Mark F. Peterson
Age:63
Education:Bachelor's degree in history, geography, Mankato State University; master's degree in history, Portland State University
Occupation:Executive director, Winona County Historical Society, since 1983; adjunct professor at Winona State University since 1999.
Political experience:Mayor, elected 2012.
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Community involvement:Heritage Preservation Commission, Pickwick Mill Board, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Montessori Board, Minnesota Humanities Center, Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, numerous committees for the Chamber of Commerce, Winona State, Minnesota Historical Society and the city through the years.
Website: www.MayorMark2016.com
Top three priorities:
1. Downtown revitalization and riverfront development.
2. Improvements to infrastructure.
3. Solution to railroad switching on Mankato Avenue.
How would you tackle the housing issue in Winona?
The housing issues I hear most are the need for lower income and higher income housing. Winona has commissioned a housing study that should be completed in a few months. Using this study, developers will clearly know what the community needs are. We will work to pursue programs to assist with housing development. We know our workforce needs housing. We also have staff that sits on a regional housing board working to address this issue.
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What is your position on the city's potential deal for the Masonic Temple?
I am 100 percent behind this proposal. Winona has seen a surge in community festivals in the past 15 years and a thriving arts and culture scene. The city owns the Masonic Temple building and is currently putting a new roof on the building. A proposed $5 million bond includes improvements to this building. The Masonic Temple will become a state-of-the-art performance space downtown and will help revitalize the downtown core.
What are your spending priorities for the city?
In addition to supporting our city staff that takes care of our streets, parks, water, police, fire and so much more, I want to continue improving our streets, upgrading our wastewater treatment plant, improving pedestrian safety, improving our port, helping our local industry grow and supporting outdoor recreation and the arts and culture.
Connie Tropple
Age:56
Education:Winona Senior High School, 1978; University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, BA in management information systems
Occupation:As a business analyst for Logistics Health Inc. in La Crosse, Wis., I am responsible for gathering and analyzing business requirements for system enhancements, process improvements and providing operational support.
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Political experience:None.
Community involvement:Community experience includes 12 years as president of a condominium association (Chicago) and homeowner association (Frisco, Texas); management and oversight of 154 single-family community homeowners association. Created and managed the annual budget while ensuring community, property improvements and reserve objectives are met.
Website: connietropple.wordpress.com
What are your top three priorities?
1. Infrastructure.
2. Communication and community outreach.
3. Expense reduction.
How would you tackle the housing issue in Winona?
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The city has been trying to solve this for years, and it continues to be an issue. I need to learn more before I can suggest solutions.
What is your position on the city's potential deal for the Masonic Temple?
Arts and culture are important to Winona's economy. The Masonic Temple is owned by the city and is in great need of updating in order to be a usable venue. I'm in favor of the potential private/public opportunity because it will help take some of the financial maintenance burden off the city and allow for it to be properly managed. Hopefully, this will eventually result in a positive return on investment as a new revenue source for the city.
What are your spending priorities for the city?
Infrastructure improvements should continue to be a priority, while holding taxes steady and looking for efficiencies and expense reduction in how the city operates.
