Appleton council candidates in District 4 tout diversity, business experience and passion

APPLETON - Three Common Council candidates in District 4 are competing for the right to succeed incumbent Joe Martin, who didn't seek reelection after 14 years in office.

The candidates for the nonpartisan office are Israel Del Toro, Virgil Van Asten and Storm Walsvik. The top two finishers in the Feb. 15 primary election will advance to the April 5 general election.

District 4 includes the area bounded by Joseph Street on the east, Fremont Street on the south, Lawe and Drew streets on the west and Pacific Street on the north.

As part of The Post-Crescent’s election coverage, the candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire to explain why they're running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address the most important issues facing the city. Their answers are published below.

For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us.

RELATED: Neenah mayoral race highlights spring elections

RELATED: Your guide to the Feb. 15 primary election in the Appleton area, including the Neenah mayor and multiple school boards

Why are you running for office?

As a well-educated, well-traveled, young Latino professional in Appleton, I want to help build a community that values education and environmental stewardship and one that appreciates the value of diversity. I love this city and admire the potential of what it can grow to.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I'm the candidate who will reflect the diversity of our city. More than 25% of Appleton identifies as a resident of color, but to date there is no brown or Black person on council. Our voices in the community aren't heard at the city level. It's time to change that.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them

Our district wants a safe community — safe from crime, harassment and disease. As a well-rounded biologist I will bring professional expertise to the council to make informed decisions based on the best available science that ensures that our community’s needs are met. I want our kids back in school, safely. I want every member of our district to feel safe in their homes and free of harassment. A year ago, I was the victim of a hate crime right here in Appleton. It's time to ensure this never happens again to anyone in my city. Hate has no home here.

Why are you running for office?

I have watched our government make poor decisions for most of my life. My daughters are heading off to college, so I believe it is a good time to run and try to make our world a little better than we found it.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

My 35 years of working with the operation of several different types of business, improving their efficiency and operating costs, gives me a more robust level of experience. Not just working in one industry but with attorneys, retail, manufacturing and municipalities gives me a variety of operation business knowledge.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Fiscal responsibility: Appleton is paying consultants more than $70,000 to advise it on how to tax us more for driving. The wheel tax they put in just six years ago is not generating enough revenue. Appleton could easily hold off on spending around $500,000 for new logos on our vehicles and water towers to keep our roads repaired. If we watch the spending, they won’t have to replace the stoplights with tollbooths.

Protect our police: We see the growing crime problem in Appleton. Protecting those who protect us is the first and most important step in correcting this.

Why are you running for office?

Our current alderman, Joe Martin, and I worked together on projects affecting our neighborhood. Seeing how Mr. Martin served our neighborhood gave me a great example of serving our neighborhood and community as well as what great community leadership looks like. This inspired me to run as alderman.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I've been a resident of the Appleton area for over 25 years. Working with families, athletics and local schools has given me exposure to the people who make our community great. I will put the same passion and dedication serving our families and our city in the role of alderman.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

First, residents want continued excellence in the services they need and support financially. My focus will be on best-in-class services our city provides as well as to support and celebrate our local heroes who provide these services.

Second, residents want to know their representative is there for them. My approach will be to stay engaged, listen, talk with them and do all I can to meet their needs.

Finally, we need investments that provide residents a stable and safe environment. I will work collaboratively with both our community and local leaders to foster a great partnership and future for all.

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.