Meet the candidates running for Stevens Point Council District 7 in the April 4 election
Incumbent Mary Kneebone will face challenger Tim Johnson for the District 7 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.
Tim Johnson
Age: 44
Residence: Stevens Point
Occupation and education: Computer and software support analyst. I have an associate degree in computer information systems programmer/analyst.
Relevant experience: This is my first attempt at political office.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Tim Johnson for Stevens Point Common Council on Facebook
Mary J. Kneebone
Age: 73
Residence: Stevens PointOccupation and education: Retired. Bachelor's degree in resource management in 1991 from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Master's degree in urban and regional planning in 1993 from UW-Madison. Past member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Relevant experience: I served as a neighborhood planner for the city of Dallas, Texas, for five years. I have served as the alderperson for District 7 on the Stevens Point Common Council for the past eight years. As the alderperson, I currently serve on the Plan Commission, Board of Public Works, Transportation Committee, Public Policy and General Government Committee, Alder Liaison to the Police and Fire Commission, and Redevelopment Authority. I have also served on the steering committee for the Plover River Crossing Project.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Kneebone District 7 on Facebook
Why are you running for the position?
Johnson: I decided to get more involved to do what I can to make a difference in my community.
Kneebone: I want to monitor completion of the Plover River Crossing Project and begin the process of creating a 45-acre recreation area on the city’s east side in partnership with the College of Natural Resources. I will continue to lobby for a fire station east of I-39 and will continue to support my constituents. I am committed to making Stevens Point a family-friendly community with quality of life improvements for all residents. I will continue to support smart development, affordable housing projects and infrastructure repair. Moreover, I believe that my voice can help the Council make wise use of tax dollars.
What are residents telling you are the most important issues in District 7, and how would you address them?
Johnson: I have not received many requests. Parking issues on various roads have been brought up on a Stevens Point Facebook page. I would definitely want constituents to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Kneebone: Residents are concerned about safety, infrastructure repair and overnight parking. I spearheaded the implementation of the Safe Routes to School Plan for Bannach Elementary and successfully lobbied for a sidewalk to serve Dimensions Senior Living Solutions that enables residents to safely reach a bus stop, restaurants and shopping. I presented constituent-driven concerns about failing alleys to Public Works. Now all city alleys have been rated and scheduled for repair according to need. I helped change the ordinance which required cars parked overnight to pay a fee or get ticketed. The amended ordinance creates free overnight parking on most city streets.
What are the top two issues that you believe need to be addressed in the city?
Johnson: Roads/parking and firefighter staffing and resources.
Kneebone: I believe the top two issues that need to be addressed in the city are: 1) Affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and individuals, and 2) Maintaining city services and staff in light of decreasing revenue options.
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?
Johnson: I would definitely investigate and research this issue further and listen to my constituents' concerns. There is a project to develop an area in the district I’m running in to build duplexes.
Kneebone: One idea is for the city of Stevens Point to become the owner. The city can purchase developable lots within and contiguous to the city. As the owner, the city dictates terms to developers who wish to build. Mixed-use developments could become available for affordable, market-rate and senior housing units. Another is to look for public-private partnerships, such as the St. Joseph Convent redevelopment. The Council should also consider all options brought forward by the Housing Task Force, a nonpartisan group that has been studying housing needs.
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?
Johnson: Devote the existing revenue to infrastructure (roads and public safety). Concentrate on vital projects and spend less on public projects such as downtown signage as well as other less vital areas.
Kneebone: As a person on a fixed income, I understand the fear many have of being taxed out of their homes. To address this, alders and the mayor must continue to lobby our state legislature to increase our shared revenue and return our fair share of our tax dollars. If we don’t get revenue from the state, we could implement a Wheel Tax or Transportation Utility to widen the revenue pool. Furthermore, city departments have not had a budget increase in two years as a cost control measure. The least desirable solution would be to cut city staff or services.
More:What Stevens Point voters need to know about the $4.2M road projects on the April ballot
More:Stevens Point development projects to watch: Hobby Lobby, Plover Younkers, downtown Shopko
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 7: Candidates on spring 2023 ballot
