APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Both mayoral candidates in Appleton are hoping to keep up their efforts as they push towards the general election.
“My approach is going to be exactly the same as it was before,” says Jim Clemons.
“We’re going to keep doing the things that made us successful in the primary,” Jake Woodford says.
Clemons and Woodford are squaring off to replace Mayor Tim Hanna this spring. Clemons hopes his 20 years of experience and knowledge of the system will provide an advantage.
“Guarding the taxpayers dollars all these years – and still having a good understanding of the difference between an expense and an investment. I think we have some long-term planning we put in place, and now I’d like to take full advantage of those things,” Clemons tells the WTAQ Morning News with Matt and Earl, “I’m always trying to find the most efficient way to do things and find the best bang for the buck, and that’s exactly what I’ve done in 20 years on council for the taxpayer.”
As Clemons focuses his campaign on his ability to deal with city matters, Woodford is pushing a bit of a different message.
“Getting out in the community, knocking on lots of doors, connecting with people here in Appleton at community events. And listen to people about their hopes and concerns for our community,” Woodford says.
His campaign focuses mainly on taking the things he hears from residents and applying them to potential policies.
“Having a community that is safe, affordable, and welcoming. That’s why these are the top things I’m talking about in my campaign – these are the things I’ve heard from folks out in the community,” Woodford says.
But what exactly does that plan look like in the city setting?
“In order to be an affordable community, we need to make sure that we’re first responsible with taxpayer resources – but also that we’re competing for high-quality economic development projects,” Woodford tells WTAQ, “We hear all the time about the great experiences people have when they come to the community for events like Mile of Music. It’s just bringing that sense of welcoming into everyday life here.”
Both campaigns welcome residents to reach out with questions and concerns, and have several avenues for people to utilize to contact them online.
“Folks can get in touch with us in multiple different ways, and I hope that they will. I want to hear feedback on our plan for Appleton and where we’re headed,” Woodford says.
You can contact him through his website or Facebook page.
“The best place would be JimClemons.com – and I can assure you that any answers coming from that website or Facebook are coming from me directly,” says Clemons.
The general election is set for April 7th, which happens to land during Spring Break for the Appleton School District. Both sides urge residents to vote early or absentee if they plan to be out of town.
“Don’t take anything for granted, get out and vote, vote early if you’re not going to be around. Absentee ballots are huge this time around,” Clemons says.
