Sparta City Council Questionaire

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Sparta City Council 6th District

Name: My name is Ed Lukasek, I’m the current 6th District alderman seeking reelection.

Background: I am a lifelong resident of Sparta, an Army veteran and I worked at Ft McCoy for 23 years holding several positions including my last position as Chief of Production, Planning and Control. My career continued with federal contract facilities including SRA International as a lead distance learning instructor and VSE Corporation as a quality assurance manager and lead logistics specialist.

 I am semi-retired and run a small consulting business. In addition, I am a board member of the WI Technical College District and State Boards. I enjoy car restoration, furniture making, traveling and 5 grandchildren.

Why are you running for City Council?

I believe in the importance of the quality-of-life small communities like Sparta can provide.  Sparta thrives because of its residents.  To have a strong community I believe we need to support fiscally sound growth including jobs, housing, recreation and safety.
As a small business owner, I understand the importance of supporting local business.  As a board member of the WI Technical College system, I also understand the importance of preparing and training residents for our ever-changing economy.

As the current 6th District alderman, I want to continue to understand the needs, seek input and keep Sparta thriving.

Why do you believe you are qualified?

My experience as existing alderman gives me the opportunity to understand the functioning of local government and the impact of both state and federal laws on local governance. I have served on the Planning Commission, Public Safety, Block Grant committees and several other committees. I have asked for the input of constituents and helped resolve concerns and conflicts presented to me. Frequently, I have been informed by constituents that they appreciate that I personally am accessible, return their calls, listen and represent their interests.

What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the city needs to address and why?

My vision for Sparta is to maintain the positive values of a small town, with primary focus on : #1- Enhancing the economic base of Sparta to maintain a sustainable quality of life for all residents. #2- Focus on necessary resources to support economic growth including affordable housing and childcare. #3- Ensure the safety of the community. Promote and support necessary emergency services. Decrease drug use which erodes the values of our community. Support security for the youngest to the oldest and differently abled in our community., including safe walkways/street crossings, inclusive recreational activities and enforcing local ordinances.

How would you address the issues you described?

Through my involvement with the Technical College Board, we have and will continue to expand opportunities for training and apprenticeships that will support both personal and community economic growth.  The WTC Public Safety Training facility in our community provides training in law enforcement and emergency services. This not only supports public safety, but also economic development as well.

Early childhood education for pre-school children is available through WTC and can not only train childcare providers, but also promotes economic small business development.

I support the use of block grants and TIF districting to expand our economy, and housing needs.

Name: Robert Arnold

Background: Born and Raised a Sparta Native of 34 years. I have grown up with this city being a third generation in a small business in Sparta and a third-generation firefighter protecting the citizens of the City of Sparta and surrounding Townships for over 20 years. Graduating from Sparta High School in 2007, I later attended Western Technical College for an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Repair, graduating Class of 2009. A Firefighter, Rotary Member, Volunteering in Sparta to include: VFW Post 2112, Sparta Holiday Light Group, Snowmobile Clubs, Sparta FD Explorer Post, and have been the Secretary/Treasurer for the SAFD for 11 years.

Why are you running for City Council?

I am running because I want Sparta to be the best city it can be, not only a model for other communities to look at as an example of how to do things right, but to represent, lead, and serve the residents.

Why do you believe you are qualified?

As a member of several organizations where decisions have to be made and being a lifetime citizen in the City of Sparta, I feel qualified and confident to represent District 6 for the City of Sparta!

What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the city needs to address and why?

I believe the City of Sparta has done a phenomenal job with keeping infrastructure up to date and keeping Sparta in a progression stage, however, an all-accessible recreational park would be a first item to recognize a need, to meet needs not only for Spartans, but to the visitors that stop here. Streets are always an ongoing issue for repair along with updating building sites to not only be more efficient, but to potential lower maintenance costs and possibly safer operations.

How would you address the issues you described?

These upgrades would be thoroughly researched by the committee as a group, to not only identify errors in the early stages of planning, but to maximize the use of placement, finances, and to build for the future.

 

Sparta City Council 8th District

Name: David Kuderer

Background:  I moved to Sparta in 1973 and married Charlotte Von Ruden. We have been married 49 years and have two Sons (Charles & Larry), 7 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren.  My Sons work in Sparta.

I retired from the Sparta Police Department with 40 years of service. I started as a part-time Police Officer and worked my way up the ranks and retire in 2020 as the Chief of Police.  

I am very involved in the community doing volunteer work with the following groups: St. Patricks’ Church, Knights of Columbus, Holiday Lights, Sparta Area Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Coulee Cap Food Pantry, to see the rest of this answer see monroecountyherald.com

Why are you running for City Council? 

I am qualified to give the residents in Aldermanic District 8 a person who will listen to their concerns, express their concerns to the City Council and help effectively use their taxpayer dollars wisely.  I want to help improve our community for the future of our children.

Why do you believe you are qualified? 

While being the Chief of Police for 5 years and Police Lieutenant for 8 years, I worked very closely with all the City Departments, City Council, County Board, and several Sparta Civic / Volunteer Organizations.  I was also a school resource officer for 8 years and worked very closely with the Sparta area schools.

What are the most pressing issues, you think the city needs to address?

Public safety is a big issue to me.  People want to live in an area where they feel their family is safe.  The same goes for businesses.  We need to have a community where people want to live here and raise their families.

Brining new businesses to Sparta is important for all the residents.  New businesses create jobs and gives people a reason to live in Sparta.

When people are trying to decide where to live, they look at what a community has to offer their family. Things like a Library, Schools, Parks, Adult & Youth Sports, and other civic activities. To see the rest of this answer see monroecountyherald.com 

How would you address the issues you described? 

I will listen to the residents in my district to find out what their concerns and opinions are for these issues. I will do my best to present their concerns to the City Council.  I will work with the City Council to try and keep our property taxes as low as possible.

Name: Gordon Dace

Background: I am a Christian with a biblical world view, married for 50 years with three children and nearly seven grandchildren. I have over twenty years with a Sparta address and am a retired journeyman mold maker and industrial trainer. I served on Blair- Taylor School Board for two terms. I’m just completing one year as Sparta’s 8th District Alderman.

Why are you running for City Council?

In general, Government has run aground, lost its direction and is on a spending spree.

Why do you believe you are qualified?

My goal is to use common sense and help where I can while representing my 8th district neighbors and the City of Sparta.

What are the most pressing issues (no more than three), you think the city needs to address and why? Maintaining a great police force- we need to do what we have to do to get them and keep them. Encourage good paying jobs in the Sparta area- Sparta’s Industrial Park is helping with that along with other projects. Control spending- I’m suggesting we do not spend over $4 million on a library expansion. People are using online sources for everything from newspapers and magazines to resource materials and e-books. Worst of all the library staff has purchased books like gender queer with pictures of sex acts (pornography) and made them readily available for Sparta’s children to look at.

How would you address the issues you described?

If elected, I’ll do my best to serve Sparta and the 8th district.

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