Who are your picks in the Oshkosh elections?
Various groups and individuals around town are
offering their endorsements of their preferred candidates in
next week's election. We will list those endorsements as we learn
of them, and we are asking all of the candidates to let us know
who has endorsed them.
You can use this page to tell us who you will be voting for and why. You can include your name if you would like, but
you can also post anonymously or using a pseudonym if you would
prefer.
To make a comment, write in the field marked messages.
Then click on the Tag button.
Because of technical problems at www.tag-board.com,
this interactive feature has been functioning intermittently
in recent days. We apologize for the problems and hope
they are cleared up in the near future. To have your endorsements
posted here, you may e-mail them to OshkoshNews.
Paul Esslinger
Several people have asked me what Common Council
candidates share my opinions and priorities. In my opinion, Cheryl
Hentz, Joe Jungwirth, Brian Poeschl, and Mike Domke share my opinions
and priorities. I would respectfully ask you to consider these
candidates. Unfortunately you can only vote for three of these
candidates. (From the online
debate.)
Firefighters Local 316
For mayor: Paul Esslinger.
For Council:
Cheryl Hentz, Joe Jungwirth and Brian Poeschl.
Forward Oshkosh (primary)
Forward Oshkosh" was formed by local citizens
and business owners
concerned with the future direction of the City of Oshkosh and
Winnebago
County. Its primary purpose will be to recruit, evaluate, and endorse
candidates for City and County government. We believe the current
and
future budgetary constraints facing local governments will require
thoughtful deliberation leading to effective and efficient solutions.
"Business as usual" will not be an adequate response
to the issues our
governmental departments will be dealing with. As a result, it
is
critical to elect officials that have the capacity to evaluate
issues
with an open mind and a positive outlook.
We are a diverse group of people, with a diverse set of interests.
But
we share the common goal of most of our fellow citizens in our
desire
to
move Oshkosh forward by contributing to a continuously improving
quality
of life throughout Oshkosh and Winnebago County. We also share
some
basic philosophies. We are fiscally conservative and want government
at
all levels to be held accountable to the taxpayers. Although we
do not
automatically reject all tax increases, our bias is strongly in
favor
of
spending constraint with revenue growth achieved through genuine
expansion of the tax base. We believe that private enterprise drives
the
economy, and should be valued and supported. We also believe that
the
only long term solution to avoid ever increasing tax levies is
to
promote economic growth that increases the overall tax base.
It is a reality that a great deal of competition exists between
cities
in attracting economic development projects. In order to succeed,
a
city
must have the necessary infrastructure and present itself as an
attractive place to own and operate a business. In some cases,
it must
also be willing to partner with, and invest in, a development
opportunity. We must have elected officials and government
administrators that understand this, and will diligently work to
help
Oshkosh succeed and grow.
The original issue that brought our group together involved the
dysfunction within the city inspection department. Inadequate attention
had been paid to the damage being done to Oshkosh's reputation
as a
city
that encourages business expansion. This problem must be addressed.
We
also became alarmed at the growing rhetoric of the "nay Sayers".
Our
concern is that a majority could be elected to the council that
will
automatically vote against any project that might require investment.
This would be a formula for stagnation.
As a result, we formed a candidate selection committee to identify
those
candidates that most closely reflect our views. We developed a
list of
five questions (reprinted below), and sent them to every candidate
for
city council and mayor. Admittedly, the requested time for responses
was
short (7-10 days), but we felt anyone running for these offices
should
have already formed opinions on many of these issues. Out of the
19
announced candidates, we received responses from 11. One of the
responses (from Cheryl Hentz) was an explanation on why she would
not
answer the questions. Those that responded with answers to the
question
were: Shirley Brabender Mattox, John Weinsheim, Meredith Scheuermann,
Mariana Stout, Bryan Bain, Paul Esslinger, Bill Castle, Kyle Reppert,
Ron Abitz, and Mike Norton.
We did not consider any of the candidates that failed to respond.
Those
candidates were: Joe Jungwirth, John Daggett, Mike Domke, Brian
Poeschl,
Jenny Ryan, Bob Poeschl, and Andrew Koerwitz. In addition to the
written
responses we conducted selective phone and personal interviews.
Based
on
these questions and interviews, we have decided to endorse three
candidates to fill the three open seats on the council.
"FORWARD OSHKOSH"
ENDORSES THE FOLLOWING
INDIVIDUALS FOR CITY COUNCIL:
John Weinsheim
Shirley Brabender Mattox
Meredith Scheuermann
After careful consideration, we have decided not to endorse a candidate
for Mayor during the primary. We believe the mayor race boils down
to
two candidates: Bill Castle and Paul Esslinger. As we do not represent
any special interest, we were highly concerned with the issues
raised
over the recent no-bid contract awarded for the amphitheater. The
appearance of a functioning "old boys club" is an issue
that Mr. Castle
will need to address and adequately explain. Although we share
Mr.
Esslinger's dogged pursuit of fiscal responsibility, we are equally
concerned with a perceived knee jerk negative reaction to development
opportunities that may require city participation. We hope both
candidates will address these concerns, and we will reconsider
an
endorsement during the General Election.
Forward Oshkosh (general)
Forward Oshkosh was formed by a group of community-minded citizens and business owners who are interested in helping elect local officials who will make decisions that will ensure the positive future direction of Oshkosh. We stand at a crossroads that will require elected officials to thoughtfully consider and evaluate opportunities and issues, and then develop effective and efficient solutions.
As members of Forward Oshkosh, we share important philosophies that are essential to a flourishing community including:
* A commitment to continuous improvement in quality of life for all of our citizens.
* A commitment to fiscal responsibility
* A resolve to hold all levels of government accountable to the taxpayers
* A commitment to achieving revenue growth through genuine expansion of the tax base.
* A belief in the widespread positive effects of planned economic growth
The elected officials we select MUST have the capacity to evaluate issues with an open mind and positive outlook. They must accept the reality that a city with a business friendly environment and well established infrastructure will attract and sustain successful business owners who will provide jobs, opportunities, and economic growth for our community.
On April 5, we ask that you . . . . . . . . . .
Choose progress and success
Choose a flourishing community
Choose a positive direction for Oshkosh
. . . . .by voting for Bill Castle for Mayor of Oshkosh
and the following 3 candidates for Oshkosh City Council:
Meredith Scheuermann
Shirley Brabender Mattox
& Bryan Bain
PLEASE VOTE ON APRIL 5th !!!!!!
The future of Oshkosh depends on you.
Mike Norton
As a former candidate for Oshkosh City Council, I am supporting Bryan Bain on April 5th. I am voting for who believes there is a newer better way at looking at issues, who believes in accountable and accessible government, and has the experiences truly make sure all interests and views are considered when making decisions that affect the city. That candidate is Bryan Bain.
Bryan Bain is unique in that he cannot be labeled. He is for planned growth and development, as well revitalization and redevelopment throughout the City of Oshkosh. He will not be an automatic “yes” man to any development that comes along. He will listen to proposals, citizens both for and against, and then make his decision that would be best for all.
My fellow voters, Bryan Bain had been working hard these last two years preparing for this run for City Council. Since last August he has been reaching out to all voters with his message. He has made it through the primary well answering to groups on all sides of the major issues.
I support Bryan Bain and I urge you to vote for him on April 5th. He will be a vibrant, progressive, accessible, and member to the Oshkosh City Council.
Oshkosh Campus Greens
1. Oshkosh City Council (vote 3): We support Cheryl Hentz and Brian Poeschl Brian and Cheryl are both dedicated working-class Oshkosh residents. Our support is based on their Honesty, Integrity, and support of the Oshkosh working-class. While we may be at different ends of the political spectrum, we feel that both Hentz and Poeschl would be very effective leaders on the council (honorable mention goes to Joe Jungwirth and Brian Bain)
2. Oshkosh Mayor: No endorsement - between Paul Esslinger and Bill Castle
Oshkosh Tavern League
For mayor: Paul Esslinger.
For Council: Brian Poeschl, Joe Jungwirth, Cheryl Hentz and Mike Domke.
Winnebago County Labor Council AFL-CIO
The Winnebago County Labor Council AFL-CIO has completed
their endorsement process and will be supporting the following
candidates in the April general election.
For Oshkosh Common Council: Bryan Bain & Meredith
Schuermann.
For Winnebago County Executive: Mark Harris
For Oshkosh School Board: Lee Wilson
For Circuit Court Branch 2: Scott Woldt
For Oshkosh Mayor: No Endorsement
The Winnebago County Labor Council represents over 5000 union
members in Winnebago County. The endorsement process was based
on answers received to labor based questions submitted to the prospective
candidates.
“We feel that these candidates would best represent the
interests of the working men and women of Wisconsin and especially
Winnebago County. It is our belief that each one of these candidates
brings to the table a special talent and vision which best addresses
the concerns of the WCLC AFL-CIO,” stated Stephen Dedow President
of the Winnebago County Labor Council.
