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8/10/2007
Is Tim Hanna vulnerable?
Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna will soon be up against his fourth mayoral term; nomination papers can be circulated December 3 – a mere 114 days from now. Word is he’s decided to make a run for it.
Word is also, that he’s vulnerable. Consider…
● The Water Plant debacle, 100% on Hanna’s watch – millions and millions in cost overruns, and construction problems, some of which have yet to be made public. ● The Appleton West new sports field debacle – handled poorly, unconstructively, by the city from the start. ● Hanna’s involvement with government groups that keep him away from the city. Some say he’s gone more than he’s in the office. ● Hanna’s strong support of a Regional Transit Authority, which folks might see as simply adding one more tax to the tax bill. ● Just try to get an e-mail or a phone call returned from the mayor’s office….
Calling all mayoral candidates
So, in addition to the mayor – who might consider running? And if they do, is the mayor indeed vulnerable?
Alderperson Curt Konetzke is gearing up for a possible run. He’s talked with his family and has their blessing. Ditto his employer. He’s talked with the mayor as well, keeping everything on the up and up. Chairman of the Municipal Services Committee, alderperson since 2003.
Alderperson Ed Baranowski has an executive job that keeps him busy and traveling regularly. Not afraid to ask critical questions, to dig into the issues. Chairman of the Finance Committee, alderperson since 2001.
Alderperson Jeff Jirschele is a hard-working guy. Bright, diplomatic, careful, strategic. Some folks believe he might consider self-funding a campaign. Chairman of the Utilities Committee, alderperson since 2005.
Alderperson Jim Clemons is passionate and forceful, may be ready to look at the mayorship. Has countless networks of friends and acquaintances. Chair of the Community Development Committee. Alderperson since 1993.
Former State Treasurer, former Appleton Alderperson, former mayoral candidate and mostly just a nice guy, Jack Voight. Jack says he’s not interested – but he says it with the same twinkle in his eye that’s often there when he talks politics or good government.
Any others?
What do you think - Is Hanna beatable?
COMMENTS
Anybody is beatable-----especially after three terms. His opposition should start building a committee NOW!
That's provided that Hannah needs to be stopped. Is he really a bad Mayor?
Dave (Fri Aug 10 07:07:07)
Sure he's beatable but so are all those guys you listed.
Jerry (Fri Aug 10 07:40:00 2007)
I am surprised that I have now come to the point of saying this but I think Hanna is not only vulnerable but should be defeated. All the points you raise are important but the one that grabs me the most is that he does not answer his emails and phone calls and holds himself aloof from the very people who put him in office, a cardinal sin for anyone in public office. Appleton should do better.
Richard H. Griesser (Fri Aug 10 08:42:33 2007)
I think Mayor Hanna is doing an OK job, but if you ran Jo, I would vote for you! :)
Well, that's one vote! Thanks Scott... JE
Scott (Fri Aug 10 09:17:19 2007)
Jo: I suggest you look in the mirror to answer your question of who could run for mayor. You have the background and the experience in Appleton government and I think it is time for another woman to run for mayor. What are your thoughts?
Well Mike, I can't say I haven't thought about it. I know it sounds like just another excuse, but given important family goings-on, the timing this time around just doesn't work. JE
Mike Thomas (Fri Aug 10 10:09:49 2007)
Any race will be more interesting than having no race.
These are times of big changes for municipalities and Appleton, with what appears to be a caretaker government just getting by and re-elected, is falling behind.
There's a lot more to say on this but I want to hear some response to those new changes which the community has done some self-organization around.
As far as picking and choosing from the alder people, the one running better have a city plan in mind substantially different from what has been proffered.
Lon Ponschock (Fri Aug 10 11:53:51 2007)
Is he a good mayor???
This is the question Bernie. His staff does a tremendous job, but that may be in spite of Tim rather than because of him. As far as a specific issue, the water plant situation is instructive - and I have extensive personal involvement with it. Tim could not pull the trigger on the problem and act on it early enough. JE
Bernie (Fri Aug 10 16:10:06 2007)
It is, in my opinion time for a change to elect someone who will return calls, answer mail, and respond to the citizens who are paying his salary. It is time Appleton has someone who can make a DECISION. In talking with other business people I can assure you that a quality candidate will have assistance from concerned residents of the area.
Viv Huth (vrh) (Fri Aug 10 20:14:34 2007)
This tread might get pretty long by Monday so i want to add something as response to the replies.
The issue of the non reponsive nature of this City government extends well beyond the mayor's office.
I am in district 12. I recently called the number listed at the City of Appleton site and left a phone message.
That was Wednesday. I have had no response at all of the council representative.
The call was to invite the District 12 representative to a workshop to be held in November on the Eco-municipality movement I've made mention of in letters to the editor and elsewhere.
Our representatives need to know that they cannot act like Dick Cheney and wait for things to blow over until their next meeting to grant new bar licenses and stroke the housing business.
Is anyone in the 12th reading this?
Lon Ponschock (Sat Aug 11 12:52:58 2007)
Better late than never...Tim Hanna is a "ghost mayor." He has been a ghost mayor for this term and the term before that. What is so not right about all this is that HE PROMISED in his last campaign (against Charlie Goff) that he would indeed try to improve on his communication with his community.
Not only has he failed to do this; I believe he has gotten worse, if that's possible. Where is this mayor of Appleton? What does he do with his time?
To the list of Hanna's shortcomings please also add that monolith called Richmond Terrace.
That all said, if it ever became a choice between Hanna and Jack Voight, the choice will be Hanna. Mr. Griesser is correct: Appleton can and should do better!
lkp (Thu Aug 16 08:19:57 2007)
jon gabrielson from east is running, he seems like a good canidate to give the people the truth and cut out the bs. check him out.
John (Wed Mar 05 22:15:24 2008)
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