Saturday, October 5, 2024

Soquet will face Chandik Kundinger April 2

Posted

By Press Times Staff

The race for District 1 alderperson for De Pere features two candidates who were separated by one vote in the Feb. 19 primary.

Randy Soquet narrowly edged Amy Chandik Kundinger 133 to 132.

The two face off again in the April 2 general election for the right to the seat that has been held for eight years by Larry Lueck, who is not seeking another two-year term.

The Press Times reached out to each candidate and gave them the same questions with a word limit of 100 for each answer.

Randy Soquet

Occupation: Educator.

Immediate family: Wife Amy, sons William and Chris and daughter Katie.

Any organizations you belong to: Boy Scouts of America Troop 1043, board member De Pere Track and Cross Country Booster Club, Brown County Historical Society, Wisconsin Historical Society, Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies, De Pere Education Association, life member of the FFA Alumni Green Bay East affiliate and St. Michael’s Church.

Why should people vote for you?

I’ll be a voice for the people of District 1 and will represent their interests on the council.

I look at issues with an analytical eye.

I have been a resident of De Pere for almost 20 years, I have an understanding of the path our city has taken and believe we need a vision for our city.

I have experience in being on governing bodies representing constituents.

I am currently in my fourth year on the Board of Park Commissioners for the city of De Pere, and I promise to be a fiscally responsible steward of the taxpayers’ dollars.

Randy Soquet

What needs to happen in regards to the two planned aquatic facilities?

As a pool user with my family over the past 15 summers, I’d like to see two facilities that provide amenities for families to enjoy as their children grow over the years.

I would like to see facilities at both locations that have some similar and some unique features so that families will be drawn to both of them.

Concession areas, restrooms and changing rooms offering privacy are features that help bring families to our aquatic centers.

Both facilities must be able to offer residents swim lessons.

What change you would like to effect on the common council?

I want to ensure that as the city grows and develops new neighborhoods, additional green space and parks are a part of the planning in the new areas of the city.

Neighborhood parks are a great place for recreation and community building as families meet and get to know each other through the activities of their children.

What would you like to see take the place of Shopko when it closes?

I’d like to hear from experts and the community on what they want and believe will add to our community.

Without that data, I want to see a combination of redevelopment take place at the Shopko location.

I believe there is a need for a grocery store in the downtown area of the east side.

I’d also like to see a small retail space similar to a Shopko Express in part of it.

A development with retail or office space on the ground level with housing on a second or third floor would enhance our downtown, especially the cultural district.

Amy Chandik Kundinger

Occupation: Director of Business Engagement at St. Norbert College.

Immediate Family: Husband, Andrew, two children – Arlo, 11, and Alden, 8.

Organizations: Currently in my third year on the De Pere Plan Commission, board member at the De Pere Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development committee member, organized and implemented the first annual State of De Pere luncheon featuring Mayor Mike Walsh, annual Business Walk event participant surveying local businesses, interviewer for De Pere Kiwanis Inside Innovation programming, served on the De Pere Strategic Visioning & Branding committee, organize annual collection for Brown County’s A Pair & A Spare program for local elementary schools, advisor for St. Norbert College Women in Business student organization.

Why should people vote for you?

I take the role of alderperson seriously.

In order to best represent my neighbors, I’ve knocked on over 1,000 doors (so far) getting to know the residents of District 1. This has given me rich perspective on important local issues.

I’m excited to take the next step by representing you.

Your vote for me means you’ll have representation from an active citizen who is a parent with kids in our schools and is employed in De Pere.

I’m a strong communicator and will work collaboratively to accomplish De Pere’s goals.

Contact me at amychandikkundinger@gmail.com or 920-403-0514.

Amy Chandik Kundinger

What needs to happen in regards to the two planned aquatic facilities?

The majority (63 percent) of the pool referendum vote favored investing capital and operational expenses related to VFW and Legion pools.

I would like to see both aquatic facilities updated within budget guidelines by revisiting the list of amenities for each location while maintaining the incorporation of long-term structural solutions, maintenance and labor considerations into the overall pool plan for the city.

These factors are important to ensure these summertime destinations are operational, financially manageable and accessible for all of De Pere for generations to come.

What change you would like to effect on the common council?

De Pere’s common council is strong and is represented with active citizens.

I am excited to bring a new perspective to the council, ensuring greater reach and reflection of the community is captured when De Pere decisions are made.

As a communicator by nature, I plan on adding a tab to my website (alderamy.com) for city council meeting notes that are quick and informative, providing residents in District 1 access to easy summaries that supplement the city’s full agenda documentation.

What would you like to see take the place of Shopko when it closes?

Growing up here and knowing Shopko from childhood, I am sad to see this local establishment close.

As a frequent Shopko shopper, it felt good supporting this company with my purchases.

I would like to maintain retail option(s) in Shopko’s location that are appropriately sized for De Pere’s downtown.

Amy Chandik Kundinger, De Pere Common Council, District 1, General election, Randy Soquet