Appleton council: District 7 candidates mention public safety, debt load as top concerns
APPLETON - Voters in District 7 on the city's north side will decide between Patrick Hayden and Karl Koenig as their representative on the Common Council in the April 4 election.
The winner of the nonpartisan race will earn a two-year term and succeed Maiyoua Thao, who didn't seek reelection.
The Hayden-Koenig matchup is the only contest for Appleton council this spring. District 1 incumbent Bill Siebers, District 3 incumbent Brad Firkus, District 5 incumbent Katie Van Zeeland, District 9 incumbent Alex Schultz, District 11 incumbent Kristin Alfheim, District 13 incumbent Sheri Hartzheim and District 15 incumbent Chad Doran are unopposed.
That's in contrast to last year, when five of seven seats were contested, and two years ago, when six of eight seats were contested.
As part of The Post-Crescent’s election coverage, Hayden and Koenig were asked to complete a questionnaire to explain why they're running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address the most important issues facing the city. Their answers are published below.
For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.
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Name: Patrick Hayden
Address: 325 E. Timberline Drive
Age: 42
Occupation: Software architect
Highest education: Bachelor’s degree in software information systems from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; bachelor’s degree in political science from Queens University of Charlotte
Relevant experience: While working on my political science degree, I worked with Congress as an intern on expanding trade. I’ve been actively engaged in working to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin.
Campaign websites: Patrick Hayden for Appleton Common Council
Name: Karl Koenig
Address: 4131 N. Woodridge Drive
Age: 56
Occupation: Manager of IT Applications Engineering for American Foods Group
Highest education: Bachelor's degree in information systems from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; certification in ministerial studies from Christian and Missionary Alliance
Relevant experience: Graduate of Leadership Fox Cities; pastor of connections (community outreach) at Appleton Alliance Church (2007-2013); served in student government
Campaign website: www.appletonkarl.com
Why are you running for office?
Hayden: Appleton has been growing incredibly fast the last decade, and nowhere is this more evident than on the north side. I want to make sure that we are developing northward with common sense looking to avoid creating traffic issues while creating spaces everyone can enjoy.
Koenig: My experience in Leadership Fox Cities has been an inspiration to serve as alderperson. As a long-time Appleton resident, I want to preserve the warmhearted culture of Appleton while looking for ways to sustain our long-standing tradition of great schools, affordable living and a safe place to call home.
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Hayden: I believe my experience working in IT and finance prepares me to think differently than most when it comes to municipal finances. From my background in working with large financial firms, I know how to plan and pay for projects cities the size of Appleton need to operate.
Koenig: I view the role of alderperson as a great privilege to serve the community I love. I am not driven by any political agenda, nor do I have the backing of any party. I deeply care about Appleton, our children, local economy and public safety.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Hayden: Two things I'm hearing consistently are public safety and debt reduction. On the public safety side, I believe we need to help our police officers by embedding mental health professionals in their ranks. Our officers are already asked to do too much, and adding these additional resources would allow them to truly focus on protecting our city and give them the support they deserve. When it comes to debt reduction, our current council has already done a great job reducing the debt, and I would look forward to working with these members to continue paying it down.
Koenig: Property taxes went up 6.6% last year, city debt is $80 million, and debt service is $12 million to $15 million annually. Appleton has aging infrastructure. We must maintain infrastructure while keeping taxes fair and affordable. If we invest in infrastructure, business will be attracted to Appleton. This will grow our tax base and provide more opportunity for residents. We’ve seen an increase in crime and drug activity in Appleton. I am 100% behind our firefighters and police officers. They are our neighbors and friends. We must resource them to do their jobs more safely, efficiently and effectively.
Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.
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This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Appleton council candidates: public safety, debt load are top concerns
