Note: westofthei.com distributed questionnaires to candidates for local offices in the April 2 election. Each candidate for a given office was asked the same questions. We will present the answers in posts as they were submitted (spelling corrected when caught). — DH
Bristol village trustee (two at large seats open)
Colleen Fisch, age 44. Previous political experience: Town Board Supervisor, Town Chairman, Village Trustee
William Glembocki, age 75. Previous political experience: Several terms as a town board member and a term as trustee.
John McCabe, 40+. Previous political experience: Village Board last 2 years. 4+ years Bristol Town Board.
Chad Toney, age 47. Previous political experience: None.
Why are you seeking the office of village trustee?
Fisch: I am seeking office because it is important that the Village residents have intelligent and skilled representation. There are still many important challenges ahead and good stewardship will be vital to the long term prosperity of the Village and its residents.
Glembocki: I have been a resident of Bristol for over 50 years now. I have watched and been a part of helping this community to grow from a Town into a Village. I would like to be able to continue to help with the controlled growth of the community.
McCabe: To understand the issues, take in all ideas, materials, and opinions to form the best decisions based on the needs of the village and residents. I will do what it takes to make sure taxes do not go up and will review all issues to make sure spending is budgeted, justified and needed. I have been a Bristol Resident for over 15 years and have become an active participate in village government. My major concern is how village development is handled and how the village, county, and state infrastructure will be affected by current and future projects.
Toney: I am seeking office because I feel as though I can make a difference in our community. I would like to bridge the gap between what happens at the board level and the community by improving our communication channels. I have the skills needed to help govern the Village of Bristol, while keeping the best interests of the residents at heart. My goals: Listen to the citizens of Bristol making sure their needs are being addressed and fulfilled for the benefit of the village as well as the citizen. Maintain our rural environment, while promoting responsible growth in our business and industry parks. Make decisions based adequate information and facts. Maintain current tax rates. Create a more informative and engaging communication channel to the village.
What makes you a better choice than the other candidates?
Fisch: I feel I am the only candidate with a clear, long term vision for Bristol that preserves our rural character, keeps taxes low and seeks to improve quality of life for Bristol residents. I am an experienced, educated and articulate leader who is committed to protecting Bristol resident interests. I have extensive experience in City, Town and Village government. Most importantly, I am interested in and will listen to citizen concerns. I believe that the Village Board has an obligation to properly and transparently plan for a future that reflects the wishes of the citizens. It is very important to Bristol residents that the tax burden is minimized and that we continue to protect the rural character of the Village. I believe that I am the most committed, creative and qualified advocate for Bristol residents.
Glembocki: Experience. I’ve been on the board in one capacity or another for so many years that I have pretty much got it down pat. I strongly believe that we’ve got to do what the people want. The board made a decision to go from a six member board to a five member board without even asking the voters what they wanted. To me that is wrong. The taxpayers should have a say in such matters. We should be taking big matters like that to the people to decide. If the people decided to go to a five man board then I would have no problem with it, because it’s the people’s choice.
McCabe: I voice my concerns at meetings, as well as, those of fellow Bristol residents. I listen, investigate the issues, stand up and act on the concerns of the citizens. I will continue to ensure development occurs in a controlled manner, ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support the growth. This spans residential, industrial, and commercial development, which impacts all of us! Bristol should be a model for Southeastern Wisconsin rather than an extension of highly populated Lake County, Illinois. My phone number is available on the village website, phone book, etc and will spend my time and resources to meet with individuals/groups to gather ideas and continue to have Bristol as the best village to live and work in.
Toney: My current profession as an eTechnologist/Learning Professional requires a keen ability to listen to others needs and produce a solution that fits an entire organization. It requires the ability to look at issues holistically without prejudice and make a firm and decisive decision. These skills will go a long way in addressing any issues that come up. I possess the skills necessary for honest leadership. This is what I bring to the table: Great people skills. An understanding that leadership requires active listening. Ability to make the hard decisions. Compassion. Responsibility. Honesty.