Saturday, December 31, 2011
December 31, 2011
MENASHA STARTS THE NEW YEAR WITH A BANG!
December 08, 2011
ANNOUNCING MY CANDIDACY FOR MENASHA MAYOR
Four years ago Menasha was facing a number of serious challenges, including the failed municipal steam utility and a standstill in property sales at Lake Park Villas. These problems were compounded by the shock to the nation’s economy in late 2008. Meeting these difficult situations head-on, working with city staff and outside experts to craft solutions that protected services while stabilizing the city's finances has placed Menasha in a much better situation than it had been just a few short years ago.
In April 2010, the citizens of Menasha came together to overwhelmingly approve a referendum that made a settlement with the steam plant bondholders possible. The sale/leaseback of the municipal electric utility, brokered with my leadership, maintains the community’s control of the utility that keeps Menasha's power costs considerably lower than neighbors in the region.
More recently, the signing of two new development agreements and continuing construction at Lake Park Villas will relieve taxpayers of debt payments coming due for land purchase and development of the area on the city’s east side. Over the next few years, Menasha will welcome over one hundred new families in these new neighborhoods.
Though my first term of office was dominated by the need to resolve critical longstanding problems, the coming years will see a focus on Menasha's future. I expect a second term to revolve around efforts to improve existing housing stock as well as create quality neighborhoods in the city's growth areas; reclaim more of the valuable waterfront and promote amenities such as the Trestle Trail that bring thousands of visitors to Menasha; improve the commercial climate by supporting the growth and effectiveness of business groups, partnering with them where appropriate to stimulate the local economy; and through all these efforts to restore the image of Menasha as a community of strong neighborhoods, vibrant businesses and efficient government.
Continued success will rest upon an open-minded approach to the future that leverages the best ideas and practices. As we adapt for progress, working with community members of many viewpoints, we will achieve the best possible outcomes.
December 04, 2011
KEEP THE CHEER HERE!
We're all out there to find that perfect gift for our loved ones this time of year. The process is a familiar one, whether you live in Menasha, Milwaukee, or Green Bay; bundle up and drive out to the mall and pick from a number of mass produced items at identical stores. This year is the year to bring back some of the magic from our childhood and Keep The Cheer Here! by shopping local.
There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us to choosing local, independently owned businesses. Did you know that $68 of every $100 spent at a local independently owned store stays right here in our community, while only $48 remains here when you shop in big-boxes. This holiday season why not shop right here in Menasha and help keep our local economy strong.
Locally owned businesses help maintain Menasha’s unique heritage and provide a genuine, quality experience in celebration of our community. The money spent at local stores comes back to us in jobs, tax revenue and, perhaps most important, quality of life and variety in our homes and neighborhoods. Need more reasons check out this link. The Post Crescent has also written about buying local.
There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us to choosing local, independently owned businesses. Did you know that $68 of every $100 spent at a local independently owned store stays right here in our community, while only $48 remains here when you shop in big-boxes. This holiday season why not shop right here in Menasha and help keep our local economy strong.
Locally owned businesses help maintain Menasha’s unique heritage and provide a genuine, quality experience in celebration of our community. The money spent at local stores comes back to us in jobs, tax revenue and, perhaps most important, quality of life and variety in our homes and neighborhoods. Need more reasons check out this link. The Post Crescent has also written about buying local.
We have a variety of local businesses throughout the community, on the island, downtown, the Appleton Road corridor, and our eastern boundary. From longtime favorites like Club Liquor, Chef Fresh Pizza, and Manderfield's to more recent arrivals like Inspiring Interiors, the Thrifty Peacock, Urban Evolutions, Wreath Factory, Wild Apple, Aspen Coffee, Primitive Gatherings Quilts, or Lake Park Swim & Fit; Menasha is full of unique businesses with a multitude of opportunities for gifts this year.
Don't forget to eat locally to! We have a great variety of locally owned restaurants from east to west. Sliders, WiseGuys, Solea, Mihm's, WeatherVane, Mi Casa, Club Tavern, and Luigi's to name just a few!
Remember Keep the Cheer Here! and shop right here in Menasha for those special people on your list.
December 03, 2011
STEAM UTILITY SETTLEMENT NEARS FINAL RESOLUTION
In April 2010, the citizens of Menasha came together to overwhelmingly approve a referendum that made a settlement with the steam plant bondholders possible. The sale/leaseback of the municipal electric utility, brokered with my leadership, maintains the community’s control of the utility that keeps Menasha's power costs considerably lower than neighbors in the region.
On December 1st, a hearing was held with all parties in Indiana to review the status of the terms of settlement. Based on the information presented the judge indicated she would enter final judgment. There were no objections or opt-outs and no one other than parties/lawyers appeared at the hearing. The judgment becomes final 30 days after entry.
The final settlement should occur right around the new year. Settlement will allow us to once again focus on Menasha's future, and restore the image of Menasha as a community of strong neighborhoods, vibrant businesses, and efficient government.
On December 1st, a hearing was held with all parties in Indiana to review the status of the terms of settlement. Based on the information presented the judge indicated she would enter final judgment. There were no objections or opt-outs and no one other than parties/lawyers appeared at the hearing. The judgment becomes final 30 days after entry.
The final settlement should occur right around the new year. Settlement will allow us to once again focus on Menasha's future, and restore the image of Menasha as a community of strong neighborhoods, vibrant businesses, and efficient government.
December 01, 2011
354,000 CROSSINGS RECORDED ON TRESTLE TRAIL
While it's not certain what lead to the dramatic increase of usage in 2011; trail usage and healthy lifestyles continue to grow in popularity throughout the county. Having an incredible facility such as this at the heart of our community increases the value our surrounding neighborhoods and the quality of life for all.
Connecting the City and Town of Menasha via an abandoned railroad trestle the .8 mile crossing of Little Lake Butte des Morts delivers users with spectacular views of the lake, nature and of industry and residential sites which can be enjoyed from the six observation platforms located along the length the trestle. The project completed in 2005 is an example of cooperation between the two communities to provide increased recreational opportunities for all.
Menasha also recently completed lighting another section of the Friendship Trail near Melissa St adding functionality and safety of the system. A new easterly segment is in the works from Oneida Street into the Menasha Conservancy. The trail system will eventually lead to High Cliff State Park and Manitowoc.
Thanks to you the Trestle is a tremendous success and is leading to continued expansion of trail systems throughout the Fox River Valley.