Four city council candidates are vying for three seats in April

By Kim McDarison 

A General Spring Election will be held April 6. City of Fort Atkinson residents will find four candidates vying for three open Fort Atkinson City Council seats on the general election ballot. They are incumbents Mason Becker and Chris Scherer, and challengers Megan Hartwick and Jordan Lamb. 

Fort Atkinson Online recently asked each of the candidates to provide some biographical information and fill out a short questionnaire. Candidates were asked to keep their responses to a total of between 700 and 1,000 words.

The electorate also will have an opportunity to see these candidates respond to questions in a videotaped Candidates Forum which will be presented online on this and other area websites. 

The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women, and Fort Atkinson Online LLC are sponsoring this event. 

A release date for the video will be announced soon. 

Candidates’ responses to questionnaires, presented in alphabetical order, follow.

Mason Becker

Age: 40

Address: 1511 Stacy Ln., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 

Occupation: Restauranteur

Number of years resided in city/district: 37

Education: BA – Speech Communications, UW-Whitewater, graduated 2002

Civic and other organizational memberships: Fort Atkinson Lions Club (current 2nd Vice President), Bethany Lutheran Church (served on church council for six years). Family business is a member of the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Political experience: Serving in third term on the Fort Atkinson City Council. Ran for State Assembly in 2020. Served on Residence Hall Association executive board at UW-Whitewater.

Questions: 

What are your reasons for seeking this position? I believe that right now Fort Atkinson is at a critical crossroads, and many opportunities lie ahead. Having now served on the city council for three terms, I am fortunate to have been able to work with many good people on our council, in our city government, and in our community. Matt Trebatoski was an excellent city manager for six years, and we now have a new and highly talented city manager serving in Rebecca Houseman Lemire. I want to be part of ensuring that our new city manager is as much of a success as possible. While we have made strong progress in areas like revitalizing our downtown, fixing roads, and ensuring financial stability, there is still more work to be done. Furthermore, with Councilman Paul Kotz deciding not to seek re-election, if I am returned to the council by the voters, I will be the most tenured member of the council. I want to utilize my civic experience to help ensure a smooth transition over the next two years.

What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek? The pressing issues are obvious. We need more residential development in Fort Atkinson, both single family and multi-family home construction, suited for people at all rungs of the income ladder. People want to live here, but many don’t have options for housing right now. We are fortunate to now own 75 acres of land on Banker Road. I want to work with our city manager and others to ensure the proper development of that area. Our other areas of opportunity are in economic development. I want major retail back in Fort Atkinson as much as anyone. We need to be more proactive in that regard, while also making sure our smaller local retailers continue to be supported. I also want to make sure that our industrial sector continues to grow and succeed. We are blessed to have employers who have been here for many decades providing quality jobs, and we can’t take that for granted. Some of them are ready to expand, and our city government should do what we can to help make their plans for growth a success.

What unique perspective do you bring? First of all, I’m bringing experience to the council. I am fortunate that I was able to work with many other council members from diverse perspectives and backgrounds over the past six years. I think I bring an even handed approach, and bring a view that while we need continued strategic growth in the city, we also need to make sure any future growth is sustainable. Also, as someone who keeps an eye on politics at the state level, I understand the impact that decisions made by the state government have had on Fort Atkinson, and I stay engaged with groups like the League of Municipalities. Finally, as a husband and father, I am continually interested in making sure our city is attractive and viable for families. Children are our future, and I want to make sure Fort Atkinson continues to be an excellent place to raise a family. 

Any additional comments? Let’s all continue telling the story of Fort Atkinson. We have been given a gift by those who came before us: a city that is in a stable position financially, and poised for future growth. We have so many quality amenities that make our city attractive: great schools, great parks, an excellent bike trail, the Rock River, and an abundance of quality businesses. We also have residents who are really engaged with what we have happening: outside observers have been very impressed! We should make the most of these assets and continue building on them, while marketing our city’s unique identity and history. 

Megan Hartwick

Age: 36

Address: 1225 Orchard Lane 

Occupation: Executive Director, United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties 

Number of years resided in city/district: 27

Education: FAHS graduate & Bachelor of Business Administration from UW-Whitewater

Civic and other organizational memberships:

Member, Police & Fire Commission

Founder, FA Summer Charity Concert Series

Member, Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce

Volunteer, Fort Atkinson Generals 

Nonprofit Representative, Jefferson County Planning Commission

Political experience: If elected, it would be my first political position held.

Questions: 

What are your reasons for seeking this position?  I grew up in Fort Atkinson and this community gave me so much and was a huge part in shaping who I am and the opportunities I was given. Now that I am back living here and am raising my family here, I want to be as big a part of helping this community grow and thrive as I can. I want to give back to a community and a city of people who gave so much to me.

I am also seeking a seat on the council because I think I would be a strong councilmember. Through my years as a nonprofit director in our county, I have developed very strong relationships with many nonprofits, community groups, city department heads, churches, local businesses, and community leaders. I would love to build on those relationships as part of the council to create stronger public/private partnerships to advance much-needed initiatives. 

I also think it is crucial, with a new City Manager, that we have the strongest City Council possible, with councilmembers who are actively involved in and connected throughout our community, have leadership experience, and who can provide thoughtful and effective feedback working with the City Manager. I also believe it’s incredibly important that we have at least one female voice on our council, and I would love to be that voice. 

I want to serve because I am someone who wants to do the work. Because I deeply love this community and the people who call it home.

What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?  Economic Development – There is an obvious need to focus on attracting new businesses to Fort Atkinson, but I think it’s also important for the city to evaluate what can be done to provide additional support and incentives to local individuals who might have an interest in starting a new business here. 

Road Repairs – Our system for road repairs & updates doesn’t seem to be working as well as residents would like it to be. I think it’s important for the city to better explain to residents the high-level of work involved with road repairs (new pipes, gutters, drainage, etc.) and that with over 70 miles of roads in our community, there simply aren’t enough funds to address all needs within a year. I think it’s important to highlight how the wheel tax has helped and what plans are moving forward to tackle some much-needed road updates.

Net New Growth – In order to help increase funding made available to our city, we must focus on new net growth, which will also help address the major affordable housing issue we have in Fort Atkinson (and across Jefferson County). Everyone in our communities is impacted by the lack of available and affordable housing. I appreciate the city is already beginning to address this issue.

Taxes: Our city must be able to explain to residents, accurately and clearly, the reasons for their property tax increases. While citizens must also recognize the need for tax revenue to help our city address issues like road repairs, net new growth, etc. it’s also important that Fort Atkinson be inline with surrounding community’s property tax rates. And when we’re not, we need to make it very clear to our citizens what they are getting that is resulting in those higher rates. 

Engagement – We have a major need for increased connection and engagement amongst our citizens and our community leaders. To keep moving Fort Atkinson forward, and to keep us a healthy, thriving, welcoming community, our residents and leaders must work together more effectively. It is the responsibility of our local government to serve our people, and it is the responsibility of our people to be engaged with their local government.

What unique perspective do you bring?   I believe I am an extremely well-rounded candidate in that I would bring to the council the voice and perspective of a Fort Atkinson native, a mother, a nonprofit director, and a community volunteer. My perspective also includes that of someone who lived in a large metropolitan area for six years and who chose to return to Fort Atkinson to build a career and start a family. I am also very in-tune with the needs of individuals and families within our communities who are struggling, and I want to bring that voice to the council to help city leadership step in where it is appropriate and effective for them to do so. I am approachable and would focus much of my work on bringing folks together across our community. 

Any additional comments?   I have already spent a good portion of my life dedicated to helping, improving, and supporting this city. Since I returned to Fort Atkinson in 2012, I have made community involvement a non-negotiable part of my life – it is something that is simply engrained in who I am. Over the past handful of years, I have founded the FA Summer Charity Concerts, spoken at Chamber events, participated in FAHS portfolio reviews, presented to high schoolers on volunteerism, volunteered at Fort Atkinson Middle School career fairs, spoken at the Seniors Top 10 dinner, and often meet with and speak to local service clubs in Fort Atkinson. I am also on the review committee for the BASE Kid of the Year award and on the nominating committee for the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation’s Making Fort Special award. 

So please know that I will continue to serve Fort Atkinson whether elected to the council or not, but I certainly hope for the opportunity to serve our city in that capacity. 

Jordan Lamb

Age: 25

Address: 107 Clarence St., Fort Atkinson

Occupation: Co-Owner of Fort Atkinson Small Engine LLC.

Number of years resided in city/district: 22 years

Education: Graduate of Fort Atkinson High School, 2013

Civic and other organizational memberships: 

Fort Atkinson Chamber of Commerce member

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Member

Political experience:

I have no official experience in politics however I have always followed local politics and how it affects our community as a homeowner and small business owner.

Questions:

What are your reasons for seeking this position?  I believe my hardworking attitude, along with my drive to get things accomplished, will help drive this city to a better future. Fort Atkinson city taxpayers need a true voice on the council that will be completely transparent about anything going on. It is not a foreign action for me to be working side-by-side with government officials to make things happen. My prior experience working with the DOT provided great insight into project deadlines, budgets, and community impact/expectations. I would like to work with city committees to try to boost the local downtown businesses and increase the tourists our city can attract. 

What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?  The most important issues facing the city council position that I am seeking include multiple items. The first is road repairs and improvement of the road structures based on current tax rates and the imposed wheel tax. Road repairs are needed in both the commercial areas and the residential areas with a better plan needing to be created. The next item is taxes and tax usage since this is a topic discussed by most homeowners. Tax on the current homeowners needs to be evaluated further to determine how this can best support the community with reasonable spending and city purchases. The final item that is facing the most pressing issues in the position I am seeking is small business needs in the community. It is evident that many small businesses need additional support to create roots in this great community for generations to come. 

What unique perspective do you bring?  I am a 2^nd generation business owner here in Fort Atkinson with the previous generation focusing on upholstery. I decided to take the hard work and dedication that was demonstrated to me and start a small engine repair shop. As a small business owner, I can understand the demand in the community and the benefits, gratitude, and frustrations of this role in the community. Limitations of available land and appropriate buildings is evident in this community and real estate purchased by the city for growth and development could be more accessible to small business owners. 

Considering my age, I am a great voice for the younger generation who are just beginning the adventure of becoming homeowners, business owners, and starting new families. I would consider myself a fresh perspective to the city council and can represent an alternative generation with big dreams and life goals. The unique perspective that I bring would be asking why and gathering more information to support the solutions that would benefit the city of Fort Atkinson. The goal as a city council member is to support the best interest of this community by listening and attempting to find common ground between financial implications and resident’s expectations. As a city council member, I would want to be fully educated on the subject being discussed and understand the long-term implications before a decision is voted on. 

Any additional comments?   I want to thank you, the residents of this amazing city, for taking time to follow me on this journey as I run for city council during this important election. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out directly. Since many have wanted to connect and ask questions about my views, I have created a Facebook page that is regularly monitored. I would like to invite each of you to join me on this journey and I encourage you to add Jordan Lamb for Fort Atkinson City Council on Facebook to follow the progress of my campaign.

I have campaign yard signs available for pickup or drop-off, please contact me if you are interested in supporting me!

Chris Scherer

Age: 29

Address: 15 S. 6th St, Fort Atkinson WI 53538

Occupation: Self Employed – Business Consulting

Number of years resided in city/district: 26 years

Education: Fort Atkinson High School, UW-Whitewater

Civic and other organizational memberships/Involvement:

• Chamber of Commerce Member (13 Years)
  • Board President Elect
  • Ambassador President
  • Rhythm on the River Committee
  • Economic Development Committee
  • Speaker’s Bureau
  • Senior Exit Interviews
• Fort Atkinson Summer Charity Concert Series
• High School Athletics Coach
• Madison College Continuing Education Instructor

Political/Community Planning experience: 

• 2 Years (1 Term) as Fort Atkinson City Council Member
• Facilitated a Community Driven Envisioning Session
• Fort Atkinson Placemaking Initiative
• Jefferson County Strategic Planning
• Planning Commission Member
• Airport Committee Member
• Historical Society Board Member
• Cable Television Committee
• License Committee Appointee
• Finance Committee Appointee

Questions: 

What are your reasons for seeking this position? There are many times throughout my life where I understood that my goals would have been harder to achieve without the support and guidance of many people within the Fort Atkinson community. My desire to remain civically involved, specifically as a city council member, is to continue making a positive impact on the community that I was raised, educated, and live in.

I am choosing to run for a second term as a council member because I want to see projects that have started through to the end and to responsibly start new improvements to our city. While having only been an elected official for one term, my experience and involvement with the current decision making in the city extends back to 2015 during the Community Placemaking Initiative. Six years later I am still actively involved and a part of facilitating the planning and envisioning that occurred then.

What are the most pressing issues facing the position you seek?As a council member the majority of my conversations with community members in the past two years have involved housing, road conditions, and economic development. All of these projects require long term planning, which is something we addressed as a council while approving our latest comprehensive plan. With this plan we are able to make decisions affecting the future of Fort Atkinson while keeping residents’ input and goals in mind.

The lack of available and affordable housing in Fort Atkinson is a very pressing issue at the moment. This directly affects the City’s growth and tax base, workforce development, and the ability to accommodate people at different stages in their lives. I am proud to say that I voted in favor of a land acquisition on the northwest side of the city that will allow our community to attract development and begin addressing the housing shortage we are facing. I supported this land purchase and other land purchases because it allows us to be deliberate in how we expand our city while keeping the financial impact to a minimum or non-existent to our tax payers.

The implementation of a wheel fee in addition to an in depth analysis of our current road infrastructure has allowed us to start making incremental improvements in replacing and maintaining over 70 miles of roadways within Fort Atkinson. Through the diligent work of our City Staff, our council was able to review and approve major road improvements for Riverside Drive, the Robert Street bridge, and Whitewater Avenue. We also completed the Rockwell Avenue project during my first term as a council member. 

Economic development can be difficult to measure and often is not something that occurs with extensive visibility. What I believe is that Fort Atkinson is a community that provides a great opportunity for appropriate development. We have a good mixture of land and existing space for new tenants to consider and for existing businesses to grow. The reality is our proximity to major shopping centers like Janesville and Madison may preclude us from attracting certain businesses. While we may wish for certain businesses to choose to locate in Fort Atkinson, I think our time and taxpayer dollars would be better spent developing an economic development position within the city that can focus on attracting businesses that would be the best fit for our community. This position can then be the official entity for inquiries and continue to work with the City Council, City Manager, and Chamber of Commerce to facilitate economic generation from within and outside the community.

What unique perspective do you bring? My perspective is unique compared to other candidates because of my community involvement and representation of Fort Atkinson extending back past 2015. As a small business owner and entrepreneur I have actively pursued opportunities that prepare me with a different approach to supporting and attracting other small businesses and making a lasting impact on communities. I was asked to be a young professional representative during the Community Placemaking Initiative in 2015, which I gladly accepted and was able to bring ideas to from a statewide young professional’s organization. I also was one of the Fort Atkinson community representatives during a countywide strategic planning session, which provided me with the long term insight of how Jefferson County hopes to grow and support its communities. I sat on the Planning Commission prior to any elected terms and learned from my fellow commissioners how to evaluate projects in a manner that was beneficial to all parties involved and when to decline something that did not meet our city’s standards.

I also understand patience; improvements we want within Fort Atkinson take time. When I ran for a council seat, albeit unsuccessfully, back in 2016 the fire department was the defining topic of that election. Here we are five years later in the process of completing a remodel and updating of our fire department. We have also managed to add ambulatory services to our department’s emergency responses. As much as I want to see the completion of projects that have been five years in the making I also want to responsibly start new projects that enhance our city, knowing that they may not be completed during my term as an elected official.

Any additional comments? I want to continue working on behalf of the residents of Fort Atkinson. This does not mean that every decision I make as part of a governing body will be a popular one, it does not mean that I will have an answer to every question, but it does mean that I am going to do as much research and preparation as is necessary to make sure that our community benefits. I am fortunate to serve as an elected official for a community that has always had one common goal: to see the successful growth of Fort Atkinson while maintaining its unique identity.