Voters have a choice in five of seven districts for Appleton Common Council in the April 5 election

Appleton Post-Crescent

APPLETON - Voters will choose between candidates in five contested races for the Common Council in the April 5 election.

In one of the races, there's been a recent twist.

In District 8, newcomers Don Jobe and Joss Thyssen are on the ballot. Previously, Jobe had said he was moving out of the district and was withdrawing from the campaign, though his name remains on the ballot because his exit came after the Jan. 4 filing deadline.

But Sunday, Jobe announced that he was no longer moving and would be able to serve if elected.

In District 4, newcomers Israel Del Toro and Virgil Van Asten will battle for the right to succeed Joe Martin, who didn't seek reelection after 14 years in office.

In District 6, incumbent Denise Fenton will compete against a familiar foe in former council member Greg Dannecker. Fenton defeated Dannecker in a September 2019 special election and in the April 2020 election.

In District 10, incumbent Michael Smith will try to retain his seat against challenger Vaya Lauren Jones, and in District 12, incumbent Nate Wolff faces a challenge from Brian Meyers.

As part of The Post-Crescent's election coverage, candidates in the five contested races were asked to complete a questionnaire to explain why they are running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address the most important issues facing the city. Their answers are published below.

Incumbent Vered Meltzer in District 2 and Chris Croatt in District 14, where incumbent Joe Prohaska didn't seek reelection, are unopposed for election and weren't asked to fill out a questionnaire. Croatt is a former council member.

All of the positions on the council are nonpartisan.

For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

District 4

Del Toro and Van Asten advanced through the Feb. 15 primary election. Del Toro received 63% of the votes, and Van Asten received 23%. Candidate Storm Walsvik finished third with 14% and was eliminated from the race.

District 4 includes the area bordered by Pacific Street on the north, Joseph Street on the east, Fremont Street on the south and Lawe and Drew streets on the west.

Name: Israel Del Toro
Address: 826 E. South St.
Age: 36
Occupation: Assistant professor of biology at Lawrence University
Highest education: Doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Relevant experience: Served on Appleton's climate change task force and helped draft Appleton's pollinator protection ordinances
Campaign websites:
www.district4deltoro.us;
www.facebook.com/4DelToro

Why are you running for office?

As a well-educated, well-traveled young Latino professional in Appleton, I want to help build a community that values education and environmental stewardship and one that appreciates the value of diversity. I love this city and admire the potential of what it can grow to.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I'm the candidate who will reflect the diversity of our city. More than 25% of Appleton identifies as a resident of color, but to date there is no brown or Black person on council. Our voices in the community aren't heard at the city level. It's time to change that.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Our district wants a safe community — safe from crime, harassment and disease. As a well-rounded biologist, I will bring professional expertise to the council to make informed decisions based on the best available science that ensures our community's needs are met. I want our kids back in school, safely. I want every member of our district to feel safe in their homes and free of harassment. A year ago, I was the victim of a hate crime right here in Appleton. It's time to ensure this never happens again to anyone in my city. Hate has no home here.

Name: Virgil Van Asten
Address: 1035 S. Kernan Ave.
Age: 52
Occupation: Owner of Integrated Solutions Inc.
Highest education: Graduate of Appleton East High School
Relevant experience: In 1988, I started working in the computer industry. In 1997, I founded Integrated Solutions Inc. and for the last 25 years, I have been a business owner in Appleton, providing information technology services.
Campaign website:
www.vvanasten.com

Why are you running for office?

I have watched our government make poor decisions for most of my life. My daughters are heading off to college, so I believe it is a good time to run and try to make our world a little better than we found it.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

My 35 years of working with the operation of several different types of business, improving their efficiency and operating costs, gives me a more robust level of experience. Not just working in one industry but with attorneys, retail, manufacturing and municipalities, gives me a verity operation business knowledge.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Fiscal responsibility: Appleton is paying consultants more than $70,000 to advise it on how to tax us more for driving. The wheel tax it put in just six years ago is not generating enough revenue. Appleton could easily hold off on spending around $500,000 for new logos on our vehicles and water towers to keep our roads repaired. If we watch the spending, the city won’t have to replace the stoplights with tollbooths.

Protect our police: We see the growing crime problem in Appleton. Protecting those who protect us is the first and most important step in correcting this.

District 6

District 6 includes the area bound by Interstate 41 on the north, Meade Street on the east, Parkway Boulevard on the south and Hillock Court on the west.

Name: Greg Dannecker
Address: 325 W. Pershing St.
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired from AT&T; previously a telecommunications technician and network support manager
Highest education: Bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Relevant experience: Former alderperson for eight years; chaired and served on multiple committees during this time
Campaign website: None

Why are you running for office?

Appleton needs alderpersons like me who will focus on financial sustainability and public safety.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

Not only do I have experience on the Common Council, but I have lived in Appleton for 45 years, am a homeowner and have had children in the Appleton school district.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Voters are most concerned with monetary issues and safety. I would vote on issues to reduce borrowing for unnecessary expenses but increase spending in areas that would benefit local firefighters and law enforcement for the well-being of all citizens.

Name: Denise Fenton
Address: 500 W. Parkway Blvd.
Age: 63
Occupation: Retired information technology professional
Highest education: Bachelor's degree in economics and managerial studies from Rice University; certified project management professional by the Project Management Institute
Relevant experience: Over 30 years of experience as a developer and information technology project manager; wide variety of volunteer experience with school and nonprofit organizations
Campaign websites:
www.fentonforappleton.com; www.facebook.com/fenton4appleton

Why are you running for office?

I am running for reelection to continue working to keep Appleton a city that provides safety, outstanding services and quality of life for all our residents while being responsible with our tax dollars. My focus will continue to be on communication, affordable housing and protecting the environment.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I am the better candidate in this race because I have fulfilled my pledge to both communicate with my neighbors in District 6 and to be responsive to their questions and concerns. I study the issues before me carefully and make fact-based decisions in the best interests of the community.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

My constituents are still concerned about the "kitchen table" issues city governments exist to address. They want to feel safe in their homes, and they want reliable city services and amenities that make Appleton a great place to live for people at all stages of life. They want reasonable property taxes to keep housing affordable for young families and so seniors can stay in their homes. COVID-19 has highlighted these concerns. We must address these issues while constrained by flat revenue sharing from the state by ensuring we focus on the essentials, but still pay attention to quality of life.

District 8

District 8 includes the area around Reid Municipal Golf Course, extending as far south as State 441.

Jobe didn't return a questionnaire.

Name: Joss Thyssen
Address: 2115 S. Fountain Ave.
Age: 42
Occupation: Student; former crossing guard
Highest education: Graduate of Appleton North High School; pursing an associate degree in professional communications from Fox Valley Technical College
Relevant experience: Graduate of Appycademy (Appleton's citizens academy); more than five years of customer service experience
Campaign website:
www.facebook.com/JossThyssenDistrict8

Why are you running for office?

I am an Appleton native and take pride in being a part of the community. My inspiration comes from being a mother, and my motivation is to lessen the burden that my children and young Appletonians may face in the future.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

In 2019, I attended Appleton’s Appycademy to learn and grow as a member of our community by gaining valuable information about various city departments. When it comes to my personality, being a very patient and empathetic person allows me to connect and understand others.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

One of the biggest issues others and myself find to be an important issue is housing. With inflation rising faster than the cost of living and wages, there is a widening gap of what people can afford. The issue of affordable housing needs to be addressed because too many individuals and families have lost or are at risk of losing their homes, with shelters already at capacity. Low-income and middle-income families are the ones hardest hit, and getting them into safe, affordable housing should be a priority.

District 10

District 10 includes the area around Appleton West High School and Wilson Middle School.

Name: Vaya Lauren Jones
Address: 607 N. Douglas St.
Age: 37
Occupation: Social determinants of health coordinator at ThedaCare
Highest education: Bachelor's degree in communication from UW-Stevens Point; working toward a master's degree in health advocacy and communication from UW-Whitewater
Relevant experience: Served as a team leader for AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps; worked for Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Future Neenah; volunteered at United Way Fox Cities, Photo Opp, Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and Apple Valley Pit Crew.
Campaign website: www.facebook.com/VayaDistrict10

Why are you running for office?

Neighbors who know each other, support each other and protect each other have positive and productive lives, and I want this for all of our neighbors. Where we live impacts our health and opportunities, and I will make sure that every resident has only the best opportunities afforded to them.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

What residents of District 10 will find is that I am an open and frequent communicator. I follow through with commitments and take initiative to make connections and find common ground. I enjoy problem-solving and will be an alderperson who is grounded in the work of strengthening our neighborhoods.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Communication is the foundation for bringing neighbors together and empowering one another to own our neighborhoods. That is what residents are craving: communication about what is happening in this city, information about the kinds of resources available, and engagement with each other. We need to expand awareness and strengthen participation in our neighborhood groups to learn more about who we live near. Through these groups we can find neighbors in need and pair them with neighbors who can help. We've been tucked away in our homes for two years, and it's time to start reconnecting with those around us.

Name: Michael Smith
Address: 407 N. Outagamie St.
Age: Declined to answer
Occupation: Educator
Highest education: Bachelor's degree in social studies from UW-Oshkosh
Relevant experience: 14 years on the council (not continuous)
Campaign website: None

Why are you running for office?

As a social studies teacher I act on what I teach: duty and responsibility. A duty to home, state and country. Responsibility to make something better than how you found it. Serving as the representative of District 10 is an important and a distinct honor. Something I take seriously.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

Twenty-seven years of living in the district. Fourteen years of serving District 10. Chairing and serving on various committees gives me understanding and skills to serve Appleton. Timely communication. When I'm contacted, I know something's important to that individual and they're counting on me to resolve their concern.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Safety! We've had a shooting, break-ins, vandalism and issues with Linwood Park. I've held a listening session with neighbors around the park with the police department and the Park and Recreation director to hear people's concerns and to share what is being done and additional plans that would be taken if needed.

On National Night Out, I was surprised to see only one Neighborhood Watch party when there were at least five Neighborhood Watch groups several years ago. I would work to create more. Neighborhood Watch works and lowers the type of criminal activity that people experience and talk about.

District 12

District 12 includes the area around Kiwanis Park on the west side of the city.

Name: Brian Meyers
Address: 1509 W. Cloverdale Drive
Age: 44
Occupation: Homeschool educator; retail sales
Highest education: Bachelor's degree in elementary education from UW-Oshkosh
Relevant experience: Serves on the Appleton Little League Board as the coaching coordinator
Campaign websites:
www.brianmeyersdistrict12.com;
www.facebook.com/BrianMeyersDistrict12

Why are you running for office?

I want to ensure the city of Appleton is a great place to live, work and raise a family. I desire to learn how Appleton operates and work creatively to bring about fruitful solutions for the residents of today and the future.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I am a strong communicator, committed to thinking critically about issues facing our community instead of accepting surface-level answers. I will ask relevant questions and rely on facts and data in order to serve the residents of Appleton. I will diligently seek to listen, learn and lead.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

When canvassing the neighborhood, residents spoke about prioritizing public safety (police and fire rescue). Others voiced their concerns about road conditions and wondered what the next financial steps will be in covering the cost of street repair as the wheel tax is to be replaced. Some people brought up the city's COVID policy in public buildings and expressed their dislike for mandatory masking. As an alderperson, it is my responsibility to listen to the residents in my district and collaborate with other council members to make decisions that will improve the city of Appleton.

Name: Nate Wolff
Address: 1801 W. Pershing Ave.
Age: 30
Occupation: Delivery driver
Highest education: Studied criminal justice/forensic science at Fox Valley Technical College
Relevant experience: Two years as alderperson; vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee and Community and Economic Development Committee; past member of the Outagamie Waupaca Library System Board.
Campaign website:
www.facebook.com/alderperson.wolff

Why are you running for office?

I am running for reelection because there is still work to be done. We need to continue to attract talent and to retain the workforce that keeps our city running, as well as responsibly use American Rescue Plan Act funding to come back stronger.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

My experience and relationships with staff and my fellow alders on council. I have passed two resolutions and cowritten a dozen more. I've invested time in speaking with business owners and know their issues and concerns. I also bring fresh ideas and much needed enthusiasm to representing constituents.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Affordable housing, the public library, local economic recovery, social infrastructure, community wellness, sustainability and excessive vehicle noise downtown. I have introduced a resolution along with other alders to address vehicle noise; it's currently with staff. To tackle some of the other initiatives, we can responsibly use ARPA money to address local economic recovery and community wellness. Sustainability is an investment that can and will pay for itself if managed correctly. The current plan to use the existing infrastructure of the library saved us millions of dollars and is the right path forward.

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.