Incumbent John Quigley faces Jenny Palzewicz in vote for De Pere City Council District 4
DE PERE - Incumbent John Quigley, a schoolteacher, will face a challenge this April from Jenny Palzewicz, a registered nurse. The winner will capture a two-year term on the De Pere City Council representing District 4
The race is one of four this year for the eight-member council. District 4 includes wards 17-23 on the city's west side.
The election is April 4. You can find resources for voters at myvote.wi.gov.
You can also:
Check to see if you're registered to vote. You can still register today at your polling place.
The Press-Gazette asked each candidate three questions and asked that the answers highlight their strengths and their ideas. Their answers are below.
Jenny Palzewicz
Address: De Pere
Age: 43
Occupation: Registered nurse
Education: Earned degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
Experience: It comes in many forms; each of us have different backgrounds and experiences to put forth. By blending those individually unique experiences, it will not only shape the City Council but facilitates the common goal of keeping De Pere running smoothly.
John Quigley (i)
Address: De Pere
Age: 57
Occupation: Green Bay School District teacher
Education: Bachelor's degree from Lawrence University. Has taken master's degree courses at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.Relevant experience: Currently finishing my first two-year term as City Council member for the city of De Pere. Leader in public education for more than 30 years. Proud union member who has served in union leadership posts for seven years. My work experience includes house-painting, health insurance, mortgage loans, arts administration, and retail positions. Freelance musical performer since 1991.
Why are you running for office?
Palzewicz: If I earn your vote on April 4 and become alderperson of District 4, I will collaborate with our city leaders to keep De Pere a thriving community. Staying citizen-focused is important to me because any elected seat within our city, is representing you. I'm a mother of two young children. My husband, Jason, and I, moved to De Pere because De Pere has maintained small-town values which enable its citizens to focus on faith, family, work and play.
Many citizens are happy and content living in De Pere while some citizens have concerns that vary in nature.
Quigley: De Pere is a fantastic community, and I am thankful to leaders that have served to make it great. I want to leverage my enthusiasm, energy, and knowledge to improve De Pere for future generations. My governing strategy is to let the professional staff do its job, and provide appropriate oversight. To maintain our excellent city services and quality of life; to care for our citizens and maintain a fiscally responsible budget. I will listen to residents and put my best effort into finding a sensible balance.
What are the top three issues facing De Pere?
Palzewicz: Crime is an issue in De Pere. According to crimegrade.org, De Pere has a crime grade of C, stating "a crime occurs every 7 hours 43 minutes." It is imperative to support our police, fire and emergency-medical departments; it's crucial that each department has the supplies to perform their job, and appropriate training for any new or improved equipment they may receive. Continuous education is needed to keep up-to-date on their skill sets.
2. Stabilizing versus raising taxes in times of inflation is a concern of many citizens. Property taxes are commonly the largest source of revenue. The leaders of De Pere continue to work hard at encouraging businesses to grow in the city. I would like to assist in outreach to businesses to plant roots in De Pere. Businesses would provide jobs and tax revenue.
3. Infrastructure is a part of a healthy economy; we should always be maintaining and improving our infrastructure. Infrastructure and taxes go hand-in-hand. Proper maintenance of city roads appeals to any business looking to open in De Pere. Properly maintained roads satisfy citizens and encourage established businesses to stay here. Maintaining and acquiring new businesses will increase tax revenue that can offset some taxes citizens pay.
Quigley: 1) Responsible growth while maintaining high quality of life. City government needs to protect the natural resources, encourage economic development, and make sure that all residents feel safe and secure. Fiscal responsibility means that we have to plan wisely for future challenges.
2) Sustainability issues and smart economic growth. A 2022 study by the St. Norbert College poll showed that in a sample of De Pere residents, 70% indicate that “the city should place a high priority on expanding efforts to preserve the natural environment” and 55% indicate a “high priority should be placed on strengthening support of sustainable infrastructure.” As chair of the De Pere Sustainability Commission, I meet monthly with leaders in our community who are exploring ideas of sustainable living, stewardship to the planet and innovative business ideas.
3) Fair funding through state aids. An important source of revenue for the city of DePere is through state aid. Vital services like police, fire protection, EMS, public infrastructure are more expensive every year, and we depend heavily on local property taxes. I will work with the mayor, council, and representatives in Madison to address this concern.
Why should people vote for you?
Palzewicz: With all that has been stated, De Pere is a gem of a city. I would be honored to participate in current and in future planning, in order to keep this lovely city flourishing today and for generations to come. Each district has two Common Council members representing you, don't hesitate to contact your local representative with comments or concerns because they are here to serve our lovely community. I would be honored for your vote to become the next representative for District 4.
Quigley: I’m running for office because I believe that diverse opinions in local government are extremely important. I want to represent my neighbors and fellow citizens and believe that I can listen to all sides of an argument while working with others to achieve a consensus. I believe local government can have the biggest impact on our daily lives. Every De Pere citizen deserves to have their opinions heard and have their voices represented. I am running for this non-partisan position because I think that the divisiveness of national politics has had a negative effect on too many aspects of our daily lives. I want to work with any and all to find responsible solutions to community concerns.
Email Doug Schneider at DSchneid@gannett.com, call him at (920) 265-2070 and follow him on Twitter @PGDougSchneider
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: In De Pere's District 4, Quigley being challenged by Palzewicz
