Meet the candidates running for Stevens Point Council District 6 in the April 4 election

Incumbent David Plaisance will face challenger Jason Behrendt for the District 6 seat on the Stevens Point City Council in the April 4 election.

Alderpersons serve a two-year term.

To learn more about registering to vote and to find your polling place, visit My Vote Wisconsin.

The Stevens Point Journal asked each of the candidates to address important issues in the district and why they are running for the position.

Jason Behrendt

Age: 50

Residence: Stevens Point

Occupation and education: Small business owner in Stevens Point. Attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Relevant experience: This is my first time as a political candidate. But I have experience working with and on boards in charge of making financial and improvement decisions. My job involves planning and working within budgets, marketing and fielding questions, concerns and requests.

Campaign website/Facebook page: Jason Behrendt-Stevens Point Alderperson District 6 Candidate on Facebook

David Plaisance

Age: 65

Residence: Stevens PointOccupation and education: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point graduate; former waterpark manager for the first seven years of Rainbow Falls Family Park and former mortgage loan officer for M&I Bank, WoodTrust Bank and Anchor/Old National Bank.

Relevant experience: At Rainbow Falls I was the number one person outside of the owners. I handled customer problems, staffing, safety, group sales and the daily operation of the park. Treating people fairly and respectfully insured that we would have the best staff and safest park possible. I closed over 3,000 mortgage loans in my career. In order to do this I had to deal with issues involving client financing, real estate agents, buyers and sellers, contractors, title companies and underwriters. I learned how to get things done.

Why are you running for office?

Behrendt: Stevens Point is my home. I attended Washington Elementary School, P.J. Jacobs Junior High School and Stevens Point Area Senior High. I decided to start a family here, and I plan to raise that family here for the next 20-plus years. I want to represent and be a stronger voice for the future of Stevens Point. I want to fit that demographic on the Council which is underrepresented. There are a lot of young families in this town that I can be a voice for. I encourage residents to take a look at the current Council roster to see if they feel they are represented.

Plaisance: I enjoy giving back to my community. Currently outside of my alderperson duties, I do free tax returns through CAP Services for low-income individuals and families, and I am a member of the board for Habitat For Humanity. With my background in helping people and financing, I feel I will be a valuable member of the Council.

What are residents telling you are the most important issues in District 6, and how would you address them?

Behrendt: The conversations I have had involved speeding, assessments of property, lack of information, increase in taxes, and improvement and updating of parks, as well as other subjects.

Plaisance: In my brief time in this position, I have received a wide variety of calls, all of which I have given my sincere attention and response. Subjects varied from unleashed dogs to snow and ice removal. There were also calls regarding the next question.

What are the top two issues that you believe need to be addressed in the city?

Behrendt: 1) Fiscal responsibility, including a deeper dive into the approval of budgets and unnecessary spending. 2) The future of Stevens Point's quality of life, which includes the retention of current residents, expansion of future residents and dedication to the upgrading of all aspects of life here including sports, recreation, arts and lifestyle.

Plaisance: 1) The housing shortage. 2) A fire station on the east side of the city. With the Highway 10 construction and traffic last summer, we were lucky there were no major fires on the east side. As the city expands so does the need for a larger fire department.

Readers often mention affordable housing as a top concern in the city. What can the City Council do to ensure truly affordable housing is available for residents?

Behrendt: Dedicated committee members of different backgrounds, experiences and ideas can help with this situation. I also think that an increase in taxes is part of the equation of affordable housing. A 20% proposed tax increase could budget a family right out of their newly bought or forever home. Getting a grasp of the surrounding rental market for all age groups is something I look forward to.

Plaisance: I've only been on the Council since November. I've tried to wrap my head around this issue. This is a very complex situation. What could be good for some, might be bad for another group of people. I am willing to listen to any suggestion on each segment of this issue. We have a good Housing Task Force Committee and need to consider their recommendations.

Increasing taxes in the city is another complaint we often see from readers. What can the City Council do to keep increases to a minimum?

Behrendt: The mayor appoints members of certain committees, which includes the Finance Committee. Responsible and experienced elected officials who raise important questions and who work well with others should be on those committees. I would ask to be on that committee. My business partner and I run a business that needs to be successful enough to support two families. This gives me experience in financial decisions. I also understand budgeting. Taxes cannot continue to grow at this rate as I believe it will force our residents to make difficult decisions which may include leaving the area.

Plaisance: With wage increases, inflation and a shortage of state aid, I think the city has done a good job with their budget. But they do need watchdogs. If you reviewed some of the committee and Council meetings since I have come on board, you will see that I have questioned expenditures. In the future, I will attend meetings fully prepared and with a list of questions and concerns on behalf of my constituents.

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Editor Jamie Rokus can be reached at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus.

This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Stevens Point Council District 6: Candidates on the spring 2023 ballot