Meet the candidates running for Stevens Point District 10 alderperson in the April 2 election
Dustin Buse and Robert Larson will compete for the District 10 seat on the Stevens Point Common Council in the April 2 election. Current alderperson Keely Fishler is not seeking reelection.
Stevens Point Common Council members serve two-year terms. Five of the council's seats are up for election this spring.
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The Stevens Point Journal asked each of the candidates to address important issues in the city and why they are running for the position.
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Dustin Buse
Age: 36
Residence: Stevens Point
Occupation and education: IT support for genetic testing; bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Relevant experience: I oversee and manage IT projects. My work involves identifying technical problems and making them understandable to a wide range of medical staff and stakeholders. By listening to different perspectives and challenges, I find solutions that work for everyone. My professional background and experience understanding and finding solutions to technical problems, listening to people who may not share the same perspectives, and helping educate folks about changes that impact their day-to-day lives have prepared me to be an effective member of the City Council and District 10 representative.
Campaign website/Facebook page: Dustin Buse for District 10 Alderperson on Facebook
Robert Larson
Residence: Stevens Point
Occupation and education: Retired from Kraft Heinz in 2001, veteran; graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Relevant experience: Previously elected twice to the Stevens Point School Board
Why are you running for office?
Buse: I am a Wisconsin native and I care about my neighborhood and the future of Stevens Point. I am a devoted husband and father of two young children, and I relate to the needs of young families and what amenities, jobs, and resources attract workers to Stevens Point. I want to serve on City Council to insure transparent and effective government, as well as make decisions that will benefit Stevens Point now and in the future. By listening and being informed on issues, I will work to make the best decisions I can for District 10 and the city.
Larson: If a person is unhappy with the direction the city is heading, get involved. I am getting involved.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Buse: Residents I've heard from want someone to advocate for McDill Pond, and they have concerns about the weed harvesters. As alder, I will work toward an agreement between the McDill Lake District and the city. Residents also prioritize strengthening the southside business district and maintaining safe streets and neighborhoods. I want residents to know that I am here to listen and understand their concerns. I will share information about important topics facing District 10 and connect residents with appropriate staff members to solve problems that impact their property and neighborhood.
Larson: 1) Keep Business 51 at four lanes. The City Council should pay more attention to the residents of Portage County. 2) Reduce bicycle lanes. Bicycle lanes between two car lanes are not safe. Bicyclists can ride on the sidewalks, which is safer for everyone. 3) Eliminate surcharge. Homeowners on McDill Pond should not have to pay a property tax surcharge of $822 per year to maintain and dredge McDill Pond. The city and county should maintain McDill Pond, not the homeowners since it is open for public use. 4) Remove proposed roundabout on Division Street and Fourth Avenue. Instead, put in a left turn signal at this intersection, which will solve the problem.
Describe your vision for a thriving downtown Stevens Point.
Buse: City Council plays an important role in land use planning and economic development. I want to see the plans to redevelop the Shopko lot and improve connectivity between the downtown and riverfront become a reality. My vision of a thriving downtown is a safe and welcoming destination for residents, members of surrounding communities and visitors. It’s also a vibrant place to work and live with a variety of local businesses, restaurants, historic buildings, art, activities and entertainment.
Larson: First, remove the angled parking on Main Street. Growing up in Stevens Point, I know that Highway 10 used to run through Main Street, and it was two-way traffic. Parallel parking was on both sides of Main Street. The current parking on Main Street is dangerous. Second, look at a casino coming into the existing Shopko building. That would create new jobs and bring people downtown. The city could possibly receive some of the money from the casino to offset the revenue loss from removing a tax-based property like Mid-State Technical College. That Mid-State property is no longer taxable.
What makes Stevens Point a destination for visitors and new residents and how would you continue to make attracting people to the community a priority if you were elected to the City Council?
Buse: Both visitors and residents are attracted to quality of life in Stevens Point, which includes an abundance of attractions, great schools, and stewardship of natural resources including our parks. As alder, I will work with city staff, the Stevens Point Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and business leaders to understand the relationship between workforce development, economic development, and tourism. It's vital that we not only support the needs of a diverse workforce but also communicate the quality-of-life features that make Stevens Point a great place to work and live.
Larson: 1) Large events like the U.S. Senior Open at SentryWorld attract visitors. 2) More people will relocate to Stevens Point if there are good paying jobs. 3) A question I would be asking is, "What is Wausau doing that Stevens Point is not doing?" 4) A casino, as previously mentioned, would increase visitors to the city as well. 5) A website that combines all events available in Stevens Point, including events from the Lincoln Center, the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the Library, private stores, schools, etc. would allow locals and visitors to see what the town has to offer. Some sites have a similar approach to this on a smaller scale, but an all-inclusive event page that pushes to all media outlets would be seen by more people.
Residents often share concerns about potholes, parking and traffic. How do you think transportation assets in the city can be best used to address these issues?
Buse: Funding road projects is a major challenge for every municipality. The small footprint of Stevens Point is a benefit for transportation planning and managing infrastructure costs. Although not everyone agrees that streets should serve multiple functions, accommodating diverse transportation options is a proven way to reduce traffic and demand for parking. The City Council plays a role in maintaining the city’s long-term funding strategy for road repair and replacement. I recognize that these are challenging and sometimes controversial decisions, but I am committed to listening to engineering experts, staff and constituents when making these choices.
Larson: 1) Listen to the residents of Portage County/Stevens Point. Stop taking grants with stipulations that are directly against what the residents of Portage County and Stevens Point want. 2) Business 51 should remain four lanes. 3) No roundabout on Division Street and Fourth Avenue. 4) Remove angled parking on Main Street. 5) No swales should be put into areas that have sandy soil as there are no drainage issues there.
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Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Reach him at epfantz@gannett.com or connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) @ErikPfantz.
This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: April 2024 election: Stevens Point City Council District 10 candidates
