LAKE GENEVA-Three candidates are running for Lake Geneva's Aldermanic District 2 seat.
The Janesville Gazette asked each candidate two questions.
What is the major issue facing the city council?
Micheal McBride: " don't think we have one major problem facing us, (but) we are not a forward looking political body, we are a reactionary body. Instead of reacting to things on a daily basis, we have to be proactive-plan for things, and move forward with the city and be driving the bus instead of being a passenger."
Alan Kupsik: "No matter how we try to get around it, one of the biggest issues is development. Unfortunately, it's here and were going to have to deal with it one way or another. We're going to have to watch it so it doesn't get out of hand.
"Annexation is a wise move if it benefits the city. We have to be concerned with overburdening our infrastructure.
"The towns are going to fight annexation as much as they can. I think Lake Geneva has reached its limit. To wander out any further than we are could definitely be a mistake.
"We are a tourist town. One thing we have to keep in perspective is that tourist money keeps the city going. If we get too crowded, if we get too urbanized, people won't want to come here anymore.
"Finally, we need to watch spending and try to avoid raising taxes the best we can without cutting services to the taxpayers."
Mary Jo Fesenmaier: "The greatest challenge facing the city of Lake Geneva is planning. It's crucial that budgets are planned to meet the needs of our community while setting reasonable taxes. Of greatest importance is planning for development and growth that will support our citizens. We have a master plan, but it's being changed in ways that alter the character of the city. The master plan should only be tweaked not destroyed. Also essential is planning that keeps the health of our lake, watershed, and other natural resources in balance.
"I believe the challenge of successful planning requires us to work together. We have a capable staff that can assist in the work of the council and city government through procedures that support priorities and initiatives."
What makes you the best candidate?
McBride: "I've seen some movement toward what I see as us getting ahead of that curve.
After being frustrated for six years, I see the kind of government I want to be part of and I want to help out.
"I'm really interested in the Smart Growth plan. We're planning for the future and not reacting."
Kupsik: "I think over the years, I've gained quite a bit of experience in local government. Being a member of the park board, plan commission and owning my own business has given me an idea how a city is run.
Fesenmaier: "As a lifetime resident I am qualified to serve on the city council because I have many connections to the citizens of (District 2) and a commitment to the welfare and success of this community.
"I have served with passion on the plan commission for the past 18 months, at times voting 'no' when a proposal is significantly different from the master plan. I have taken the position seriously by reading, making phone calls and visiting proposed project sites in person.
"Flexibility, creativity, and hard work have been the hallmarks of my 18-year public education career as I have taught in three buildings, four grade levels, and now manage the library media centers at Eastview and Star Center.
