In De Pere District 1, Amy Kundinger faces challenge from candidate Phil Collins; winner captures two-year term on Council
DE PERE - In De Pere's District 1, incumbent Amy Chandik Kundinger, a St. Norbert College official, faces a challenge from candidate Phil Collins, a cashier.
District 1, in the northeast portion of De Pere, one of four De Pere City Council races this year in which the incumbent faces a challenge.
Phil Collins
Age: 56
Occupation: Cashier
Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, University of Arkansas. Master's degree in public administration, University of Seattle.
Experience: When I lived in the Chicago area, I was elected in a nonpartisan race to be a township trustee. The township had about 60,000 people. I voted on the property tax levy, yearly budget, and the exact amounts that we spent each month. When I lived in Las Vegas, I ran for mayor in a nonpartisan race. Of seven candidates, I finished second.
Amy Chandik Kundinger
● Age: 47● Occupation: Director of nusiness & community engagement at St. Norbert College● Education: Bachelor of Arts, journalism, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Experience: I’m in my second term on the De Pere City Council serving on the Finance/Personnel Committee and the Board of Park Commissioners. My interest and commitment to civic engagement was established well before being elected to City Council — previously serving three years as a citizen representative on the Plan Commission and as a member of the Strategic Visioning & Branding Committee.
Working at St. Norbert College as director of business & community engagement, my team leads initiatives such as the CEO Breakfast Series, Knights on the Fox and a multitude of business investment partnerships with the college. As a past board member of the De Pere Chamber for six years, I now partner with the Economic Development Committee, which manages events such as the De Pere Business Walk. I initiated the State of De Pere event five years ago and continue to manage this tradition that showcases the mayor’s annual address and the collaboration of the city, chamber, Definitely De Pere and St. Norbert College in advancing De Pere’s quality of life and economic prosperity.
These experiences provide me with the opportunity to guide meaningful communication between citizens, local businesses and city government.
Why are you running for City Council?
Collins: I'm running because I think that my education and government experience would help me help serve the city well. I learned about the importance of considering the views of many people.
Kundinger: Similar to the Claude Allouez Bridge that connects east and west De Pere — I see my role on the council as a conduit that provides my constituents and city operations with easy accessibility to each other. Every day, I have the opportunity to pair my growing knowledge of city functions with my communication skills to ensure De Pere is well-positioned for future generations. I’d be honored to continue representing District 1. Learn more at alderamy.com
What are the three top issues facing the city of De Pere?
Collins: 1. Not enough people know about new De Pere businesses. If I win, I'll ask the city government webmaster to add a page that would list new businesses. That would help the companies find customers and employees. Residents might like that information if they need to buy those products and/or apply for jobs. I'd help by looking for businesses and sending suggestions.
2. A few residents told me that some streets aren't plowed often enough. A resident in my district said she's never seen a snowplow on her street. If I win, I'll survey many residents and give my suggestions to the streets department.
3. I don't like roundabouts, and I met some other residents who don't like them. About 10 times within the past 18 months, while I drove through roundabouts, people, who should have yielded to me kept going, causing me to almost be in accidents. If I win, I'll try to ensure that De Pere won't have more roundabouts. I hope that, instead, those potential locations would have four-way stops.
Kundinger: De Pere has the financial health to prioritize issues from a position of strength. Three priorities include:
Strategic economic development. Both downtown and our industrial parks are growing and that growth must complement our high-quality residential experience. To strike this important balance, I support the city’s partnership with the new Shopko property owners and a cohesive plan that integrates housing, retail, commercial, and green space for economic development that further enhances our sense of place. Additionally, I uphold the façade grant program which invests in our vibrant small businesses.
Investing in traffic infrastructure. I support the current design development of the Southern Bridge that extends the interchange to the Fox River. Last spring, the federal government allocated $5M toward the design of the bridge over the river for the next planning phase. I will continue to partner with neighboring communities and the state in realizing this significant investment.
Managing the rising cost of housing. De Pere recognizes there are multiple obstacles to accessing financing for= purchasing and maintaining a home. I approved using a portion of the $2.6M American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for housing programs which identify ways to increase our supply, bolster the diversity of options, and increase affordability.
Why should people vote for you?
Collins: I promise that, if I win, I'll never vote to increase anyone's property tax bill. I'll work hard to work well with elected officials of all parties.
Kundinger: De Pere is my home. I live and work in De Pere. My children go to De Pere schools. I approach my role as a council member by listening, asking questions, collecting information and finding solutions. Citizen feedback is instrumental in how I serve. Over the years, I have built a proud record of working collaboratively and understanding all aspects of an issue. I am dedicated to representing my neighbors in ways that enhance living in De Pere with keen fiscal responsibility for the city’s budget. Voting for me means continued representation from a fellow citizen who's genuinely invested in our community.
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: De Pere District City Council District 1 candidates on the issues
