MARINETTE – During the spring election on April 7 there will be two open seats — Ward Number 3 and Ward Number 7 — on the Marinette City Common Council.
The candidates for Ward Number 3 are Dylan Demmith and Michael Ebsch. The candidates for Ward Number 7 are Chris Lesperance and Chuck Rowell.
In an effort to give all candidates an opportunity to present their approach to the council positions, the Peshtigo Times reached out to candidates with a questionnaire form.
In alphabetical order, responses from Demmith, Ebsch and Rowell can be found in this issue. Lesperance did not respond.
Why are you running for this position?
Having served as Marinette High School’s representative to the City Council for the past year and a half, I have seen firsthand how important local representation is to issues like street maintenance, recreation, job opportunities, safe neighborhoods, and overall quality of life.
I believe the residents of Ward 3 should have a voice in these conversations, and I want to help ensure that all generations are represented in shaping the future of our community by offering a fresh perspective.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
Improving streets, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, expanding our recreational infrastructure, listening and being responsive to residents’ concerns, and addressing PFAS contamination are my top priorities.
Residents in Ward 3 frequently raise concerns about how taxes are spent and the condition of our streets, particularly areas like Pierce Avenue and Edwin Street that need significant repair.
The city must take PFAS contamination seriously by continuing to work toward long-term solutions to protect our water.
Marinette should be a city where young families want to stay and where new families want to move, attracting more people to the community, while maintaining strong services for all residents, especially seniors on fixed incomes.
I want to be able to roll up my sleeves and help create solutions to make Marinette an even greater place to live, work, and raise a family.
What is your approach to handling complex issues?
My approach is to always listen carefully, gather information, and consider multiple perspectives before making decisions.
Complex issues require thoughtful discussion including input from residents, and open, civil dialogue at city council meetings. I believe in focusing on practical solutions that balance the needs of the community while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
How will you involve residents in the decision making process?
To start with, I don’t believe that city meetings should be in the middle of the day. Working residents and families of Ward 3 should have the opportunity to be heard and have a voice in decisions that affect their community.
If elected, I will make it a priority to listen to them through conversations in the neighborhood, attending community events, and encouraging residents to share their input before major decisions are made.
I will always respond to phone calls or emails to address concerns or ideas, and when appropriate, I believe that residents should have the opportunity to weigh in directly, such as through referendums on significant projects.
Why are you running for this position?
I believe there is a better way to represent our city. Currently there is a big divide in the council which is not leading to any real solutions.
I hope to bring more level headed thinking back to the decision making process.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
The issue taking center stage right now is the UWGB property. While this is a big issue, it’s not going to be solved quickly or without more input from the community.
Meanwhile roads and alleys still need to be addressed all over our city, the City Hall/Police Department move still has a lot of issues to solve, and what will become of the current City Hall property once it has been vacated.
What is your approach to handling complex issues?
Getting as much information as possible before making a decision.
How will you involve residents in the decision making process?
By providing as much information to the community as possible. Whether that’s though social media, taking and making calls, texts, emails, or going door to door for those really controversial issues.
The people you represent need to know as much as you do.
Why are you running for this position?
Marinette deserves strong leadership, real transparency and a voice that listens to residents, not just insiders.
If elected, what will be your top priorities?
My top priority is financial oversight. That is my area of expertise, and I will always make decisions with the taxpayer in mind.
What is your approach to handling complex issues?
My approach is to gather the facts, listen to the people involved, and make a decision that leads to the best outcome.
How will you involve residents in the decision making process?
With today’s technology, there are many ways to hear from residents, but I also believe in the old-fashioned approach of knocking on doors and talking directly with the people in the ward.
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