Campaign info

• Position sought: Village Board
• E-mail address: John.leiber@gmail.com
• Phone: (262) 880-9767
• Address: 4825 Alcyn Dr.

Personal info

• Family: Single
• Education: BA in History from UW-Parkside
• Occupation: Legislative Assistant
• Related experience: years on Caledonia Park and Recreation Commission, 2 years as Park Commission president, Commissioner since 2011 for Housing Authority of Racine County (HARC).

Candidate Questions

Why are you running for office?

I am running for trustee because I want move the Village forward.  There are changes that need to be implemented in the way to Village operates and how it plans for the future.  I do not think that a trustee who has been in office for years is either able or willing to make the changes that need to be made.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My priority will be keeping taxes low while maintaining the current level of services.  While some savings could be found in the current budget, we also need to increase the tax base of the Village.  The ideal spot for future development is along the I-94 corridor.  I would pursue options to attract high quality development to I-94.

What is the biggest problem you see, and how will you address it, if elected?

If nothing is done in the next few years, the Village will either have to raise taxes a great deal to cover it's costs, or it will have to drastically cut services , mainly police, fire and highway.  Neither option is a good one, but the problem can be avoided.  With proper planning for the future, we can attract businesses and use the taxes to maintain services.   I would work to develop the I-94 corridor, as that is the area that will bring the highest revenues while impacting the fewest residents.

What is your favorite thing about the school district, village or city where you are seeking elected office?

The people.  In my time as president of the Park Commission, I've met a lot of Caledonia residents who truly care about our community.  There are many organizations that work to improve the quality of life in the village, from sporting groups to environmental groups.  I've run the Park department for the last two years, and it is a fact that without the efforts of many volunteers the park department would not be able to function.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I show up for meetings.  My opponent has missed around 1 out of 5 of his board meetings and finance committee meetings over the past two and a half years.  I don't think a trustee is doing his job if he isn't there when it's time to vote.  If elected, I will show up to the board meetings and represent the people who put me in office.

For the past two years, I have been the president of the Park Commission.  In all that time, we have not had a director.   What that means is that for over two years now the Caledonia Parks have been run by volunteers.  I prepare and present the budget each year for the department.  I've worked with businesses and negotiated contracts to pave a parking lot and install new electronic scoreboards.  I answer calls concerning the parks on my own cell phone, and I'm at village hall at least once a week to get the department's mail and sign checks.   I do this all as a volunteer and I haven't been paid a dime.

My opponent does get paid a salary as Village Trustee.  Not once in two years have I ever seen him at Village Hall.  He even gets paid when he skips a board meeting.  It's time to elect someone who does the work he's paid to do.