Below you will find my answers to the Q and A that The HudsonStar Observer graciously extended to me, as a candidate. I should tell you that I had MUCH more to say, but that they asked us to keep it to just a few sentences per question, so I did! Thank you for reading!

How has your background prepared you for this role?

Thanks, HSO!  I love Hudson.  

I’ve spent 25 years here working collaboratively with local organizations including Hudson School District, The Phipps Center for the Arts, Department of Aging, Youth Action Hudson, Turningpoint Shelter (River Falls), Ciranda, Hudson Hospital Foundation, Sustain Hudson, St. Patrick Parish, Hudson Pride, Little Free Library, Destination Imagination, Hot Air Affair, The Urban Forestry Board, Fresh Harvest Pantry, The Hudson Library and Community Education. I received a Rotary Paul Harris Award back in 2012 for some of this work!

https://www.republicaneagle.com/schools/rotary-lauds-student-achievements-malanaphy-kowles-named-honorary-paul-harris-fellows/article_bd76b908-bf85-5366-8f72-4021f22a400a.html

These experiences, along with my current UWM Masters Program have allowed me to access a multitude of perspectives, and leverage diverse expertise, experience and passion, to strengthen our community. 

Why did you want to run for Mayor of Hudson?

I am deeply committed to my fellow citizens.  For this reason, I believe we need to engage more constituents in local government. It is our last, best hope for civil discourse, and should be a place where people feel like their voices are heard.  A mayor should be an effective conduit between citizens and government. And in a democracy, having more than one candidate creates a dialogue about change.

What is something you hope to accomplish if elected or re-elected?

I am focused on Affordable Housing (and the viability of our schools as related to this), and Environmental Stewardship in planning and development, especially along our river. These are two of the seven priorities and principles in our north star; our 2040 Comprehensive Plan. I feel that these two elements of the plan have not gained much traction, and we have many educated, informed citizens ready to help with these goals.

https://hudsonwi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2814/2040-Hudson-Comprehensive-Plan

Outside of something you’ve mentioned in previous questions, what would you like to add to Hudson — either in the general landscape of the city, or a department or concept within local government?

Exploring creative partnerships within our city, and state, can help bring about necessary, sustainable growth. We need to hear from as many citizens as possible.  I’d like to see our city council expand by a few seats, so broader conversations can be part of these solutions. Bringing the council to an odd number of members with additional seats elected at-large (from the whole city population), would allow a mayor to serve more as mediator and facilitator, not just a deciding vote. 

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Hudson right now?

Challenges are:

-The issue of potentially closing schools, which has a variety of contributing factors, one of which is a need for workforce or affordable housing.  The hardworking people of this community should be able to afford to live here.  

-The increasing impairment of the St. Croix River waterway, which is the lifeblood of our region. -A permanent and comprehensive home for our library. 

-The small, concentrated nature of appointed governing boards which can lead to shortsighted mistakes. 

-Impending infrastructure issues including bridges and roads.

What are your solutions to those challenges?

It’s pretty simple, really.  These things are all interconnected. Encourage the educated, creative, talented people of Hudson to engage in their local government and they will help solve us all these challenges. It’s up to all of us to create sustainable solutions, and should not fall only on the shoulders of or be in the power of just six council members and a mayor.  With all of the challenges above, someone in this community has the answer, we just need to listen.

What is something you’ve done either in local government or within an organization that you’re most proud of?

I am proud of the hundreds of young people I have engaged with through many organizations over the years; helping them to find their strengths, and ways to use their talents to help those around them.  

I hear from so many who are now adults, and tell me about the point in time where they found their voice, which changed not only their lives, but lives around them.  When we give people permission to be themselves and acknowledge what they bring to the table, it makes us all better and stronger.

What is one thing you want voters to know about you?

My campaign is truly grassroots, clean and simple.  When I ran for mayor 3 years ago, and lost, my husband wrote a letter to the editor, regarding my efforts.  This line from it sums up what I want voters to know…”Sadly, we missed an opportunity to elect a mayor who is unencumbered by party politics, has never been guided by political ambition, knows how to work within and build effective teams while honoring and leveraging the skills of others, can develop, communicate and realize a vision and is supremely incorruptible.”  

Why should someone live in Hudson?

Because Hudson has it all.  We have the place, the people, the proximity and the incredible potential to be leaders in our state, in creating collaborative, sustainable community solutions.