million expansion, Carnivore Meat Company is constructing a $55 million facility in our new and expanding industrial park which I advocated for so we can attract new and modern manufacturing facilities. Large facilities like this create good paying jobs and a substantial tax base which helps us stabilize rates for all taxpayers including residential homeowners.
Housing. We have a serious shortage of housing just like every other municipality across the country. We need to be more innovative in how we bring these projects to market considering rising interest rates and construction costs. For example, I chair the committee that is working to construct a new fire station in our district that could include a hybrid development with housing and commercial space, bringing costs down for both the Fire Department and housing developer. Sites like the former WPS headquarters, Adams Street parking lot, Ashland Avenue railyard, Shipyard and coal piles are all great candidates to help us close the required 3,000 units we need over the next 10 years.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Every resident of our community deserves fair and equitable treatment. District 9 is incredibly diverse from the qualifying census tracts on the near west side that are some of Green Bay’s most ethnically diverse neighborhoods, to the downtown commercial districts, from portions of the Astor Park Neighborhood to the residential and industrial areas that extend west to the Lambeau Field corridor. I am often commended for my careful listening skills and ability to craft solutions that bring together differing opinions. Good policy is inclusive and reflects the perspectives of those we represent.
I have been one of the council’s most fiercely independent voices, beholden to no singular ideology. This allows me to critically think about challenges and deliver solutions free from the echo chamber that often comes from partisan politics. We are elected to solve problems and that’s what I do.
80% of success is showing up and I regularly attend neighborhood meetings, meet with business owners, canvas the residential neighborhoods, host listening sessions and volunteer my time to help our residents and nonprofits make their neighborhoods a little bit better while simultaneously listening to their concerns and learning about opportunities.
More than ever, we need well-balanced decision makers in local government. I am routinely commended by my colleagues on the council for my financial acumen and strong understanding and wisdom of local policy. This insight comes directly from the people I serve, the conversations I have and the feedback that is shared when crafting solutions to the city’s most pressing challenges.
Tarl Knight
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
For the last five years, I’ve been a proud District 9 business owner with the historic Tarlton Theatre and At the Tracks. I’ve supported our city’s arts and cultural community and formed partnerships to bring the Green Bay Film Festival, Green Bay Jazz Orchestra, and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to our downtown, for which I was awarded a finalist for Current Young Professionals’ 2023 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As a community organizer in District 9, I’ve invested my personal and professional life in creating a Green Bay we’re all proud to call home, and I’m proud to bring years of business and property development to the table.
Since 2021, I’ve volunteered as director of Green Bay’s Shipyard District with the nonprofit Shipyard District, Inc. to support the revitalization and redevelopment of a vital part of our downtown with business- and property owners. Under my direction, district businesses have been directly impacted with $250,000 plus in community investment.
Since 2022, I’ve served as vice president of the Shipyard Neighborhood Association, which I formed with my neighbors and which was awarded Green Bay Neighborhoods’ 2023 Phoenix Award.
In 2024, I proudly signed a non-partisan pledge to keep partisan politics and money out of local office. Despite my opponent signing a non-partisan pledge last campaign cycle, he stood with Republicans in a partisan campaign against Green Bay Mayor Genrich. I’m a man of my word. I keep my promises. I’m committed to bringing non-partisan leadership to District 9 and advocating for people over personal interest and profit.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
We have the opportunity of a lifetime in showcasing our city as a Midwest leader during the 2025 NFL Draft. Whether it’s the relocation of the Clemens Reiss coal piles and the development of a public waterfront or public-private developments such as the Green Bay Public Market and our area’s first food truck park, The Truck Yard, I’m committed to supporting advancements in our downtown and across District 9 over the next two years.
It’s important we incentivize and attract affordable housing opportunities which build our community, limit the gentrification of our downtown, and address houselessness. I’m committed to supporting and working with area organizations in countering our affordable housing crisis.
It’s also the time to recognize, revitalize, and fund our city’s Shipyard District, a proposed business/neighborhood district on the west side which includes hundreds of working-class residents and businesses. Business owners, home owners, and residents have petitioned city leaders with thousands of signatures requesting support in District 9. It’s time for our leadership to rise to the occasion and support our whole downtown in the spirit of community. I’m committed to introducing a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) to support the revitalization of our Shipyard District, similar to the BIDs which have funded the Broadway District and Downtown District for decades.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
I’m a big advocate for a collective community vision in city business and local government. With so much on the horizon for District 9 and our downtown, it’s really important the plans being drawn include not only our city’s politicians and investors but a collective community vision and an attitude of collaboration and openness.
For the last five years, I’ve collected signatures on the street for community petitions, I’ve called community meetings with business owners, property owners, and residents, and I’ve worked with our local press to spread the word about upcoming projects and issues in our downtown. I’m committed to continue visiting with our neighborhood associations on a regular basis and holding a regular, weekly constituent hour in businesses throughout District 9 to personally connect with constituents.
I’m running because it’s important our representatives are always challenged to run full, intentional campaigns to connect with voters. It’s important we hold our officials accountable in representing their whole constituency. I’m asking for your support to bring the same friendly advocacy and vision to District 9 as your alderman.
District 10
Covered prior to the Feb. 20 primary.
District 11
Covered prior to the Feb. 20 primary.
District 12
Bobby Lindsey
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
I was born in Milwaukee and have been married to my wife Patty for nearly 38 years. Together, we raised three successful sons… a business education teacher, a senior financial analyst/accountant, and an architect. I’ve also founded and directed nonprofit, youth-oriented performing arts programs.
I am a retired Milwaukee law enforcement officer with 25 years experience in addressing causes, correlations, and resultant impacts of crime within diverse communities. My responsibilities centered largely on developing and implementing innovative, nontraditional, problem-oriented and intelligence-led policing strategies and community development initiatives supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all residents. I regularly engaged with all community stakeholders; citizens, schools, businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and various government entities and elected representatives. I’ve served as public information officer for my agency and have substantial experience in training all levels of law enforcement professionals.
After retirement, I accepted an appointed position with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, serving seven years as a law enforcement specialist/instructor with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In that capacity, I trained personnel from the U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Indian Police Academy, U.S. Department of Defense and numerous federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement personnel throughout the United States.
I hold a BS degree in human services, and a MS degree in human services management and organizational leadership. I currently serve as a full-time criminal justice instructor in the Wisconsin Technical College System.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
I’d like to see the city resolve several ongoing concerns within the 12th District regarding proposed road development and improvement projects, and to ensure that the development serves the needs and concerns of the citizens that will be most impacted.
Moreover, I would like to see the city ensure that residents can more fully understand details involved in the decision-making process, and the pros and cons associated with all aspects of these projects. I believe that effective communication between local government and residents is an area that can and should be continually improved. Whereas I am aware that the city is exploring various options, such as a proposed transportation utility that may result in a dedicated funding source to address road maintenance and improvement and that state funding and regulations play a substantial role in various road development proposals. I’m concerned that citizens have been provided a minimal basis of information toward understanding important aspects of these options and how these options will impact family budgets during our current economic climate, as well as the long-term financial impact of such proposals on families.
I believe that residents deserve to be well-informed of the details, and be provided realistic expectations of processes and outcomes associated with road development and improvement projects.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
My work in community services and development has always required regular, grassroots engagement with citizens and community stakeholders. Whereas there are certainly benefits to the use of technology toward involving residents in decision-making processes, my experience has taught me that the most effective communication is direct communication, where productive dialog can occur between individuals and groups. Such productive dialog certainly requires suspended judgment of thoughts and opinions of others, while actively listening to ensure understanding of other perspectives prior to decision-making.
As a resident, I’ve always appreciated opportunities to attend town hall meetings and seminars where direct communication, collaboration, and understanding can occur. As a representative of District 12 residents, I would first pursue the extent to which residents would be inclined to participate in structured engagement in town hall/ seminar formats (e.g., annually? semiannually? quarterly? monthly?)
My past experiences have involved facilitating monthly crime and safety meetings in communities (with in-person or virtual participation options), and I believe that a similar format may be effective toward enhanced resident involvement in decision-making processes.
Beyond that, I also believe in the use of regular surveys, questionnaires and online feedback tools to accommodate the needs of residents that desire to have their voice heard and considered in decision-making processes.
Finally, I’ve learned that regular, timely feedback to residents (regardless of the participation format) is critical toward building confidence and continued citizen engagement in local issues and decision-making.
Kathy Hinkfuss
Please provide your background, education and experiences that qualify you for the position:
With a rich background in both business and nonprofit endeavors, I’ve been a passionate community leader and a proud small business owner. For the past six years, I served on the Green Bay Redevelopment Authority, gaining valuable experience and insights into our city’s economic growth and development dynamics.
My husband and I have lived on the west side for over three decades. We’ve enjoyed watching our three children grow and flourish in District 12. This personal connection is not just a part of my story; it’s the driving force behind my unwavering dedication to our community and the pursuit of economic prosperity for our city.
In me, you’ll find a candidate with vital experience, a genuine love for the city of Green Bay, and a deep commitment to shaping a bright future for our community. Let’s work together for the betterment of District 12 and the entire city.
I am a licensed practical nurse. I received my bachelor’s degree in business management while working full-time. I received my master’s in business administration from UW Oshkosh in the summer of 2014.
I started my 20-year career with Humana as a claims processor. Through those years I wore many hats developing my skills and ultimately becoming VP of National Service Operations where I managed 170-million-dollar budget and 5000 employees.
Following Humana, my desire to remain Green Bay led me to a position with Associated Financial Group as a VP and Consultant for health care benefits. During my tenure I was named Rookie of the Year and was one of the top three sales consultants. These results represent my ability to build relationships and trust with individuals and organizations.
I had the honor to serve as the CEO of the YWCA, for nearly five years we led the organization forward to meet the needs of women and families in our community. During my time, we opened the Women’s Empowerment Center. Through collaboration with Literacy Green Bay and NWTC we were able to offer GED classes for families. Mom and/or Dad were pursuing their GED and their children were cared for next door. This program offered a hand up to these families. Successful attainment of their GED provided opportunities for a better job and a living wage.
I am most proud of having led the YWCA to having attained national accreditation (5 Stars) for the “YWCA Childcare and Learning Center (NAEYC)”. Five-star Accreditation is the highest achievable recognition for childcare organizations. We achieved this through collaboration and teamwork.
In 2018 I was nominated to the city of Green Bay Redevelopment Authority. I have served on this board for six years, gaining valuable experience and insights into our city’s economic growth and development dynamics.
Most recently I started my own business. I enjoy all the challenges that come with serving my customers and watching them leave with a smile on their face.
What developments would you like to see the city make over the upcoming term:
Evaluate ways to diversify revenue sources — we must evaluate ways to reduce reliance on property taxes as our primary sources of revenue.
Continue to advance economic development — initiatives that expand our tax base. Attracting new businesses, promoting tourism especially the 2025 draft. Revitalizing neighborhoods and job creation efforts also advance economic development.
Affordable housing — One of the most significant issues is the lack of affordable housing for our younger generation and retirees. We must be innovative with planned housing developments and reduce administrative barriers to creating new homes.
Summer staffing for parks — Since COVID the city has had an issue with staffing summer programming in our parks. This includes opening our water parks& staffing our pools with lifeguards. I would like to explore ways to ensure our parks are staffed and are a safe place for our children.
Connection of the trails — We have some great trails within the city. I would like to see a plan to have these trails connected on the far west side. We have a very active city. Bikers and walkers want options to access these trails.
What means would you use to further involve your constituents in the decision-making process:
Town halls and open forums — I promise to organize at least one town hall meeting in our district a year. As I go door to door, many voters voice concerns about issues in their neighborhood. A town hall will encourage sharing of concerns and sharing of ideas. This will also allow for updates to projects going on in our neighborhoods. It could be more often, but we must start somewhere.
Online platforms for feedback – I have many voters asking for a “District 12” Facebook page or other platform to post updates and inform the district of upcoming events, pick-ups etc.
Newsletter/email updates – I would like to launch a district wide newsletter along with regular email updates. Included would be key developments in district 12, community resources, opportunities for involvement on committees.
Feedback loop – Ultimately having a mechanism informing D-12 how their input influenced decisions and outcomes.
As I have indicated many of the voters, I have chatted with want to be involved in projects and changes within their neighborhood. Better communication helps to make better decisions. I have had neighbors’ step forward to volunteer and assist with organizing these communication vehicles.