Get to know the candidates for Wausau City Council Dist. 8

Wausau Pilot & Review

Sarah Watson has represented Dist. 8 for the past two terms. Now, she’s being challenged by Josh Dirks for the two-year position on the Wausau City Council. Here are their answers to election questions about their priorities and vision for the future of the city.

Bookmark our Elections Page for more candidate profiles as they are published, along with elections news and your submitted letters. To send a letter to the editor in support of any candidate, email yours to [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and city of residence. There is no limit on length.

What motivated you to run for office?

Watson: I am deeply committed to advancing the revitalization of our downtown area, particularly through the ongoing mall development initiative. Building upon the progress we’ve made thus far, I am dedicated to seeing this project through to its completion, ensuring that our downtown becomes a vibrant hub of activity and commerce for our community.

Furthermore, I recognize the critical importance of ensuring access to safe and affordable water for all residents. This is not only a matter of public health but also one of social equity. I am committed to working tirelessly to address any challenges and implement sustainable solutions that guarantee clean and affordable water for every member of our community.

My diverse background in education, economics, sociology, and political science equips me with a unique set of skills and perspectives that will be invaluable in serving our community effectively. These fields have provided me with a deep understanding of the complex issues facing our society and the ability to navigate and address them with creativity and innovation.

Dirks: I’ve lived in Wausau for the bulk of my life. Like in all cities, there’s been frustration about how many projects have been handled. Some of it is due to poor planning or execution by the officials in charge, but often that frustration is from the communication gap between the people and the city leaders. I would like to address these first and foremost.

What is the biggest concern you have about the way Wausau’s municipal government operates today, and how do you propose to manage that, if elected?

Watson: One of my primary concerns regarding the current operations of the Wausau municipal governing bodies revolves around communication, transparency, and the absence of clear processes for resolving issues. It’s evident that there’s room for improvement in how information flows and decisions are made within our local government.

For instance, there have been instances where items brought before standing committees have lacked proper sequencing, leading to confusion and inefficiency. This highlights the need for a more structured approach to item resolution and decision-making.

If elected, my foremost goal will be to collaborate with all members of the Council and appropriate staff to establish a clear organizational framework for addressing issues. This includes identifying and implementing processes that promote transparency, streamline decision-making, and ensure that all relevant parties are involved at the appropriate stages.

Whether it involves refining ordinance language, convening Executive Committee meetings, or creating visual aids like flowcharts, I am committed to exploring all avenues that can enhance our procedural efficiency. My priority is to facilitate a smoother flow of items through the Council pipeline, ultimately expediting the delivery of impactful decisions for our community.

By fostering improved communication, transparency, and procedural clarity, we can enhance the effectiveness of our governing bodies and better serve the needs of our constituents. I am eager to work collaboratively towards these goals, ensuring that our local government operates in a manner that is efficient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our community.

Dirks: We see too often that priorities get skewed when we are taking on new endeavors. The city needs to keep a clear people-first mission plan. This means that we are aware that the people are the force fueling the city, and that their health and well being need to be job one.

Residents are concerned about the city’s debt and financial stability. If elected, what steps would you take to put our city on firmer financial footing?

Watson: The key to helping resolve financial issues at a municipal level is either through tax base or services provided. I want to maintain, if not expand, services that our residents care about and enjoy. But paying for those, with inflation and lingering supply chain issues, have become more problematic.

To provide those key services, the amount of tax revenue must increase. The ideal way to address that issue is through a larger tax base. With the development of more business and housing on the former mall site, I think that will begin to move us in the right direction. We need to continue to draw business and investment into our community, and being a good partner is one way to do that as well.

It’s essential to engage with developers in a manner that prioritizes the interests of our residents while also facilitating investment and growth In doing that, others outside of our community will begin to see Wausau as we do, a place to set up roots and thrive.

Dirks: Every growing city is going to need to spend. That’s just the nature of things. If the advantages for our community are great enough I think expenditure is fine, but we need to watch out for those places where there is no tangible gain for the community besides growth for the sake of growth. Costs have risen drastically in recent years for consumers, but construction has been outpacing inflation since the 1970s. We need to explore companies and technologies that will make our tax dollars go farther than how things have been done in the past. Modular building and green energy technologies are 2 areas I think have potential to improve our community’s gains vs. expenditures, especially in the area of modestly priced housing that this community desperately needs.

How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our community and be transparent in your decision-making?

Watson: I am fully committed to maintaining an open line of communication with our community through active participation in listening sessions, public hearings, and engagement with the media. Transparency is paramount in fostering trust and accountability within our local government.

One of the key strategies to ensure transparency is to advocate for all public sessions to be clearly publicized, recorded, and made available on platforms like YouTube and public access channels. By doing so, we can guarantee that our residents have access to important discussions and decisions, even if they are unable to physically attend meetings. This inclusivity is essential for fostering a sense of community engagement and empowerment.

Furthermore, I recognize the need to improve the accessibility of information for residents, particularly when it comes to navigating the extensive packets provided for our meetings. These documents can be daunting and time-consuming to navigate. Therefore, I am committed to advocating for a more user-friendly packet system that includes easy-to-read summary sheets for each agenda item. These summaries would provide residents with concise synopses and page references, allowing them to quickly locate detailed information on topics of interest.

By enhancing transparency and accessibility in this manner, we can empower our residents to stay informed and actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect our community.

Dirks: Communication is a two way street and our city has had messaging problems for some time. I hope to encourage public input in various forms, including town halls with face to face discussion, as well as employing technologies that can gather community input more effectively while avoiding the trappings of social media.

How can Wausau effectively tackle the ongoing housing shortage, particularly for people with low to moderate incomes?

Watson: The shortage of housing units in our community is a pressing issue, with over 500 units needed across various income levels, from low to high. As an economist, I understand the fundamental dynamics of supply and demand, and it’s clear that our current housing market is experiencing a significant supply-demand imbalance.

With supply falling short across the board, prices are being driven upwards, exacerbating the shortage of affordable housing options. To address this challenge, we must focus on increasing the supply of housing units.

Addressing the supply side of the equation requires strategic investments from our ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, as well as leveraging the extension of Tax Incremental Districts (TID). We’ve already initiated this process, laying the groundwork for further development.

Moving forward, we must prioritize the development of housing on the former mall site and actively seek out developers willing to invest in housing projects within our community boundaries. This may entail necessary zoning changes to facilitate development, and I am committed to advocating for such changes to streamline the process.

Furthermore, we need to adopt a forward-looking approach to our neighborhoods, one that embraces alternative housing options such as accessory dwelling units, multi-family homes, and mixed-use properties. By diversifying our housing stock, we can better meet the diverse needs of our residents and foster vibrant, sustainable communities.

Ultimately, by increasing home building and implementing proactive measures to address housing shortages, we can work towards correcting this imbalance and ensuring that all members of our community have access to safe, affordable housing options.

Dirks: No response given

What can Wausau be doing better to help the homeless population in the city?

Watson: Addressing the issue of homelessness in our community requires a collaborative, multi-faceted approach. It’s not solely the responsibility of the City; rather, it demands the collective efforts of nonprofit organizations, the County, and the community as a whole.

We must continue to engage in open dialogue and coordination among all stakeholders to develop comprehensive solutions as the Homelessness Taskforce is doing. One solution I see is expanding resources such as our Community Resource Officer department, recognizing the invaluable role they play in connecting individuals with vital services. We need more individuals like Tracy, dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of the unhoused.

Furthermore, we must prioritize funding for programs aimed at supporting those struggling with mental health challenges. Investing in mental health services is crucial to addressing the underlying issues contributing to homelessness and providing individuals with the support they need to regain stability.

The establishment of a 24-7 shelter model, supported by ARPA funds, is a significant step forward. However, we must go beyond this and explore additional avenues for providing accessible services and resources to those in need. This may involve creating more shelters or expanding existing facilities to ensure that individuals have safe and reliable access to essential services around the clock.

Dirks: It seems we rely too heavily on our local non profits to do the heavy lifting when it comes to the unhoused in our community. I think we need to do what we can to make their missions easier, but the city needs a permanent facility that would act as the hub for improving safety, housing, and potentially job training and mental health/AODA services for our community members who most need it.

What is the most exciting thing happening in Wausau right now?

Watson: The progress on the former mall site and the surge of small businesses are genuinely exciting developments. Take, for instance, the Children’s Imaginarium—an exceptional space where kids can learn and have a blast.

Downtown has undergone quite the transformation with the influx of new businesses, making it a bustling hub worth exploring. And over on the west side, local gems like Sugar and Spice are thriving, offering delightful treats like coffee and cheesecake.

What really resonates with me is the entrepreneurial spirit of our community members. Witnessing their dedication and passion for their ventures, and the strong support they receive from fellow residents, is truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the vibrancy and unity of our town.

Dirks: People seem hopeful about the mall project and completion of the clean water initiative. I will say that I am hopeful as well.

How do you feel about the transportation options available in our city, and what would you do to tackle the challenges you see?

Watson: As a city with a unique blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm, we face distinctive challenges in public transportation. While we’re not yet large enough to support mass transit systems effectively, there’s a pressing need to expand our bus routes to connect with neighboring municipalities. Unfortunately, navigating state regulations and securing buy-in from these neighboring communities is essential for any expansion efforts. Without their cooperation, we’re confined to operating within our city limits.

In addition to enhancing bus routes, I believe that investing in bicycle and walking infrastructure is crucial for our community’s well-being. Recently, we allocated funding from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) to extend pathways along the river’s edge, creating more accessible connections throughout our city. However, I’m eager to see further expansion in this area.

My vision includes establishing more bicycle-friendly routes spanning from the west to the east side of town, fostering connectivity and promoting alternative modes of transportation. A key aspect of this vision involves implementing protected bike lanes across bridges, ensuring safe passage for cyclists from one side to the other.

Dirks: The city bus is essential to our community, and as the community grows I believe we need to do more to encourage use of this service. New York, Kansas City and others have been experimenting with flexible rates for students, economically disadvantaged, and those with disabilities. I think those statistics would be worth exploring to gain insight as to how their initiatives could help us get more community members where they need to go, as well as improving rising parking and traffic complications.

After multiple rate increases, many residents are concerned about their water and sewer bills. What is the best way to manage this issue, while still providing Wausau with the clean water it needs?

Watson: An essential aspect to scrutinize is the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) arrangement between the City and the utility. It warrants a thorough examination, particularly regarding its potential impact on utility rates. If a gradual phasing out of the PILOT could lead to rate reductions over time, it merits consideration. However, we must ensure a balanced transition to mitigate any adverse effects.

The funding derived from the PILOT plays a crucial role in supporting various aspects of the City’s budget, including road maintenance, recreational facilities such as the pool, and staffing positions. Therefore, if we were to reconsider the PILOT arrangement, we would need to carefully assess its implications on these essential services. It’s imperative to maintain our ability to deliver the services our residents rely on and value.

Furthermore, I am pleased with our collaboration with Community Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to facilitate the replacement of lead laterals in our water infrastructure. Access to federal funding is invaluable, especially for residents who may lack the financial means to replace these lines independently. Not only will this initiative improve water quality by removing lead contaminants, but it also underscores our commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of our community.

Dirks: Eliminating the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) for the water utility is a good step in reducing rates for consumers. But the city has been relying on that money for other things for sometime, so while it would help people’s pockets in the short term we would have to find other ways to take up the slack. Putting potential water pollution litigation monies into reducing the water utility rates would be another helpful measure.

How will you work to keep tax increases to a minimum while maintaining expected services for residents?

Watson: As previously mentioned, sustaining and enhancing our tax base is essential for maintaining vital services. A significant step in this direction is to persist in the development of the former mall site, leveraging its potential to generate additional revenue streams for our city.

Moreover, cultivating our community’s image as an attractive place to live and thrive is paramount. To achieve this, I propose the establishment of a dedicated communication position within the City. This role would facilitate collaboration with neighboring municipalities and our Conventions and Visitors Bureau in Wausau to elevate awareness of our community.

By fostering stronger partnerships and promoting our city’s unique offerings, such as its amenities and events, we can effectively attract residents who seek both professional opportunities and a vibrant quality of life. Creating a compelling narrative about our city as a destination for work and leisure is crucial for driving growth and prosperity.

Dirks: No response given

Which does the city need more: A city administrator, or a mayor? Why?

Watson: While both the city administrator and mayor play vital roles in local governance, I’m convinced that keeping a mayor-led system would better meet our community’s needs.

Electing a mayor directly offers numerous benefits. It establishes a clear and accountable leadership structure, allowing residents to choose who represents them and shapes our city’s direction. This enhances democratic engagement and ensures that the mayor is directly answerable to the people.

Moreover, a mayor serves as our city’s ambassador, advocating for our interests in regional and national settings. They attract investment and resources, driving our city’s progress forward.

Additionally, a mayor has the authority to set policy direction and spearhead initiatives that reflect our community’s priorities. This proactive leadership allows us to address challenges promptly and efficiently, bypassing bureaucratic obstacles.

Keeping a mayor-led system empowers our community to take control of its future. It embodies democratic principles and ensures that our leadership remains responsive to the voices and aspirations of our residents.

Dirks: This debate has been around for some time. I’ve seen cities that have gone either way, and some that have both. There are advantages to having someone educated in public administration leading the way on public initiatives and day-to-day operations. I definitely feel like the city leadership needs more people with hands on knowledge of the processes that keep the city operational.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

Watson: I’m excited to run for re-election as Alder and as a write-in candidate for County Board Supervisor. Over the past four years, I’ve been working hard to make our city even better and to represent all of you.

During my time as Alder, I’ve chaired committees like Economic Development and Affordable Housing, tackling important issues for our city’s growth. I’ve also been involved in committees like Finance, Park and Recreation, and Arts Commission, giving me a good feel for what makes our community unique.

I’m committed to making sure our city’s strategic plan becomes a reality, ensuring a bright future for everyone. And by running for County Board Supervisor, I want to make sure our local government works together as smoothly as possible.

I’ve made sure that the American Rescue Plan Act funds are used wisely, focusing on projects that benefit all of us, like housing, recreation, and water safety. Making sure everyone has a place to call home is a big deal to me, and I’m a strong supporter of fair labor practices to help our local workforce.

Every decision I make is about finding the right balance between being smart with our money and making sure everyone in our community is taken care of. I’d be honored to have your support and your vote in the upcoming elections as we continue working towards a future where everyone’s voice matters.

Dirks: I’ve spent my entire life trying to improve the lives of those around me. Whether it’s volunteering for various local causes, or providing quality housing for people below the going rental rates, or trying to improve food and health quality standards with my vertical agriculture business I’m just getting off the ground, the well being of others is never far from my mind.