BRYAN BAIN Closing Statement

I first want to thank Miles for coordinating the online debate and providing Oshkosh with another local news outlet. I also want to thank my fellow candidates for taking time to participate in this and all of the debates/forums dating back to the primary. Finally, I want to thank the citizens of Oshkosh for reading our responses and taking an active role in the election process. I hope you are more informed about the candidates and know the clear choices you have for your next common council.

I have said from the beginning that I believe this election is one of the most important in recent history. Continued success depends on the next common council. We need to elect leaders who will study the issues, ask questions, actively listen, and make tough decisions. Positive, progressive leaders who will respect the past, respond to the present, and plan for the future. We need leaders who have closely followed and studied the issues facing our community. I am that candidate.

No one believes Oshkosh or its leaders are perfect. However, hope is not lost and we are not in a “doom and gloom” situation. Yes, we can improve, and when elected to the council I will begin that process. We can start by having a more transparent government through open, honest lines of communication; neighborhood councils and listening sessions (e.g. Fifth Tuesday Forums); and an overall accountable and accessible city staff and council. I believe government should seek to involve the public and I will work to bring government to the people.

Equally important, the city must continue to collaborate to form strong public-private partnerships to facilitate growth and development. In an era of declining aid, rising health care costs, and increased costs of utilities, the city must find avenues to collaborate with the county, school board, state, and federal levels of government. In order to continue providing appropriate and responsive core public services, the city must invest in the future by expanding the tax base, revitalizing and redeveloping the central city and riverfront, and work to preserve its treasured history. The city must continue these investments without over-stretching the taxpayer. The alternative to responsible investments and growth is raising taxes on the existing base or cutting services, which means jobs, neither of which I support.

As a young leader and member of this community, I have a vested interest in enhancing our overall quality of life and making Oshkosh a desirable destination for businesses and families to call home. I have attended the majority of council meetings over the past two years. I have experience on the city’s Plan Commission and with the updated Comprehensive Plan. I also have the leadership, dedication, and passion to serve this community. However, I cannot do this alone. I know we may not always agree but I promise to listen to, respect, and value your opinion. Together we can work to create a shared vision for Oshkosh.

It would be an honor to serve on your Oshkosh Common Council and I ask for your support. On Tuesday, April 5, please vote BAIN FOR COUNCIL. For more information log on to my website at www.BRYANBAIN.com. Thank you!

Respectfully,

Bryan L. Bain, Candidate
Oshkosh Common Council

BRYAN BAIN Closing Statement

I first want to thank Miles for coordinating the online debate and providing Oshkosh with another local news outlet. I also want to thank my fellow candidates for taking time to participate in this and all of the debates/forums dating back to the primary. Finally, I want to thank the citizens of Oshkosh for reading our responses and taking an active role in the election process. I hope you are more informed about the candidates and know the clear choices you have for your next common council.

I have said from the beginning that I believe this election is one of the most important in recent history. Continued success depends on the next common council. We need to elect leaders who will study the issues, ask questions, actively listen, and make tough decisions. Positive, progressive leaders who will respect the past, respond to the present, and plan for the future. We need leaders who have closely followed and studied the issues facing our community. I am that candidate.

No one believes Oshkosh or its leaders are perfect. However, hope is not lost and we are not in a “doom and gloom” situation. Yes, we can improve, and when elected to the council I will begin that process. We can start by having a more transparent government through open, honest lines of communication; neighborhood councils and listening sessions (e.g. Fifth Tuesday Forums); and an overall accountable and accessible city staff and council. I believe government should seek to involve the public and I will work to bring government to the people.

Equally important, the city must continue to collaborate to form strong public-private partnerships to facilitate growth and development. In an era of declining aid, rising health care costs, and increased costs of utilities, the city must find avenues to collaborate with the county, school board, state, and federal levels of government. In order to continue providing appropriate and responsive core public services, the city must invest in the future by expanding the tax base, revitalizing and redeveloping the central city and riverfront, and work to preserve its treasured history. The city must continue these investments without over-stretching the taxpayer. The alternative to responsible investments and growth is raising taxes on the existing base or cutting services, which means jobs, neither of which I support.

As a young leader and member of this community, I have a vested interest in enhancing our overall quality of life and making Oshkosh a desirable destination for businesses and families to call home. I have attended the majority of council meetings over the past two years. I have experience on the city’s Plan Commission and with the updated Comprehensive Plan. I also have the leadership, dedication, and passion to serve this community. However, I cannot do this alone. I know we may not always agree but I promise to listen to, respect, and value your opinion. Together we can work to create a shared vision for Oshkosh.

It would be an honor to serve on your Oshkosh Common Council and I ask for your support. On Tuesday, April 5, please vote BAIN FOR COUNCIL. For more information log on to my website at www.BRYANBAIN.com. Thank you!

Respectfully,

Bryan L. Bain, Candidate
Oshkosh Common Council

Shirley Brabender Mattox Response to No. 4

With a directly elected mayor, Oshkosh is moving toward a new form of municipal government, but it is not clear whether this step will make much difference.

Oshkosh is NOT moving toward a new form of municipal government! Oshkosh legally has a “council/ manager” form of government. Nothing has been changed by the referendum (sponsored by the council, not by citizens) to allow the citizens of Oshkosh to elect the mayor. The mayor, elected on April 5, will have the same duties as the present mayor as outlined in City of Oshkosh Municipal Codes, Chapter 2, Section 2-11. It is important not to deceive or confuse citizen voters; deciding who will preside at council meetings is not changing the government.

After the April 5 election citizens watching a council meeting will see 6 elected councilors and an elected mayor on the dais. (There will be only 5 elected councilors if Mr. Esslinger is elected mayor.) The council meeting will be conducted in the same manner as it has been for the last 50 years, the mayor presiding as the president of the council. All seven councilors will still have an equal vote representing all citizens of Oshkosh.

Please describe how you think the city government should be structured and what the benefits would be.

The Oshkosh city government is already structured according to City of Oshkosh Municipal Codes, Chapter 2, Article III, under provisions of Chapters 5-11 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

What should be the role of the mayor?

As in the past, the experience, available time, and energy of the mayor can give a special character to his term in office. Citizens should expect that he is mature, wise, sensitive and knowledgeable in his public role representing the city. He may have opportunities to influence potential businesses’ move to Oshkosh. His ability to speak positively about the quality of life in Oshkosh is important when a business is considering such a move. In a way, he is the ambassador who welcomes all people to the great City of Oshkosh and encourages them to come again.


What should be the role of the Common Council?

The Common Council will continue to evaluate the city manager and renew his contract. “The Council shall not have the power to enact special executive or administrative orders.” Council members shall devote time to the duties of the office as “the interests and general welfare of the City demand”. Each Councilor brings special talents and interests to the job. Involvement on committees and interaction with citizens can depend on the amount of time available. (Councilors having the responsibility for their jobs, children, and older parents must juggle and weigh their priorities.)

Councilors have the responsibility to study all the resolutions on which they vote, including the major task of reviewing the budget. They also need to be aware of the progress and problems facing the City. Above all, councilors need to be loyal to their citizens and give them advice and referrals when needed. Just as good mental health depends on a positive attitude, so do Councilors need to tell the citizens the great success stories of what is happening in Oshkosh.

What is the role of the City manager?

The duties of the City Manager are outlined in the City Municipal Codes in Chapter 2. He manages City Hall and is responsible for the performance of all departments. Department Heads are answerable to the City Manager. He should have a broad understanding of all facets of the city and insure that the city runs smoothly. His door is always open to the citizens of Oshkosh. I expect to him speak of the progress that the City is experiencing so all citizens have the chance to be proud and confident that they are living in a wonderful place.

BRYAN BAIN Response to Question Four

What should be the role of the mayor?

The mayor is essentially the elected “face” of Oshkosh. The mayor is now directly elected by citizens; however, the position is given no new additional powers or duties. The mayor will continue to run council meetings, make appointments to various city boards and commissions, represent the city and/or council on various boards and committees, and will have a role in shaping the direction of the council and city. I believe the mayor should be a “cheerleader” for the city by actively promoting our community at various events, conferences, etc. I also believe the mayor should work to promote consensus building and collaborative working relationships between the council and city, council and citizens, and city and citizens.

What should be the role of the Common Council?

The role of the common council is to actively listen to and effectively represent the citizens and community of Oshkosh. Often times council members are the people citizens turn to for guidance, answers, and information regarding a variety of issues. Therefore, council members need to be well-informed, effective communicators, and accessible to the public. Council members, including the mayor, supervise the city manager and must work together with the city manager to effectively govern the city. Council members also serve on a variety of city boards and commissions, represent the city and/or council on various boards and committees, and will help shape the direction of the council and city. As with the mayor, I believe the council should serve as a “cheerleader” for the city by actively promoting our community at various events, conferences, etc.

What should be the role of the city manager?

The city manager is hired, fired, and supervised by all seven members of the common council. The city manager is responsible for the day to day administrative operations of city government. He or she selects and supervises city department directors, works with city staff to create the operational and capital improvements program budgets, and represents the city on various boards and committees. The city manager is ultimately responsible for everything in city hall and how our city functions; however, he or she must also work closely with the common council.

As a side note, I believe the city manager and mayor must work closely together, especially on large-scale projects (e.g. Five Rivers). I would like to see joint press conferences and/or information packets for the general public and local media outlets. In order for the council-manager form of government to be most effective, I believe the mayor and city manager should be involved together on projects like these to promote more information sharing with each other and the general public.

poeschl for council closing statement

I would like to thank Mr Miles Maguire for running this Oshblog for candidates running for city council. I would also like to thank all the candidates that are running for a good race and no real attacks on others. Its been fun that way.

I as a city council incumbent would ask for your vote on Tuesday April 5th, as I run again for a second term on the City Council. In my 2 years I have seen how budgets are done, learned more on bonding, and keeping a good touch with all departments in city hall. I would like to continue to serve the city of oshkosh as a city councilman and protect your tax dollar, just like its my and your wallets in our pockets. I'm for progress in the city of oshkosh, all I ask for is a full plan of what is to be done, how many good paying jobs it will bring with the progress, along with what will the progres do for convention and tourism and the local eateries, taverns, grocery stores and more!!!

In closing I wish all the candidates good luck, as I know how exciting Tuesday April 5th will be!!! As it was for me 2 years ago and will be again!!!

I ask for your vote on Tuesday April 5th!!!

Sincerly, Brian Poeschl
City Council Incumbent

Closing Statement for Meredith Scheuermann

I am writing my closing statement a little bit early because I will be leaving for vacation this week and I wanted to be sure I made a few points clear.

First, this forum has been an incredible vehicle for us to answer questions openly and honestly. While voters may not agree with everything we say, they have the opportunity to "hear" in our words, how we feel. Thank you Miles for this opportunity and thank you to those who have been faithfully reading this.

Second, this election period has been so rewarding. The candidates I have met have been passionate, dedicated and committed to making Oshkosh a great place to live and do business. We may disagree at actually what that looks like, but we have a united force that will help continue to bring good things to the City of Oshkosh. Thank you to the candidates who have made this a clean and positive experience for all of us.

Third, to the citizens of Oshkosh. Thank you for your emails, phone calls, letters, interviews, flowers, donations, coffees, forums, debates, interviews, meetings, etc. It has been great hearing from all of you. Should I get elected, I will continue to be vocal and accessible to you.

Finally, I conclude that there are 3 reasons why I ask for one of your votes on April 5th:

1. I am not a single issue candidate, but one who will tackle a variety of issues that face our city and make smart, educated decisions that will help further our great city.

2. I will not make promises I cannot keep. I have been very honest and true to you throughout this entire campaign. My message has been positive, progressive and most important, honest and consistent. I speak from the heart when I tell you I will continue to ask tough questions in the face of adversity and make sound decisions.

3. I will serve you each day with social and fiscal responsibility. This includes continuing to serve on boards and committees that help me stay connected with this city. This also includes responsible stewardship. I pledge to continue the pursuit of fiscal responsibility with each day that passes.

I respectfully ask for one of your votes on April 5th, Vote Scheuerman for Council.

Regards,
Meredith Scheuermann

poeschl for council response

With a directly elected mayor, Oshkosh is moving toward a new form of municipal government, but it is not clear whether this step will make much difference.Please describe how you think the city government should be structured and what the benefits would be

The benefits would be that the citizens of oshkosh now get to make there voice heard as to who they want to have as an elected mayor. Not one that is elected by the power of the council..


* What should be the role of the mayor?

The role of the mayor will be to run the city council meetings smoothly, and direct the city manager as to what needs assistance within city hall.

* What should be the role of the Common Council?

The role of the common council is to act on city ordinances and resolutions that are presented to them and vote on them in the best interest of the public.

* What should be the role of the city manager?

The role of the city manager should be to keep the city council informed of all and any happenings within city hall. Also keep the council up to date with his weekly packet of info that goes out to all councilors on every friday.

Sincerely, Brian Poeschl
City Council Incumbent

Question #4 from Meredith Scheuermann

I am comfortable with the structure of the City Government we currently have. We have done several referendums in the past, all of which have failed, to change our form of government. I believe it is important to have a City Manager who has qualifications to run a city the size of Oshkosh.

The responsibilities of the City Manager is to be the Manager for all the Department Heads. It is his/her job to be a vocal, positive, operationally sound and fiscally responsible manager who also is customer and citizen friendly. His/her role also includes being very diligent on being a visionary and what is good for the City of Oshkosh. His/her role encompasses many facets and I believe is ever changing. This person must be dedicated, flexible with his/her thoughts and yet determined to do what is right for the City of Oshkosh. He/she must have high standards and must be proud, positive and vocal. These are just a few of the roles the City Manager plays.

The responsibility of the Mayor is to be a vocal and positive point person for the City of Oshkosh. He/she is to be a voice for what Oshkosh is and what Oshkosh can be. He/she is to run the meetings operationally and also be a leader in bringing things forth. He/she is a greeter to the business prospects in this city and finally is a go-to person when a citizen has a comment. This position also is ever changing and these are just a few of the roles the Mayor must play.

The responsibility of the City Council is much like the current Mayor. They must be point people to citizens and businesses when they have comments. They are to be a resource to get things accomplished. They should feel empowered to work together to bring things to the forefront to make Oshkosh a great place to live and do business. They need to be proud and vocal of all of our great accomplishments and honest with our goals to come. Again, given the current system, the role of a City Council Member is similar to the Mayor (minus the running of the meetings.)

These are the key roles as I see for the City Manager,Mayor and City Council. I am aware that there are many more duties, roles and responsibilities that each position have. I have highlighted key concepts on which all must possess.

Regards,
Meredith Scheuermann

Question No. 4

With a directly elected mayor, Oshkosh is moving toward a new form of municipal government, but it is not clear whether this step will make much difference.

Please describe how you think the city government should be structured and what the benefits would be.

* What should be the role of the mayor?
* What should be the role of the Common Council?
* What should be the role of the city manager?

response to Meredith's question

Meredith, my approach to getting more roads done in the future, would be to go back and change the city ordinance that was drafted back in the late 90's that all streets have to be concrete when redone. Main streets being the 36 feet wide and secondary being 32 feet wide. I believe that a lot of secondary roads could be done with curb and gutter and then asphalt. I know that public works director says that will last about 12 years or so. An example of this is in the town of Algoma where Oakwood rd meets up with the Affinity Center. Here is where they chose to put curb and gutter along with a good asphalt. Now in years to come I see that road becoming a new north south roadway from Hwy 21 all the way to 20th street and then using 20th street up to the frontage road and getting on the highway from hwy 26. Think about how many more roads could get done this way instead of all the concrete!!

Hope this helps answer your question, Brian Poeschl
city council incumbent

Brian Poeschl Response to Question No. 3

What question relating to the city of Oshkosh would you most like to pose to your opponents in this debate?

The question that I would propose to other candidates, is thru the debates many have talked about public works and road construction in Oshkosh. What would you do to get more roads done each and every year in Oshkosh?

And how would you answer it?

I would go back to the decision that was made back in the 90's were all roads were done with concrete and reopen that, along with getting traffic numbers on all streets that are not main roads. Then I would try and set different numbers for a concrete road, and certain traffic numbers for a Asphalt road with curb and gutters.


Sincerely, Brian Poeschl
City Council Incumbent

Question #3 Response from Meredith Scheuermann

This is to a 2 part question posed by Cheryl Hentz that was posed to me.

First, I have been vocal about not being in support of waiving bids. To keep everything fair and equitable, we must continue the process of putting things out for bid, unless there really is an unusual circumstance that would necessitate the waiving of bids.

Second, I am comfortable with the pace of the ampitheater. Would I like to see some things ironed out a little sooner, sure, but overall, I am comfortable with the pace. I have been vocal about this project being out there for over 12 years. I have been vocal about the numerous town hall meetings with citizens input that happened a few years ago. I have also been vocal about the importance of citizens input as of late. I am completely supportive of having open meetings where citizens can come in and learn more about what is going on regarding city government. At any time, citizens should be empowered to call or email Mr. Wollgnak or Mr. Kinney and inquire about what is going on, especially, if they are concerned about what is going on. That is exactly what I started doing months ago. That is how I received most of my information. I had concerns and I went right to the source. Once I understood why we do certain things, it makes much more sense.

Finally, this ampitheater/riverside park expansion is going to be a success. We should continue with the plan (again, remember, it is a plan or a guide) but we must keep going. Several years from now, people will thank the council that allowed this project come to life.

Regards,
Meredith

Shirley Mattox Response to Question No. 3

Question: During the City Council Candidates’ Forums, many of the candidates agreed that in order to relieve future budget pressures the City could grow the tax base through development and redevelopment. As the City competes with other municipalities that also are trying attract the same/or similar businesses, what do you propose the city and the council do in order to attract businesses to locate or expand in Oshkosh?

Answer: A city never gets a second chance to make a good first impression! The City’s Gateways must be attractive and inviting for a city to be considered worthy of investors’ consideration. When a successful business is looking for a place to grow, it will find the expected amenities in every potential city, e.g. police, fire, roads, transit system, garbage, schools, medical facilities, etc. However, for many businesses it is important that there are also special amenities. An attractive, vibrant downtown must have a healthy social life after 5:00 p.m. The many locally-owned restaurants and shops give the visitor an immediate connection to the heart of the City.

It is important that a business has suitable housing options for its’ employees. There must be affordable, well-maintained homes in safe neighborhoods that encouarge walking and biking. Tree-lined streets give the environment cleaner, healthier air, cooler streets, slower traffic and instant curb appeal. Whether people prefer new or older housing, the adage of “location, location, location” should apply equally to all our neighborhoods.

Natural environments of green space, urban forest and waterways are very attractive. However, the general public must have easy access to the waterways and natural areas for enjoyment.

There must be sufficient means of connecting senior citizens to their access amenities.

For every attractive amenity there must be a provider. The city and its citizens will need to support each other in helping to attract a solid variety of business and employment opportunities. As a councilor I am eager to make Oshkosh as inviting and welcoming a city to continue our solid, positive growth for future stability.

Respectfully submitted.

Shirley Brabender Mattox

CHERYL HENTZ response to Question No. 3

What I would ask my fellow candidates is this:
With the bathrooms and concession area at the amphitheater in Riverside Park making headlines once again over potentially illegal acts on the part of the city, what is your opinion on the waiving of the bids for that portion of the project and what do you think the city should do now? Secondly, for those candidates who supported moving forward when we did with the amphitheater as a whole – and I believe they are Shirley Mattox, Meredith Scheuermann and Bryan Bain – do you still think it was smart and reasonable to move forward on the project as quickly as we did, without having enough of these issues ironed out and without having more public involvement in the process?

My answer is:
First, I’d like to give kudos to Mr. Geoffrey Matze for having the courage to challenge city leaders when he believed that they did something wrong and overstepped their bounds. More cities need residents who are not afraid to have the courage of their convictions and who will stand up for what they believe is right.

While this is a sticky situation, for the Attorney General's office to take such a strong position on it without, as Mr. Kraft says, getting information from the city before rendering an opinion, suggests to me that the law must pretty clear on matters involving competitive bidding. Moreover, the attorney in the AG's office says he DID consider the contaminated soil issue when rendering his opinion.

Those things notwithstanding, I said several months ago that C. R. Meyer was and is certainly not the only contractor around who knows how to properly handle contaminated soil. Many contractors deal with such problems all the time and they are well-versed in how to handle them. This is not supposition; it is fact. To suggest that no one other than C.R. Meyer could handle the tasks at hand is just plain silliness. And to further suggest that if another contractor were to come in and do something wrong there could be liability issues and so forth is fear-mongering. Liability issues can and do arise in almost anything we do in today’s society, and lawsuits jam our courts as a result. But in order to prevail, one lawsuit must be stronger than the other and therein lies the key.

So the city wanted to try avoiding having liability issues on one hand, but now they could very well have some legal concerns on the other hand. Are we really any better off?

As far as the amphitheater restrooms and concession area go, I think we need to get to the bottom of this issue once and for all, and then take a good hard look at this before allowing C.R. Meyer to proceed. Additionally, we have seen more and more bids waived of late and I believe we are on a slippery slope with that practice. Competitive bidding exists for various reasons – one of which is to help ensure fair play, among others – and I don’t think it is a good idea for the city to continue waiving bids unless there is truly a very unique and compelling reason why they have to be. In those rare cases, I suggest we might want to get an opinion from the AG’s office before proceeding.
As to the second part of my question, I know at least one of my opponents – Meredith Scheuremann – will say (because she has several times already) that the amphitheater was part of the city’s comprehensive plan for something like 12 years, and therefore nothing was rushed through. Well, that’s not entirely the case.

While it may have been in a plan, those plans are not engraved in stone. They are merely blueprints and even Mrs. Scheuermann herself admits that. She either has to be willing to concede that simply because something was part of a plan does not mean it must be done. Or she has to be prepared to say that we WILL as a community proceed forward with every single item in the plan – including pushing 20th Street all the way through, which would involve displacing people from their homes at a tremendous cost to the city; burying our overhead wires underground, also at a tremendous cost; etc. We can’t just say that simply because something is in a plan during one decade that it absolutely must be done in the next. Things change and we must be able to change as they do. And yes, there were public hearings held back then, but consultants LDR also said fundraising should be done and public buy-in achieved before work was undertaken. So it seems we have only followed half that plan, too. Bottom line, for something that has been “on the books” for 12 something years, we sure didn’t have it very well-thought out or planned ahead, and I absolutely believe it was pushed through much too quickly.

Finally, I must make a couple comments about Bill Castle’s involvement in all of this, even though they digress from my original question. I find the non-chalant attitude expressed by mayoral candidate Bill Castle by his calling this AG’s office opinion and related matters a “non-event,” very troubling. Whether the city erred or not, the Attorney General's office is of the opinion that the city broke the law. That means, as I’ve already said, that litigation could very well be coming down the pike. And litigation will undoubtedly cost this city something - if not financially, then certainly in reputation and image. Yet a man who wants to represent this community and its people seems to have the attitude that it is no big deal and it can essentially be swept under the carpet!!

Perhaps we should have expected such an attitude from the very man who boasted about his close personal relationship with the owner of C.R. Meyer and even discussed city business and a further business relationship with that very owner on the golf course. He also continues to feel it's okay for him to vote on issues involving C.R. Meyer as they come up. So really, should we be too shocked over his latest remarks?

Respectfully submitted,

Cheryl Hentz