Expanded answers for The Journal Times' Stephanie Brien

What do you consider the three biggest issues facing Racine?

Preserving a high level of community services — firefighting and police protection, plus neighborhood centers for young and older — while using taxpayers’ money wisely. We also must recognize that city taxes and fees, which have been rising, are difficult for many residents to pay because of these economic times. We need to face this challenge with creativity, thoughtfulness and new ideas.

The proposed Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee rail will create jobs, opportunity and a thriving economy, support our neighborhoods and promote energy conservation. Cities and communities with good mass transit are successful because people of all income levels can get to jobs easily and don't have to worry about extra costs relating to commuting -- like gas, car maintenance and parking. The rail also increases tourism and attracts new residents who want such services.

Pedestrian and street safety helps residents and visitors feel comfortable when shopping, walking, dining, bicycling and driving in the area. People notice more of the shops, theatres and attractions downtown when traffic pauses, and more people want to live and visit downtown. All of this keeps downtown neighborhoods vibrant, healthy and safe. Tourism and residents increase our tax base.

Can you elaborate on your first priority?

My first priority is winning the election to fully represent the residents of the First District. When I took the recent City of Racine’s comprehensive plan survey, it became clear to me that some of the issues relating to the First District are caused by the split of the district. At Eighth Street, the First District is split between the Downtown Racine Plan and the Southside Plan; this division in plans needs to be corrected and blended for the First District to be fully recognized and served by the City.

What experience makes you qualified for the job?

• Attended more than 250 City Council meetings through the years, frequently offering public comment.
• Long-time resident of Racine and the First District.
• Held operator license from State of Wisconsin for Water and Waste Water Treatment for 14 years.
• Extensive experience with government regulations, recycling, education and community organizations.
• Attended Wellstone Camp in Milwaukee for community leaders. For more information, see Wellstone Action.

Why do you think you are the best candidate?

I 've lived in Racine for 48 years, 25 of those years in the First District. I make a point to patronize as many businesses in Racine as I can -- restaurants, coffee shops, theatres, professional services and stores -- and I talk to as many people as I can. I love downtown Racine and want to see it thrive and grow. My resume shows that I'm familiar with many of the issues of concern in our city. Our neighborhood needs an active voice to speak up for ALL of the residents who live here and the people who work here.

Sustain, expand and develop with KRM rail

Thursday started very early with travel to a meeting at 7:30 a.m. I wish the trip could have been with the help of mass transit -- I would have been relaxed and ready to go.

But, alas, the trip was in my auto with a single driver to and from Milwaukee Area Technical College South in Oak Creek. Why? To hear Scott Bernstein describe “Building Wealth, Creating and Capturing the Benefits if Investing in Transit in Southeast Wisconsin.”

Whew! Those are lots of words to describe returning to a simpler style of living. In 1885 there was one electric transit line in the United States. By 1902, there was an electric transit line in every American city. And much of it was interconnected between cities -- we could work, play, and travel easily throughout the nation.

Racine was part of this massive network of community. We all had a sense of place, yet expanded because of transit possibilities. We let it go. Today we have the opportunity to rebuild that sense of place and community by investing in the essential transportation system with the KRM rail. Our transportation (car/truck) costs have greatly increased from 1900 to present-- from 3 percent in 1900 to about 16 percent of our disposable or expanding income. Nationally recognized speaker Scott Bernstein, founder and president of the Center for Neighborhood Technology, Chicago, told how transit investments build wealth, support thriving neighborhoods and create jobs and economic prosperity. The other part of the program included an overview of the status and the next steps of current transit proposals, including the KRM rail. The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors and the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee also sponsored the event.

Listen to an online interview with Scott Bernstein at Smart City Radio here where he talks about the true cost of commuting and the toll it takes on your wallet and your time. See more about his group, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, here.

Mass transit is an essential service for the community, both urban and suburban. We need to fund mass transit as we do with roads, hospitals and schools. We need dedicated funding for transit the same way that we have dedicated funding for roads and parking.

We also need to go "green" and overcome our dependence on the car and petroleum-based fuels. It is time-consuming to drive, park, shop; get in car to drive, park, shop; get in car to drive, park, shop over and over again. Then drive, park and go to a gym to work out since we have not walked about!

We can buy cars OR build wealth. Our personal savings accounts go down as car sales go up! As we decrease the use of our vehicles, we increase our disposable income by 10 to 15 percent.