City Cast Madison invited all qualified Madison Common Council candidates to complete a short questionnaire to help voters learn more about the people running to represent them in city government. All candidates were sent the same questions, and as you'll see, some questions are more policy-oriented and some are a little more fun!
The unedited responses for District 18 candidate Kevin Monroe are below.
Read the rest of the questionnaire responses here.
1. What is the single most pressing issue facing Madison?
Cost of living, as this touches on everything from housing to expansion of the city.
2. What's the most important issue facing your district and how will you go about addressing it?
Cost of housing and how our district fits into the future expansion of Madison. As the city expands to keep up with population increase, we need to ensure we are working with the people in the community that are being most impacted and bringing their ideas and concerns to the table. I intend to get out and meet with people of district 18 to gather that information.
3. What sets you apart from your competitor or, if running uncontested, what would you like voters to know about you?
As someone that has spent their life in industry, be it sciences or welding/fabricating. I bring an independent, pragmatic mindset to represent the people of District 18 in Madison's common council.
4. Did you support the $22 million property tax referendum? Why or why not?
I did not. I thought the way the referendum was worded was too open ended. Additionally, it added more burden to homeowners that have seen property taxes increase year over year.
5. What should Madison look for in its next police chief?
A person that is willing to work with and hear the community they serve. Additionally, someone that supports the expansion of CARES.
6. What's something the city currently isn't doing, but could do to help ease our housing crisis?
Remodeling currently unoccupied properties for mixed use housing. This would serve in helping increase the amount of housing while dispersing affordable housing rather than having it in concentrated blocks around the city.
7. What's something you wish more residents knew about Common Council/city government?
That the common council and city government are here to represent and serve them, an alder should be asking for direct input from their district’s residents. Ensuring their community is properly represented.
8. What's one thing you wish you could change about Madison?
How we approach affordable housing. We currently have it set up in a way that results in concentrated areas of affordable housing that then become over policed.
9. What’s your favorite meal in Madison?
So much good food......currently the sesame tofu from Little Palace. Can't wait to see them in their new combined location with Ha Long Bay!
10. Anything else you'd like to add?
As a longtime resident of district 18, I hope to get a chance to represent myself and my neighbors as our city grows and expands.
