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Meet the Candidates: Kincaid & Lewis

Monica Lewis is challenging Kerry Kincaid for Eau Claire City Council president. Here’s who they are and what they think.

V1 Staff |

Autumn elections – the ones we use to pick presidents, senators, governors, and the like – tend to get all the electoral love. But during springtime there are critical elections as well. While races for local offices don’t get nearly as much attention, they are key to shaping our communities. That’s particularly true this Tuesday, April 1, when Eau Claire residents will choose a City Council president: First-term City Councilwoman Monica Lewis is challenging two-term Council President Kerry Kincaid. The biographies and responses below will help you get to know the candidates both as people and as politicians. So get educated, then get to the polls!

Getting to Know: Kerry Kincaid

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Age: 61

Years in EC: 37

Occupation: Eau Claire City Council president

Family: Husband, two grown sons, two grown stepsons

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, UW-Eau Claire; master’s degree in library science, UW-Madison; currently enrolled in doctorate program for leadership and policy administration at St. Thomas University

Political Experience: Town of Washington Board of Supervisors, elected two terms; Eau Claire City Council, 10 years (five years as president, two years as vice president)

What place in town considers you a “regular”?
I’m still a regular at Houligan’s restaurant. My husband and I have a reserved booth for date night. It’s very comforting.

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve had in Eau Claire recently?
UW-EC Cabaret: a wondrous night of music and dance, choreographed and performed entirely by students. We were mesmerized by the talent!

What is your favorite local festival?
I’m a bit partial to Taste of the Valley. We love good local food.

What is your favorite piece of local trivia?
Half of the people who live downtown are under age 24. (Source: ESRI Census Profile.)

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to your fellow City Council members?
A Different Mirror by Ronald Takaki. A history of America, 1776-1950, through stories not often told.

If you could rename Eau Claire, what name would you choose?
I can’t think of a better name. We moved here because of the name; I would have to rework my whole life story if the name changed.

Describe your leadership style. How does it impact your leadership of the City Council, especially as it approaches controversial issues?
I am a stable and positive leader. I find these very useful attributes to have, especially during controversial discussions.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned while serving on the City Council?
Read all the stuff in the council packets.

Who is a public servant, past or present, who inspires you, and why?
I am inspired by Colleen Bates, Eau Claire County supervisor. Some years older than I am, she is articulate, well-read and speaks her mind. I try to be brave like her.

What role can or should the city play in creating good-paying jobs, particularly for recent graduates who might otherwise move away?
The public sector has two responsibilities in regards to job creation:

1. Support public-sector wages that attract quality workers and set high standards for their work.

2. Maintain a solid public infrastructure on which the private sector will build good jobs that keep young people in our area, things like an information technology backbone, incubation centers, job credit loans, excellent public education, and quality of life assets.

Does the Confluence Project deserve an investment from the city? Why or why not?
Yes, people who reap benefits should help pay for them.

The use of Tax Incremental Financing to encourage community development – including the Confluence Project – has recently been a hot topic. What do you think of TIF as a development method? What would you classify as appropriate and inappropriate uses of TIF?
Tax Incremental Financing attracts private investment in developments that increase property values. This benefits the entire city. TIF districts are appropriate and particularly useful for attracting investment in properties that have not had any investment for years and years. North Barstow/Phoenix Park is a good example of how TIF districts work. A public investment to eliminate blight increased base property valuation from $10.5 million in 2002 to $46.5 million in 2013.

If the Confluence Project doesn’t succeed, what can or should the city do to revitalize downtown Eau Claire?
The Confluence Project is the best idea for revitalizing the South Barstow area of downtown that has come along in 27 years.

Imagine you find a pot of gold that can be spent only by the city. What should it be used for?
I would do two things for Eau Claire with a pot of gold. First, I would invest half the pot in a fund whose dividends would pay the incremental property taxes for elderly homeowners on fixed incomes; this would in effect, freeze property taxes for this population. Second, I would invest the other half in developing a Research Park. The fund would work directly with UW-Eau Claire students and faculty to bring research ideas to reality. Proceeds from successful projects would be reinvested in the City and the Research Park Fund.

Do property taxes in Eau Claire compare favorably or unfavorably with other communities? Are taxpayers getting their money’s worth in city services?
In 2014 the tax rate for city services is $7.54 per $1,000 of property value. This rate is comparable to cities our size in Wisconsin. Residents receive excellent public service for their tax dollars, as evidenced by recent awards. Forbes magazine recognized Eau Claire as one of the Best Small Places for Business and Careers in the country. The professional journal Area Development also named Eau Claire one of the leading locations for economic and job growth. Winning awards like this requires that the public and private sectors work together, which we do in Eau Claire.

If you were trying to encourage someone to move to Eau Claire, what are three things you would tell him or her?
1. Eau Claire is the perfect place to raise a business. Move here. Start a business. We will help you.
2. In Eau Claire you will never be bored or spend too much money on fun things. In a single day, it is possible to: watch a baseball game, play kubb, eat some great local food, stroll 10 miles of urban trails with your dog, do a Planet Walk, take in a free outdoor concert and watch the moon set over the confluence of two, meandering rivers. (You might have to adjust this itinerary a bit during the winter.)
3. The music, come for the music.

Getting to Know: Monica Lewis

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Age: 58

Years in EC: More than 30 in the area

Occupation: President/owner, Archer Lion Inc., a building supply company

Family: Husband, two daughters, one stepson, six grandchildren, and a dog named Dutch

Education: Ripon High School graduate; UW-Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College

Political Experience: Elected to at-large seat on Eau Claire City Council in 2013

What place in town considers you a “regular”?
My neighborhood and City Hall.

What is one of the best cultural experiences you’ve had in Eau Claire recently?
Listening to my grandson sing in the Eau Claire Invitational Choir at DeLong Middle School.

What’s your favorite local festival?
All of them – love the food and enthusiasm.

What is your favorite piece of local trivia?
Eau Claire used to have boat service along the Chippewa River with one landing at what is now 5th and Water. The stories about riding the boats and working on these boats are fun reading.

What book, TV show, or movie would you recommend to your fellow City Council members?
We Can Get Along: A Child’s Book of Choices.

If you could rename Eau Claire, what name would you choose?
Eau Claire works just fine for me.

Describe your leadership style. How will it impact your leadership of the City Council, especially as it approaches controversial issues?
First, I recognize that diversity and questions are the basis for good decisions. I will not call citizens “mean spirited” or attack their intelligence, like the current president did. That type of leadership causes divide and hostility which makes moving forward difficult and resulted in a referendum. Second, I lead without personal agenda. As City Council president, it is important to represent all of Eau Claire without bias. The City Council is responsible for policy that affects everyone who lives in the city. The money we spend comes from the hard-working people of our community. We need to give them quality city services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned while serving on the City Council?
People will pay attention to what is happening at City Hall when they don’t trust their government to make well-informed decisions. Opening the doors, answering the questions and including people in the process are key to democracy.

Who is a public servant, past or present, who inspires you, and why?
Susan B. Anthony, because everyone deserves the right to vote.

What role can or should the city play in creating good-paying jobs, particularly for recent graduates who might otherwise move away?
Government doesn’t create jobs, businesses create jobs. The city must be business-friendly and provide an environment for sustainable job growth. With a dwindling labor population in the future, we need a community that inspires creativity, supports initiative, provides resources, and recognizes successes. First, we find out who our local businesses are. We identify the new entrepreneurs and start-ups. Then we begin to recognize and promote these businesses, and provide resources and assistance to help them be viable and grow. A strong economy fosters and attracts more business. Regarding young talent? Competition for jobs in large cities is going to increase. If Eau Claire can maintain a strong local business climate there will be more opportunity to get employment without leaving Eau Claire. A well-defined entrepreneur program with access to funding will make sure new innovation continues to occur. A healthy business environment will continue to support and grow Eau Claire’s cultural activities that add to our community.

Does the Confluence Project deserve an investment from the city? Why or why not?
The Confluence Project consists of three separate expenditure requests from the city: $5.8 million* to a development group to build a privately owned student housing/retail building, $5 million is requested for the performing arts center, and approximately $2 million** is needed for a plaza/park between the two buildings. In addition, the city is being asked to provide funding for ongoing operational and maintenance costs. The total amount of the city’s costs each year in the future is unknown, but includes $200,000 of new room tax money that needs to be generated. Does this project deserve city money? Regarding the student housing/retail building: I may support some funding if needed to cover city infrastructure costs. The plaza: Without seeing what footprint, parking and handicap access provisions are needed for eventual projects, I can’t say what should be spent on another park downtown. Regarding the performing arts center (PAC): If the citizens decide via referendum to fund building the PAC, I will work to secure the funds required. Minimizing operating loss impacts to future city budgets and financial backstop issues will still need to be addressed.

The use of Tax Incremental Financing to encourage community development – including the Confluence Project – has recently been a hot topic. What do you think of TIF as a development method? What would you classify as appropriate and inappropriate uses of TIF?
TIF can be an important tool in redevelopment and it is up to the City Council to make sure TIF is used in a fair and legal manner. We need to be diligent in our definition of “blight” and careful to not expand TIF districts. We have to let natural development occur within the TIF to help pay off the initial investment. Used to spark development in blighted areas, TIF is appropriate. Used to borrow more money to help with “creative” financing, TIF is inappropriate.

If the Confluence Project doesn’t succeed, what can or should the city do to revitalize downtown Eau Claire?
We should realize the city can’t force development. Private investment is calculated and moves when the time is right. The city should be prepared and ready, but not hasty. The Redevelopment Authority has been aggressively trying to buy downtown property. The city can send Request for Proposals (RFP) locally and across the nation to developers to bring us their plans and ideas. Amazing possibilities are available. Good revitalizations are happening every day. Eau Claire’s will, too.

Imagine you find a pot of gold that can be spent only by the city. What should it be used for?
Paying off the city’s $100 million debt. Fully funding core city services forever. Making all railroad crossings into quiet crossing zones. Finishing bike trail system with safe crossings. Get the Rolling Stones to perform a free concert at Phoenix Park.

Do property taxes in Eau Claire compare favorably or unfavorably with other communities? Are taxpayers getting their money’s worth in city services?
This question has different answers based on individual circumstances. There are some people who might give anything to be in a position to own a home and worry about property taxes. There are others who feel they are unfairly taxed because of development or location of their home – some say assessment is too high, and some are concerned their property values are declining. How do taxes compare to other communities? Depending on county and school levies, it is difficult to make fair comparisons. Are taxpayer’s getting their money’s worth? Our fire and police departments do an incredible job and are worth every penny we spend on them and their equipment. Parks and recreation facilities are good, but need increased maintenance. Water and sewer bills are going up to pay for the new plant. I do not like funding this through fee increases, but the city doesn’t have the funds to cover the costs. Snowplowing seems to be much better this year, but snow removal from curbs in downtown and Water Street need to be completed sooner to increase safety for people exiting cars.  

If you were trying to encourage someone to move to Eau Claire, what are three things you would tell him or her?
The Rolling Stones might be coming for a free concert (see earlier answer). Besides that, Eau Claire is a beautiful safe community with excellent university, technical college and public/private school systems. The cost of living is fairly affordable and we have a wide range of activities including local festivals, indoor and outdoor recreation, arts and culture, history, and welcoming neighborhoods. Ignore stories about the last two winters: They are a figment of a bad imagination.

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* This figure hasn’t yet been approved by the City Council, and the
developer says the amount will be limited to what can be supported
by TIF district tax revenue.

** City officials have said the plaza will be build whether or not the
Confluence Project goes forward.

Get Your Vote On

WHEN:
Wisconsin’s spring general election will be Tuesday, April 1. Polls are open between 7am and 8pm.

WHERE:
Your polling place will vary depending on where you live. To find your polling place, go to myvote.wi.gov, click on “Regular Voter” and then “Address Search.” (The website can also help you find out if you’re registered to vote at your current address.)

HOW TO REGISTER:
For full information on how to register to vote, visit myvote.wi.gov. You can register to vote at your municipal clerk’s office up until the end of business hours on the Friday before an election or at the polls on Election Day. Photo ID isn’t required, but if you register at either the clerk’s office or at the polls, you must provide proof of residence, which can include: a driver’s license or other official state ID card; an ID card from an employer; a property tax bill; a utility bill; a bank statement or paycheck; a check or other document issued by a unit of government; a residential lease; or a college photo ID card (only if you also provide a fee receipt or an on-campus housing list that denotes U.S. citizenship).