Candidate Forum
Mayor Candidates:
Marty DeCoster - confirmed
Tony Penterman - confirmed
Clerk/Tresurer:
Barb Duda - confirmed
Sally Kenny - confirmed
3rd District Alderman:
Sue Duda - declined
Lee Meyerhofer - confirmed
Ron Van De Hey to moderate.
If you would like to submit a question to the candidates, please email kclussman@heartofthevalleychamber.com
Candidates for Mayor
Marty DeCoster: I have lived in Kaukauna my entire life, and along with my wife Jackie, we are very proud to raise our two children here. I graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1997, and Fox Valley Tech in 2000.
My wife and I currently own two small businesses in Kaukauna, and I look forward to using these skills to help better promote all of the good things Kaukauna has to offer.
Some of my other business driven goals include promoting new developments in Commerce Crossing, along with other incentive programs to attract new companies to the city.
Besides being your current District 1 Alderman, I have also gained political experience and developed leadership skills through several years of being President of the Outagamie County Tavern League, along with my role as President of KARMA, the group that brought you the Electric City Experience music festival.
I have also partnered with the Kaukauna Library and Grignon Home to create fun family friendly activities designed to engage Kaukauna residents from all demographics and backgrounds, including the Outdoor Family Movie Nights at the Library.
I look forward to bringing positive change to the city, and with your support, we can make Kaukauna a destination on the map again!
Tony Penterman
• 43 Year Resident
• 15 Year Homeowner
• 11 Years District 4 Alderman
• 4 Years Bob & Daves Lawn & Landscape
• Public Protection and Safety Committee Chairman
• Board of Public Works Vice-Chairman
• Legislative Committee Vice-Chairman
• Health and Recreation Committee Chairman
• City Plan Commission
• Finance and Personal Committee
• City School Liaison
• Kaukauna Lions-1st Vice President
• KQBC Kaukauna Quarterback Club
• Friends of the 1000 Islands-Lifetime Member
• Kaukauna K9 Committee I am running for mayor of Kaukauna because I love this city and the people that live here.
Throughout the past 11 years I have enjoyed speaking to and working with constituents, whether running into them around town, meeting them at their homes or place of concern.
I have been committed to working transparently together through these concerns with the residents and my fellow council members.
With the experience I have gained I will continue to be an active leader for the city of Kaukauna.
My goal is to continue serving the people and leave a lasting impression by making decisions that are in the best interest of the community as a whole.
Goals – Commerce Crossing/Industrial Park Network
– Aggressively promote economic growth to lower T.I.F. debt Downtown Business District
– Work with business owners to make downtown more vibrant Old Gustmans Lot
– Continue talks with investor/developer for motel, apartment complex
Taxes – Continue to balance budget to keep taxes low
Candidates for Clerk/Treasurer
Barbara Duda: I am 27 years old and I am currently employed at Kwik Trip.
I have worked as a coop student at Unison Credit Union – collecting money and making deposits.
I am a taxpayer and homeowner. I know and use social media and various computer programs.
I have worked elections both as an election official and voter registration.
I grew up in Kaukauna and graduated from Kaukauna High School.
I am running for this position as it is something that will make me grow both as a leader and a team member.
I will be working with individuals with a variety of knowledge at the City level as well as County and state level.
My goals for this position are to get elected into this position and make the office productive and efficient.
I am young and dedicated and will grow into a better leader.
Sally Kenney: Background – • Married to husband Dave for 28 years. • 2 children. • Graduated from Kaukauna High School • Received an Associate’s Degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College. • Worked for the City of Kaukauna at 1000 Islands Environmental Center as the Business Coordinator for the last 18 years. • Worked for 10 years as District Administrator for American Express Financial Advisors.
Qualifications – • Excellent communication and people skills (telephone and face-to-face) • Experienced at preparing all documentation for Board and other meetings. • Accountable for receiving all monies, recording all bills and statements and processing payments with City. • Responsible for reviewing, approving and maintaining the Center’s annual budget
Reason for running – • To be at the pulse of the City. To be a communicator of the people to the decision makers. • To interact and continue to work with the City staff, elected officials and residents. Goals – • To make sure legalities are all covered and mayor, alderman, and staff are fully vetted on the publics concerns. • To modernize the office of Clerk/Treasurer by the use of technology. • To be a good steward of the City records by making sure organized documents are safely stored and retained. • To work closely with Finance to ensure proper handling of funds and ensure the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the procedures.
Candidates for Alderman for 3rd District
Susan Duda: I am married to Larry and have five children – Jim, Tom, Cliff, Barb, and Stephanie.
I am a homeowner and taxpayer.
Worked for the City for 40 years.
I am the first Clerk/ Treasurer the City had and have been Clerk/Treasurer for 30 years.
I worked for planning department for six years and clerk’s office for four years.
Know the City and the people. I am running because I want to work less hours and would like to stay involved in politics.
I would listen to the people.
We do not get too many people to speak before the council and I would not cut them off before they get a chance to state their concerns.
I know the City ordinances and policies and have worked with the State Statutes.
My goal at this time is to change the terms of office for the Attorney and Clerk/Treasurer to four years instead of two which should have been done when the Municipal Judge went to four years. I would also like to look at making the Mayor a part-time position.
I would be proud to represent the Third District of the City of Kaukauna.
Lee Meyerhofer: I’m a lifetime resident of the 3rd Ward, married 31 years to my high school sweetheart Lisa, we built our house and raised our two children Glen and Erika here in Kaukauna’s 3rd Ward.
I have 26 years experience serving the 3rd Ward, served as President of the Kaukauna City Council the past 13 years, serve as President of the Kaukauna Utility Commission, serve on the Kaukauna Library Board, served in the Wisconsin Legislature, served on the Board of Directors for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and served as President.
I have extensive training in leadership, communication, negotiations and conflict resolution. I’m a good listener, organized, skilled collaborator and communicator with a strong work ethic and critical thinking skills. I’m a team player with the ability to offer leadership when needed.
I’m fiscally responsible and I’m known as the fiscal hawk of the city council. I’m an optimist who views challenges as opportunities, I’m an innovative progressive thinker who works tirelessly, I have a strong understanding of the workings of local government and how to successfully manage challenges and opportunities.
I’m committed to moving Kaukauna forward and making it the safe and desirable city we can all be proud of, I’m passionate about making Kaukauna the catalyst of what other communities strive to be while continuing down the path of fiscal responsibility, progress and prosperity.
My experience gives me broad perspective and makes me uniquely qualified to serve the 3rd Ward.
Date and Time
Sunday Mar 25, 2018
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Sunday, March 25th
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location
Kaukauna High School Auditorium