Tate, Zaug seek election in New London
Mary Tate (incumbent) and Fred Zaug are seeking election to the open alderperson seat in District 2. Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 3. A candidate questionnaire was sent to both Tate and Zaug. The questions, along with their respective responses, are listed below.
1. Tell us about your background and why you are interested in running for office.
Tate: I am married to Gary Tate. We have four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, some who live in our city. I have lived in New London most of my life and am retired. I'm running because I'd like to give back to the city and citizens where I've lived most of my life.
Zaug: I was born and raised in New London graduating from high school in 1967. From my grade school days I developed an interest in government when my dad was on the New London city council. This grew so that I chose Political Science as my major field of study in college. I have retained a keen interest on all levels of government throughout my life. Most of my career was spent in the insurance and financial fields in the Milwaukee area as well as the Fox Valley. Since returning to the area I have become involved with the Wolf River Men's Club and have retained my activities with Shriners as well. I am running for office to secure a seat to put my interest and background to work successfully representing the citizens of New London.
2. What areas of the budget do you think should be looked at when considering future budget reductions?
Tate: We started making cuts in 2006 and we looked at all departments and areas of the budget to keep our low taxes and good services.
Zaug: Ares of the budget that might be addressed to find savings and reductions include insurance the city must have. There are several manners in which to secure necessary coverage. This is one area of expertise I have since I was licensed in all lines for more than thirty years. Another area to address is the municipal garage. The city does not need a new facility. The one we have has served us well for over fifty years. Any necessary improvements can be made as deemed necessary. The current library/museum is a beautiful and historic building. We do not need a new library. The area has room for expansion and if necessary for future needs additional property may be acquired. City staffing must be examined in all areas to make sure there are no overlaps or shortcomings. For example: do we have adequate staffing in police, street department, etc. or do we need more-or can we function effectively with less?
3. In what ways do you think the municipality could collaborate with neighboring municipalities to effectively share resources and services, which may be necessary in order to cut costs and operating budgets?
Tate: We are collaborating with Waupaca and Outagamie when we do our street projects and police and fire services. We provide on-demand service to the police department.
Zaug: Working with our neighboring municipalities could involve sharing street cleaners, cherry pickers, and other heavy equipment when needed. We may also be able to regionalize some necessary services.
4. What types of incentives (if any) would you support to either assist current businesses, or attract potential new businesses to the city?
Tate: We support and attract new businesses by informing them of the revolving loan fund and negotiate selling price for the industrial park.
Zaug: Incentives to businesses to expand or locate here could include TIF (tax incremental financing) districts or on a selective basis reduced property taxes for a short time. We need to spruce up S. Pearl Street and W. North Water Street.
5. Why should people elect you?
Tate: During the past 12 years as alderperson, I have gained valuable knowledge by serving on all committees and sub-committees. Our city has several projects I'd like to see through. We are in the process of developing our waterfront property and a new municipal garage. I would like to see these items implemented in a manner which will improve our community and "make sense" for our taxpayers.
Zaug: The citizens of District 2 should elect me because I have a sincere interest and dedication to make this a city to be proud of. My background and areas of expertise will serve New London well.
1. Tell us about your background and why you are interested in running for office.
Tate: I am married to Gary Tate. We have four children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, some who live in our city. I have lived in New London most of my life and am retired. I'm running because I'd like to give back to the city and citizens where I've lived most of my life.
Zaug: I was born and raised in New London graduating from high school in 1967. From my grade school days I developed an interest in government when my dad was on the New London city council. This grew so that I chose Political Science as my major field of study in college. I have retained a keen interest on all levels of government throughout my life. Most of my career was spent in the insurance and financial fields in the Milwaukee area as well as the Fox Valley. Since returning to the area I have become involved with the Wolf River Men's Club and have retained my activities with Shriners as well. I am running for office to secure a seat to put my interest and background to work successfully representing the citizens of New London.
2. What areas of the budget do you think should be looked at when considering future budget reductions?
Tate: We started making cuts in 2006 and we looked at all departments and areas of the budget to keep our low taxes and good services.
Zaug: Ares of the budget that might be addressed to find savings and reductions include insurance the city must have. There are several manners in which to secure necessary coverage. This is one area of expertise I have since I was licensed in all lines for more than thirty years. Another area to address is the municipal garage. The city does not need a new facility. The one we have has served us well for over fifty years. Any necessary improvements can be made as deemed necessary. The current library/museum is a beautiful and historic building. We do not need a new library. The area has room for expansion and if necessary for future needs additional property may be acquired. City staffing must be examined in all areas to make sure there are no overlaps or shortcomings. For example: do we have adequate staffing in police, street department, etc. or do we need more-or can we function effectively with less?
3. In what ways do you think the municipality could collaborate with neighboring municipalities to effectively share resources and services, which may be necessary in order to cut costs and operating budgets?
Tate: We are collaborating with Waupaca and Outagamie when we do our street projects and police and fire services. We provide on-demand service to the police department.
Zaug: Working with our neighboring municipalities could involve sharing street cleaners, cherry pickers, and other heavy equipment when needed. We may also be able to regionalize some necessary services.
4. What types of incentives (if any) would you support to either assist current businesses, or attract potential new businesses to the city?
Tate: We support and attract new businesses by informing them of the revolving loan fund and negotiate selling price for the industrial park.
Zaug: Incentives to businesses to expand or locate here could include TIF (tax incremental financing) districts or on a selective basis reduced property taxes for a short time. We need to spruce up S. Pearl Street and W. North Water Street.
5. Why should people elect you?
Tate: During the past 12 years as alderperson, I have gained valuable knowledge by serving on all committees and sub-committees. Our city has several projects I'd like to see through. We are in the process of developing our waterfront property and a new municipal garage. I would like to see these items implemented in a manner which will improve our community and "make sense" for our taxpayers.
Zaug: The citizens of District 2 should elect me because I have a sincere interest and dedication to make this a city to be proud of. My background and areas of expertise will serve New London well.
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