Q&A: Mayoral candidates discuss top issues in Oshkosh, how they would lead city council
OSHKOSH ‒ Oshkosh is guaranteed to have a new mayor as two current city council members face off in the April election.
Current Mayor Lori Palmeri decided to not seek reelection after she won the race to represent the 54th Assembly District in November.
Council members Matt Mugerauer and Aaron Wojciechowski are vying to earn a two-year term as the city's mayor.
The Oshkosh Northwestern reached out to the candidates to answer questions about what sets them apart in the race and what they see as the most pressing issues the city faces. Candidates' responses are listed in alphabetical order. Some responses have been lightly edited for clarity in the Q&A format.
Matt Mugerauer
Age: 40
City of residence: Oshkosh
Occupation: Operations Manager at 4imprint
Highest education level: Attended UW-Oshkosh
Relevant experience: 5 years city council member, 2 years as deputy mayor
Facebook page: Matt Mugerauer
Aaron Wojciechowski
Age: 26
City of residence: Oshkosh
Occupation: Student Life Professional
Highest education level: Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science (UW-Oshkosh)
Relevant experience: Four years on the Winnebago County Board, education of Oshkosh Area School District, and two years on the Oshkosh City Council where I serve on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and the Sustainability Advisory Board
Facebook page: Councilman Aaron Wojciechowski
Why are you running for this office?
Mugerauer: We've accomplished many good things in my five years on city council, but there is plenty of good work left to be done. I am seeking election as mayor to continue improving upon our finances and infrastructure, and ensuring Oshkosh is a great place to live, work and play.
Wojciechowski: To continue the work I started, that being economic development, sustainability efforts, improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, closing the gap on affordable housing and finding solutions to combat homelessness. As mayor I would bring organization and leadership to create a welcoming space where everyone is heard and valued.
Why are you the best candidate in this race?
Mugerauer: After five years on city council I have proven that I am reasonable and responsible, and that I bring a common sense, moderate voice to our discussions. As a lifelong resident, I’m committed to this community. My goal is to make this a better place for all to call home.
Wojciechowski: I have seven years of experience in various areas of Oshkosh; this has given me a fuller understanding of the city. In addition, I believe my values, vision, voting record, cultural competency and leadership through empathy make me the best choice to be mayor.
What role do you see the mayor having in the city of Oshkosh?
Mugerauer: The mayor’s main role is to effectively and respectfully run the city council meetings. Thankfully, we have a professional city manager who is the chief executive of our local government. The mayor and city council serve as a board of directors who set the strategic vision for Oshkosh, approve budgets and hold the city manager accountable. As mayor, I’ll continue my work of bringing people together to solve problems.
Wojciechowski: The role of the mayor is to lead city council meetings and bring organization and leadership. The mayor also chooses candidates for committees and boards. As mayor, I would go further and be visible in the community and work to meet people where they are instead of always expecting them to come to us. I would also strive to make our meetings an environment that is welcoming, respectable and inclusive.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues? How would you address them?
Mugerauer: Taxes, public safety and housing top the list of most important issues. Ensuring we have a safe and welcoming community is a top priority for me. I will continue to support funding to keep our streets safe. We lack housing, all types and price ranges. Residential and commercial development and redevelopment within Oshkosh must be a top priority for the council to ensure our long-term future. We have many needs in Oshkosh, how we pay for them is the tough part. I’ve led the way on budget initiatives to keep our tax levy low, reducing borrowing and our debt.
Wojciechowski: Affordable housing, addressing homelessness, the high cost of special assessments and the increasing cost of water rates are topics that I hear about most from residents. Addressing each of these issues will require working together with residents, partners and stakeholders. It will require being fiscally responsible, being open-minded and being creative. It also requires looking through each issue through the lens of equity. We have directed the city manager to focus on finding solutions to many of these issues, and I am ready to implement those changes when they arrive.
What will be your top priorities if elected?
Mugerauer: My top priority remains unchanged from when I first ran, ensuring we are using every tax dollar we are entrusted with as best as possible. We have significant infrastructure needs in Oshkosh. We must find a way to support those needs and growth financially, while also balancing the need to lower our debt. Maintaining a strong quality of life, supporting residential development and commercial redevelopment are also very important to me. Making Oshkosh a great place to live, work and play is at the heart of everything I want us to accomplish.
Wojciechowski: My top priorities are responsible growth and innovation in our city programs and resources, in city activities, events and businesses, and in the way we work and communicate with our residents, visitors and partners. Additionally, continuing to improve sustainability efforts by reforming outdated and wasteful practices to save money, and supporting the staff Green Team to foster tangible results. Finally, working to implement the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategic plan to create new policies and practice that will contribute to improved quality of life for all in Oshkosh. Other focuses include addressing high fees and closing the affordable housing gap.
Contact Bremen Keasey at 920-570-5614 or bkeasey@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Keasinho.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Q&A: Oshkosh mayoral candidates discuss key issues facing the city
