Election Preview: Caledonia Village President

The candidates are Bob Bradley and Ron Coutts. (Click on link for biographical information on each candidate).

The village president is paid $13,000 per year and serves a two-year term. 

To provide residents with the most information about the election, Caledonia Patch asked candidates for their positions on key issues facing the village. Here, in their own words, are the candidates' answers to those questions.

Why are you running for village president? Ron Coutts
I want to continue to keep the taxes down and bring quality development to Caledonia, as well as to continue to improve our quality of life for Caledonia.
Bob Bradley
If elected I would bring a strong balance of experience and leadership to the Board.  I would try to capitalize on the positive things going on within the Village currently.  With the cooperation of the Board, move away from re-inventing what has already been resolve, at a great expense to the Village and focus on forward thinking that will take us into the future. What is the biggest issue facing the village, and how would you deal with it, if elected? Ron Coutts
The cuts from the State of Wisconsin that we would receive from Madison will tighten our Budget in the next year and we will have to find better ways to budget our money and still keep the quality of service to our citizens.

My goal is to try to get the 4 Mile bridge completed on time. To continue working to improve our Industrial Park.  Working with developers to bring quality development out to I94.
Bob Bradley There is no "biggest" issue facing Caledonia.  Its more than that.  I see 3 things, if address correctly would greatly improve the outlook for Caledonia.

1)  Take advantage of the economical situation (slow growth) to organize Village Hall.  The Board needs to prioritize where efficiencies can be recognized and implemented.
2)  The Face of Caledonia. Who are we, where are we heading as a community, and how do we want to be labeled.  Caledonia needs an identity.  I would lead that discussion with the Board.
3)  Encourage growth in areas where new sewer & water agreements have opened the doors for opportunity. What are your greatest strengths as a candidate, and how would you leverage those strengths to benefit the community? Ron Coutts
I bring experience of 20 years as a member of the Village Board, 6 years as President.  I have faced many challenges and my success is being part of the sewer agreement for the City of Racine, Joint Fire Service Joint Health Department, a Water Agreement with Oak Creek, a Sewer Agreement with Mt. Pleasant, a Boarder Agreement with the Town of Raymond and just finishing a Water Agreement with the City of Racine and also being involved with the Neighborhood Planning. Bob Bradley I believe my strength is people skills.  The ability to be a good listener.  To follow through on what I committed too.  I realize and appreciate the talents of those around me knowing that this job will take a team.  My ego is not so big that I can not accept the opinions and ideas of others. What kind of future development would you like to see in Caledonia, and how would you work to attract such development? Ron Coutts
Continuing and improving our Industrial Park and bringing quality business and jobs.  As well as working with Racine County Economic Development Corp. and local business men and companies in our community.  At the same time bringing quality development out to I94. Bob Bradley Caledonia can offer a wide varity development.  Prior to the new water agreement Caledonia had nothing to offer in new development along the interstate.  We could not get in the game without basic utilities. The playing field has changed. The Board will have to have the courage to make decisions where the rewards may not be seen for several years. The Board' s plan should be for the future of Caledonia and not get lost in the moment.