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Warren Booth, elected to his first term on the Onalaska Town Board two years ago, faces a challenge for the job this spring from Marc Schultz, who has not held public elected office before but has been active in the community, both as a volunteer and as a longtime UW-Extension resource agent (now retired).
In an effort to help voters get to know the candidates in contested races better, we sent them questionnaires on their background and views on issues the board will deal with. Here are their responses.
Why do you want to serve on the Onalaska Town Board?
BOOTH: To make sure that everyone can afford quality housing.
SCHULTZ: To work to have town government listen to and meet the needs of residents now and in the future. Town government works best when decisions are given timely public scrutiny, are based on accurate information and the costs and benefits are clearly spelled out.
What personal qualities and experiences make you the best qualified candidate for the job?
BOOTH: I feel my knowledge and life experience plus good common sense are important qualities.
SCHULTZ: Thirty years experience with UW Extension working with local elected officials to assist them in making local government meet the needs of residents in a cost effective way.
Currently I serve as:
Chairman of the Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District;
Member of the joint La Crosse City/County Harbor Commission;
Member of the Town of Onalaska Shoreline Committee;
Town of Onalaska representative to the La Crosse Area Development Corporation.
What are the three most important issues facing the Onalaska Town Board and what would your approach to dealing with those issues be?
BOOTH: Here are the three most important issues facing the Onalaska Town Board:
Taxes: Attempt to disburse our tax revenue income in a high priority manner to kept our taxes low.
Growth:Work to develop a positive development strategy.
Cost: Work with other municipality to save tax dollars.
SCHULTZ: The economic interest of the town residents and community should be a highest priority
The annual budget process should begin in August, be open to the public and involve substantial citizen guidance.
Town meetings should be conducted using recognized government meeting procedures.
The public cost of development should be spelled out and held to an affordable level.
THE CANDIDATES AT A GLANCE
Warren Booth
AGE: 44
FAMILY: Wife, Kim; children, Christine, 12, Jessie, 10, and, Curtis, 6
PROFESSION: Crane operator at Modern Crane Service for 17-plus years
EDUCATION: Glenwood City High School graduate; U.S. Army training
PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICES: One two-year term on Onalaska Town Board (elected 2007)
Marc Schultz
AGE: 62
FAMILY: Wife, Sue; son, Matthew; daughter, Megan
EDUCATION: McDonell High School, Chippewa Falls (1964); bachelor of science degree in natural resource management, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1968); U.S. Air Force (1969-72); master of science degree in natural resource management, UW-Stevens Point (1976)
PROFESSION: Retired UW Extension La Crosse County resource agent, responsible for developing and implementing local government, economic development and natural resources education programs in La Crosse County.
PREVIOUS PUBLIC ELECTED OFFICES HELD: None
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Sounds like you are into the Z.B.( KOOLAID) "