The Pierce County Journal composed and sent out election questionnaires to all candidates running in local races, including Pierce County Board, village boards, school boards, city councils, one municipal judge race and three town board races. We tried to craft the questions in order to allow for citizens to get to know candidates and how they feel about local issues, which affect residents in their everyday lives.

The questionnaires were sent by email to candidates almost three weeks ago. For those who did not respond, they were sent two reminder emails. If they did not respond, that is noted below.

Incumbents are marked with an asterisk *. These are the people you will see on your April 7, 2026 ballot.

To find your local polling place, which will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Whats-On-My-Ballot or contact the municipality directly.

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Dan Toland* is facing challenger Alison H. Page for the mayor position, while four candidates are vying for the two alderperson at large seats held by Jeff Bjork* and Scott Morrissette*, who chose not to seek re-election. Those candidates are Melissa “Mei Mei” Abdouch, Austin Mahanke, Lucas Roberts and Rose Walker. Alderperson 4 Todd Bjerstedt* is running unopposed.

Mayor

Name: Alison H. Page

Previous elected offices: River Falls Board of Education

Occupation/profession: Healthcare CEO - retired. Part-time faculty at University of Minnesota where I teach Leadership classes for graduate students going into healthcare administration.

Briefly describe your educational background and any work or volunteer experience you believe prepares you for service on the city council. I am a graduate of River Falls High School, Marquette University (undergrad), and the University of Minnesota (grad school). My working life has been in healthcare, first as a registered nurse and then as a healthcare administrator and hospital CEO. Volunteer work I have been involved in has been focused on building and strengthening our community and the region.

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Have you served on any boards or committees and if so, which ones? I have served as a member of the board of directors, and board chair for most, for the following organizations: River Falls School Board, Workforce Development Board of Western Wisconsin, St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program, Family Resource Center of the St. Croix Valley, Success by Six, Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, River Falls Area YMCA, the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, as well as multiple health systems.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the city? Why? What solutions would you propose? River Falls is facing all the challenges that come with growth and our proximity to the Twin Cities. Top challenges include access to affordable housing, the availability of good-paying jobs, and the development of a strong and sustainable infrastructure (e.g. utilities, roads, education, child care, etc.) that will support growth. We need well thought-out, responsible growth. To achieve this, we need long-term strategies, developed with input from residents and other key stakeholders. There is no substitute for excellent long-range planning.

What motivated you to run for this position? I was born and raised in River Falls. My husband, David, and I raised our five children here and fostered others along the way. River Falls is a wonderful community and I want to see it flourish so that future generations can have the benefit of raising their families in a strong, healthy community. The leadership and administrative skills I have developed over the course of my career in healthcare administration could be of benefit to our city and the region as we manage the challenges in front of us and plan our course for the future.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? Managing disagreement and conflict has been a core part of the work I have done my entire career in healthcare administration. In the leadership classes at the U of MN, I teach strategies and methods for preventing divides in the first place through excellent leadership, and then addressing disputes when they do erupt. The hallmarks of the approach I would use include inclusion (hear all perspectives), respect (appreciate all people and perspectives), clarity (ensure correct information, and clear goals and objectives), communication (share the information with everyone), transparency (hide nothing - people need to see what is going on), and dialogue (talk to all interested parties). Decisions have to get made. We won't always agree. But, everyone should feel heard and valued.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth? We should value our past and approach our future with enthusiasm; appreciate our history but not be stuck in it. There are many things we can do to preserve, and further develop, the "charm" of River Falls. The community will see a lot of this type of effort with the downtown / Kinni River Corridor project planning. We do not have to choose between growth and preservation; we can do both.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? River Falls has been very fiscally responsible, keeping utility costs and local taxes as low as possible. Continuing this approach will be important as the city grows, balancing the need for infrastructure with expansion, and exploring all funding options as growth occurs.

Name one thing you feel the city and/or city council could do better. I would start by saying, "We have a very good city council." River Falls has had good leadership and the city is well managed. If I were to name one thing I think we can do better, it would be to build and maintain stronger, strategic relationships with key community organizations - schools (UWRF, CVTC, RFSD), businesses, the ministerial (churches), etc. We also need stronger strategic relationships with the towns that surround the City of River Falls to optimize current services and ensure proper planning for the future. The residents of River Falls will benefit in the long run if we engage in long-term, strategic planning with the pillars of our community and region.

In one sentence, what makes the city worth investing in? We have the opportunity to create the community of the future, a community that will be sought after as a great place to live, work and play by young and old alike.

How would you approach transparency and procedural clarity as a council member? I would encourage us to bring information and dialogue around any issue into the public venue whenever and however possible.

Why should you be elected? I have the knowledge, the skills, and the energy to provide the leadership needed for River Falls now.

How can people reach you? Call or text me at 715-821-8820.

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Name: Dan Toland*

Previous elected offices: Mayor

Occupation/profession: Manufacturing Engineer Technician/ small business owner

Briefly describe your educational background and any work or volunteer experience you believe prepares you for service on the city council. As an engineer working in research and development and as a small business owner, I’ve spent my career solving complex problems and making smart financial decisions. I believe government should work the same way—carefully investing taxpayer dollars, improving efficiency, and focusing on real outcomes that benefit our citizens

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Have you served on any boards or committees and if so, which ones? I’ve spent my life serving our community. While raising our kids here, I volunteered with Boy Scouts Pack 457 and coached youth baseball and soccer. I’m also a proud member of Masonic Lodge 109 in River Falls. Today, as mayor of River Falls and a member of the city’s planning commission, I remain focused on the same goal I’ve always had, serving our community, supporting local families and businesses, and making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the city? Why? What solutions would you propose? Responsible growth for River Falls: River Falls is growing, and our responsibility is to manage that growth in a way that protects our quality of life while creating opportunities for families and businesses.

Housing: One of the biggest challenges facing our community is ensuring there are enough housing options for the people who live and work here. The city is working with developers to expand lower-income and income-based housing opportunities. We have updated zoning guidelines to allow smaller lot sizes, making it easier to build more affordable homes. We’ve also added accessory dwelling units (ADUs), giving homeowners and families more flexible housing options. By encouraging a variety of housing types, we allow residents to move from starter homes into larger homes as their needs change. This helps free up starter homes for young families just beginning their journey in River Falls.

Infrastructure: As our city grows, we must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace. We will continue investing in roads, water systems, sewer utilities, and public services so they can support long-term growth. Maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure protects taxpayers’ investments and ensures our city remains safe, efficient, and prepared for the future.

Economic Development: Strong economic development helps keep our community thriving. By attracting good-paying jobs and supporting local businesses, we can expand housing opportunities and keep utilities and property taxes more stable. Our goal is to continue growing responsibly while maintaining the high quality of life that makes River Falls such a great place to live.

What motivated you to run for this position? The reason I decided to run for mayor was simple. One day I saw that the spring election was coming up, and my wife Joni and I had been talking about how fortunate we were to raise our kids in River Falls. This community has been a wonderful place for our family, and we often talked about how we could give something back for everything the city had given us. Running for mayor felt like a meaningful way to do that. I didn’t have a hidden agenda or a political ambition—I simply wanted to serve the community that has given so much to my family. River Falls has been a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and I believe giving back through public service is one way I can help ensure it remains that way for the next generation

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? My approach to leadership is very simple: I look at the issue and ask what outcome will be best for the majority of people in River Falls. In local government, it can be easy to get pulled in different directions. Sometimes a small group at a meeting can be very loud, or a few voices on social media can seem overwhelming. But I always remind myself that my responsibility is to represent all 16,000 residents of River Falls—not just the loudest voices. My goal is to listen carefully, consider the facts, and make decisions that serve the entire community

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth? River Falls has a strong commitment to preserving the character and history that make our community special. Our Historical Preservation Committee does an excellent job promoting our local history and helping maintain the small-town feel that residents value. As city leaders, we look carefully at the decisions we make to ensure new development fits well with the surrounding landscape and environment. Maintaining that balance can sometimes be challenging as our city grows, but it’s an important part of protecting the character of River Falls. By working together, we can support responsible growth while preserving the history and sense of place that make our community unique

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? My approach is to prioritize projects that provide the greatest benefit to the most residents while planning for long-term sustainability. We carefully manage taxpayer dollars, using data-driven analysis to guide decisions and exploring grants or partnerships whenever possible to reduce costs. Transparency and accountability are central—residents should know how funds are spent and see real results. This approach ensures that River Falls maintains high-quality infrastructure and services now and for generations to come

Name one thing you feel the city and/or city council could do better. River Falls is a great place to live, but there are areas where we can do better. We need to expand affordable and flexible housing options for families and workers, so everyone can find a home that fits their needs. At the same time, investing in infrastructure, transportation, and connectivity—including safe walking and biking paths—will keep our city accessible and functional as we grow. We can also strengthen our downtown and local businesses, encouraging economic development that creates jobs while preserving our small-town character. Finally, promoting environmental sustainability ensures we protect green spaces, conserve resources, and maintain the natural beauty of our community for future generations. By focusing on these priorities, River Falls can grow responsibly while remaining a welcoming, vibrant, and livable city for all residents.

In one sentence, what makes the city worth investing in? It’s the people that make River Falls the best place to live.

How would you approach transparency and procedural clarity as a council member? As Mayor, I’ll keep doing the things I believe matter most—being open, clear, and easy to reach. I want people to know what’s happening at City Hall without having to dig for it, which is why I’ll continue sharing agendas, budgets, and proposals early and in plain language. I also think it’s important that people understand how decisions get made and when they can have a voice in the process. And just as important, I want to close the loop—so residents can see how their input shaped a decision or hear an honest explanation if it didn’t. At the end of the day, I want City Hall to feel straightforward and accessible. You shouldn’t have to “figure it out”—it should make sense and work for you

Why should you be elected? I work every day to represent all the citizens of River Falls. Local governance should never be about party politics, and I have stood firmly against that throughout my time as Mayor. I do not represent one side or the other—I serve the entire community. My focus is on providing the best possible public services, opportunities, and quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and calls River Falls home. I am proud of what we have built together. Our city has become a model for others around us, demonstrating how effective and responsible local government can be achieved. I will always answer questions from residents who reach out to me with honesty and transparency, knowing that not everyone will agree with every answer. Still, every voice deserves to be heard, and every concern deserves a response

How can people reach you? dantolandformayor@gmail.com

Alderperson at Large

Name: Melissa Mei Mei Abdouch

Previous elected offices: I have not held any elected offices

Occupation/profession: Owner - Mei Mei's Cookies & Creamery, Treasurer - Spirit of Grace Church

Briefly describe your educational background and any work or volunteer experience you believe prepares you for service on the city council. I have a BA in Business Administration from University of St. Thomas, 20+ years in accounting and international finance working with audits and regulatory agencies. I volunteer regularly with a number of agencies and throughout my community. I have received recognition and a national award for my volunteerism and dedication to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am president of the River Falls Business Leaders. We have more than 500 members and are hyper focused on River Falls businesses and nonprofits serving River Falls.

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Have you served on any boards or committees and if so, which ones? I am currently on the Parks and Rec Advisory Board, Bee City Committee, and River Falls Business Leaders Board. I have volunteered with ROX as a speaker at the middle school, Character Council at Westside Elementary, and I host scouts and classrooms for classes at the shop to learn about the science in baking and the importance of supporting your community as a local business owner.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the city? Why? What solutions would you propose? Housing - we need affordable housing, but not at the expense of it being built quickly, on smaller lots, and losing the small town feel River Falls is known for. If builders and developers are not willing to build or even give bids on properties that meet our needs at a price our citizens can afford, then we need to find alternative methods of building and push back to Washington through our reps and let them know that high costs of materials is preventing our city from growth. Transportation is another issue. I would like to explore the possibility of having a regular bus route through town and possibly to Hudson and/or Prescott.

What motivated you to run for this position? I was frustrated by the seemingly lack of engagement by the current council.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? First, by listening. Elected officials work for the people and there is always the possibility of learning something. Then, in the interest of transparency, talk through why a final decision is made.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth? We should be more conscientious about our growth. Do not be so hasty to accept just any bid. Look for alternative ways to develop areas without having to concede of lot sizes and green space. Consider architectural designs and enhancing our parks before they become overburdened.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? Prioritizing what is most needed and what can wait. Looking for alternative ways of funding.

Name one thing you feel the city and/or city council could do better. Transparency on how decisions are made.

In one sentence, what makes the city worth investing in? It's the people!

How would you approach transparency and procedural clarity as a council member? I would utilize social media more by posting agendas, reminders, and watch links to meetings on all social media platforms. Expand on the personable videos they currently post with informative ones on council topics.

Why should you be elected? I should be elected because I care about the city and its people, I do not find it necessary to continue with the "that's how it's done" routine, and I will stand by my convictions for what is best or our community.

How can people reach you? melissa.abdouch@gmail.com

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Name: Austin R. Mahanke

Prior elected offices: I have not.

Occupation/profession: Funeral Director Apprentice

Briefly describe your educational background and any work or volunteer experience you believe prepares you for service on the city council. I grew up in the Clark County area of Wisconsin and graduated from Spencer High School in 2012. After high school, I briefly attended Chippewa Valley Technical College, studying Human Resource Management, before realizing my path was better suited to hands on work and community engagement. My early work experience included positions in cheese production, welding, retail, and manufacturing at Andersen Windows. These roles gave me a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the value of hard work and teamwork. Through my church, St. Bridget’s, I was introduced to O’Connell Funeral Home, where I have now worked for nearly seven years. In my role as a funeral director apprentice, I meet with families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This work has shaped how I approach people and problems. It has taught me to listen first, avoid jumping to conclusions, and treat every situation with care, respect, and dignity.

I am also actively involved in the community through organizations such as the Beldenville Old Car Club and the River Falls Masonic Lodge. I have previously been involved with the Knights of Columbus and volunteered with the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust when I first moved to the area. These experiences, both professional and volunteer, have grounded me in service, empathy, and responsibility. I understand the importance of listening to people, working collaboratively, and making thoughtful decisions, and I would bring that same approach to serving on the City Council.

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Have you served on any boards or committees and if so, which ones? I have been actively involved in several local community and civic organizations. I most recently served on the Board of Directors for the Beldenville Old Car Club, where I helped support events and contribute to the direction of the organization. I have also served on several scholarship committees, where I was part of the process of reviewing applications and helping select recipients. I am also a member of the River Falls Masonic Lodge, where I have had opportunities to be involved in charitable efforts and community focused work. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of working with others, listening to different perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions that serve the broader community.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the city? Why? What solutions would you propose? One of the most pressing issues in River Falls is affordable housing. Right now, the average home price is in the mid $300,000 range, which is simply out of reach for many working families. Rental prices have also risen to a level that is difficult for small families, young people just starting out, and seniors on fixed incomes to afford. When people cannot afford to live in the community they work in, it affects everything from local businesses to schools to overall quality of life. It becomes harder to retain workers, support families, and maintain a strong and stable community. I believe the solution is to take a balanced and responsible approach to growth. This includes encouraging a wider range of housing options, such as starter homes and thoughtfully planned multi-family housing. The city should work with developers while also making sure growth fits the character of the community and existing infrastructure. It is also important to reduce unnecessary barriers to development while still maintaining standards that protect neighborhoods. Affordable housing is not about lowering quality. It is about creating opportunities for people at all stages of life to live and stay in River Falls. This issue is personal to me. I came to this area over a decade ago in a very difficult place in my life, including experiencing homelessness. Through hard work and the support of this community, I was able to rebuild, establish stability, and eventually become a homeowner here. That experience is a constant reminder to me of how important it is that people have real pathways to stability and a place to call home.

What motivated you to run for this position? Conversations I had with friends and community members who were frustrated with decisions being made by the current council. When I asked if they would consider running for office to help create change, I often heard responses like “No, I can’t do that” or “I’m just a nobody, what could I do?” Hearing that perspective was difficult, and it motivated me to step up and try to make a difference. It also comes from my own experience of building a life in this community over the past decade. I have seen firsthand how important it is for people to feel heard, included, and represented in local decision making. Because of that, I see running for City Council as an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much. It is important to me that people feel their voices matter and that they have a real way to be part of shaping the future of River Falls. It saddens me when individuals feel like they do not have a voice or that they cannot make a difference, and I want to help change that perspective by encouraging engagement and making local government feel more accessible.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? As a member of this community, I am familiar with how active local discussion can be, especially through social media, community pages, letters to the editor, and public meetings. I recognize that these spaces often reflect a wide range of opinions and strong emotions about local decisions. I understand that it is not possible to please everyone in every situation. That is simply a reality of public service. However, I believe the goal should always be to listen carefully, understand the concerns being raised, and look for solutions that serve the broader good of the community whenever possible. When issues are divided, I would focus on gathering as much input as possible, weighing the facts, and considering both short-term and long-term impacts. I believe in finding practical middle ground when it exists, but I also believe that compromise should not come at the expense of what is right for the community as a whole. I do not believe in simply going along with decisions for the sake of agreement or convenience. If I believe something is not in the best interest of the community, I will speak up and vote accordingly. My approach is to stay open to input, remain grounded in facts, and make decisions that are thoughtful, responsible, and in the long-term interest of River Falls.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth? One of the greatest strengths of River Falls is its small-town character. We are a city of over 17,000 residents, not including the university population during the school year, yet we have managed to retain a sense of identity and community that many places our size have lost. That is something worth protecting. As the city continues to grow, we need to be intentional and disciplined about how that growth is managed. Development should be directed to areas where infrastructure already exists or where long-term planning supports expansion. We should not be placing high density projects into established residential neighborhoods where they do not fit the character or scale of the area. At the same time, we should be strengthening and protecting what already makes River Falls unique. Our downtown is one of the strongest assets we have. The small businesses along Main Street are central to our identity and our local economy. Preserving that environment should remain a priority in every development decision we make. Responsible growth means making clear choices. It means saying yes to development in the right places, and being willing to say no when proposals do not align with the long-term vision for the community. It also means ensuring that River Falls does not lose its identity by becoming overly dependent on large scale commercial development that can be found anywhere. If we stay focused, plan wisely, and remain committed to protecting what makes this community special, we can grow without losing the small town feel that defines River Falls.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? I do not believe there is significant disagreement in the community about the need to maintain and invest in infrastructure. Reliable roads, utilities, public safety services, parks, transit, and community facilities are essential to quality of life and must be maintained as the city grows. The focus should be on planning ahead so that infrastructure keeps pace with development rather than falling behind it. My approach to funding these needs is built on transparency, prioritization, and long-term planning. Major infrastructure projects should be clearly identified, properly evaluated, and communicated to the public early in the process. Residents deserve to understand what is being proposed, why it is necessary, and what it will cost before decisions are finalized. Clear communication builds trust and reduces uncertainty. Fiscal responsibility also means making deliberate choices about priorities. Not every want can be funded at the same time, so the city must focus on essential services and long-term investments that protect the community’s stability and growth. City taxes have remained relatively stable in recent years and maintaining that consistency should remain a priority. When increases are necessary, they should be tied directly to clearly defined needs and supported by transparent justification that explains the long-term benefit to residents. Responsible fiscal management is not just about balancing a budget. It is about planning ahead, spending wisely, and ensuring residents can clearly see how and why their tax dollars are being used.

Name one thing you feel the city and/or city council could do better. I believe one area the city council could improve is how it engages and communicates with the community. While tools such as email, public comment, and formal meetings exist, they do not always provide the kind of open, two-way dialogue that residents are looking for. A stronger approach would be to expand opportunities for direct community engagement. This could include regular listening sessions in different parts of the city, informal meet and greet events with council members, and more proactive outreach on issues before decisions are finalized. The goal should be to meet people where they are and make it easier for residents to participate in the conversation. Improving communication in this way would help ensure that concerns are heard earlier in the process, allow for better understanding of community priorities, and ultimately lead to more informed and trusted decision making. Strong leadership is not just about making decisions, but about making sure people feel included in the process behind those decisions.

In one sentence, what makes the city worth investing in? River Falls is worth investing in because it is a premier community to live in and raise a family, and from the first time I drove into town over 10 years ago and saw the sign that said “Where life keeps getting better and better,” that message has continued to feel true every day since.

How would you approach transparency and procedural clarity as a council member? I believe the city council could improve transparency and procedural clarity by being more proactive and consistent in how information is shared with the public. During my door knocking for nomination signatures, I was surprised by how many residents were unaware of how city government operates, when meetings are held, or what the council does. There is an opportunity to strengthen communication by regularly sharing meeting times, agendas, decisions, and livestream information across multiple platforms, in addition to the city’s official website. Utilizing established communication channels such as Facebook and YouTube can help ensure that information reaches a broader range of residents in the ways they already receive news and updates. Improving communication and transparency is essential to building trust, increasing civic awareness, and ensuring residents feel informed, included, and connected to the decision-making process.

Why should you be elected? I believe people deserve transparency in their local government. Residents should know what their city is doing and why decisions are being made, and they should feel like they can reach out to their elected representative and be heard. I am not claiming to be perfect, but I am genuine, thoughtful, and committed to doing the job the right way. My focus is on listening, communicating clearly, and making decisions that reflect the best interest of the community. I am running on a commitment to responsible growth and local solutions. That means making decisions that are thoughtful, practical, and rooted in what works best for River Falls and the people who call it home. If you are looking for someone who will be accessible, honest, and focused on serving this community, I would be grateful for your support.

How can people reach you? I can be reached at almost any time by phone at 715-821-5946 or by email at austin_mahanke@hotmail.com. You can also connect with me through my Facebook page, “Austin Mahanke for Alderperson At-Large.” I will respond as promptly as possible, as I am currently running this campaign on my own and personally handling outreach and communication.

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Name: Lucas Roberts

Prior elected office(s): N/A

Occupation/profession: D&O/EPLI Practice Lead at Burns & Wilcox, a wholesale insurance brokerage specializing in management liability lines.

Briefly describe your educational background and any work or volunteer experience you believe prepares you for service on the city council. I have over eight years of experience in the professional liability insurance industry, where my work centers on reviewing contracts, analyzing policy language, and identifying the real-world consequences of what's being proposed or agreed upon. That's the same skill set a council member needs when evaluating ordinances, vendor agreements, and budgets — reading the fine print and understanding what it means for the people it affects. I'm also a contributing writer for the PLUS Blog and have published guest pieces in The D&O Diary, which has sharpened my ability to break down complex topics and communicate them clearly. Through Toastmasters International, I've developed skills in public speaking, leadership, and facilitating productive group discussions — all of which translate directly to council work.

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Have you served on any boards or committees and if so, which ones? I'm an active member of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), where I contribute monthly to their educational blog series and have participated in curriculum review for their Subject Matter Expert program.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the city? Why? What solutions would you propose? The most pressing issue is making sure we don't take for granted the position we're in. River Falls has a sustainable budget, a fire station renovation underway, forward-thinking housing policies, and a national reputation for renewable energy leadership. The risk isn't that we're doing something wrong — it's that we get complacent or lose fiscal discipline as growth accelerates. My focus would be on responsible stewardship: ensuring our levy increases stay within new growth revenue, making sure infrastructure investments are properly planned and funded through the Capital Improvement Plan, and continuing to diversify housing options so families at different stages of life can afford to stay in River Falls. The recently approved smaller lot sizes and ADU ordinance are good steps. We need to keep that momentum going without overextending.

What motivated you to run for this position? I love River Falls. My wife and I are raising our four kids here, and this is the community we've chosen to build our life in. When I was collecting signatures to get on the ballot, the most common thing I heard from people was that things are going pretty well — and I agree. I'm not running because I think everything is broken. I'm running because I think River Falls deserves council members who bring real-world analytical skills to the table and who will work to protect what we've built. My career has been built on reading the fine print that most people skip. I want to put that skill to work for my neighbors.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? I'd start by listening — actually listening, not just waiting for my turn to talk. In my career I've learned that most disagreements come down to people weighing the same facts differently based on what matters most to them. When the community is divided, my job as a council member is to understand what's driving each perspective, ask the right questions, and make a decision I can explain clearly and stand behind. I'm not going to make decisions based on who's loudest on Facebook. I'll look at the data, talk to the people affected, and vote based on what I believe serves the long-term health of the community — and I'll be transparent about why.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth? Growth and small-town character aren't mutually exclusive if you're intentional about it. The recent zoning changes — smaller lot sizes and ADUs — are a good example of doing this right. They allow more housing options without fundamentally changing what River Falls looks and feels like. I think the key is making sure growth pays for itself and that development serves the people who already live here, not just the people moving in. That means infrastructure keeps pace with new construction, that we protect green spaces and the Kinnickinnic corridor, and that we keep investing in the parks, trails, and downtown that give River Falls its identity. We can grow without losing who we are.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? River Falls already has strong fiscal policies in place — a biennial budget, a 40% minimum fund balance target, and a Capital Improvement Plan that maps out future needs. My approach is to protect and build on that framework, not reinvent it. Specifically, I'd want to make sure levy increases continue to stay within new growth revenue so that existing residents aren't shouldering the cost of expansion. The fire station remodel is a good model — the city secured $1.4 million in federal funding, kept the project scope disciplined, and the lowest bid came in under the engineer's estimate. That's how you do it. I'd bring the same kind of scrutiny to every major expenditure: What's the real cost? What are the alternatives? And who's paying for it?

Name one thing you feel the city and/or city council could do better. Communication. The city does good work, but I don't think enough residents know about it. The budget is sound, the fire station is finally being rebuilt, and we're a national leader in renewable energy — but most people I've talked to while canvassing aren't aware of the details. A council member should be a bridge between city hall and the community. I'd make it a priority to communicate clearly and regularly about what the council is doing and why.

In one sentence, what makes the city worth investing in? River Falls combines small-town livability with smart, sustainable growth — and the people here genuinely care about keeping it that way.

How would you approach transparency and procedural clarity as a council member? I'd approach it the same way I approach my work in insurance: read everything, ask questions, and make sure the people affected understand what's happening before decisions are made. Council agendas and supporting documents should be accessible and understandable to residents, not just insiders. If I can't explain a vote to my neighbor in plain language, I haven't done my homework.

Why should you be elected? I bring a skill set that's directly applicable to council work — eight years of reviewing contracts, analyzing risk, and parsing the downstream consequences of decisions. I'm not running on ideology or a personal agenda. I'm running because I love this community, I think it's headed in the right direction, and I want to help keep it there. I'll read the fine print, ask the hard questions, and always be straight with you about where I stand and why.

How can people reach you? Email: lucas.scott.roberts@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583772360352 Address: 438 N 8th St, River Falls, WI 54022

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Name: Rose Walker

Previous election positions: This is my first run for an elected office.

Occupation/profession: Office Manager/Small business Accountant

Briefly describe your educational background and any work or volunteer experience you believe prepares you for service on the city council. I have a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah. I have worked in small businesses in River Falls and Hudson for over 30 years. That experience helps me be nimble and also I am comfortable talking with lots of different people. Additionally, I am a residential landlord in River Falls. I volunteered frequently at Westside Elementary for years. I have been a youth soccer coach and team manager for many years. I volunteer at River Falls Days, Bacon Bash, Community Theatre and Music in the Park.

In what community/civic activities/organizations have you been involved? Have you served on any boards or committees and if so, which ones? I served on the board of Whole Earth Grocery for six years. I continue to serve as treasurer for Sharing Families Project since 2008.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in the city? Why? What solutions would you propose? Growth and affordability seem to be the most pressing issues in the City of River Falls. We are geographically close to the Twin Cities and yet River Falls maintains a unique character as a city. Balancing growth, affordability, city character and green space are timely issues. The city has a comprehensive plan to use as a guide. Being proactive in planning and devising solutions for growth and affordability should be agenda items here and across our country. River Falls has beautiful natural areas. I want to continue advocating for green space in our growing city. There is a quality of life and a sense of community here that we can strive to increase. Continuing to work on food insecurity, increasing mental health awareness and support, developing direct marketing options with local farmers in the surrounding townships, assessing affordable and senior housing solutions, supporting our River Falls schools and providing adequate public taxi services within the city. I advocate these strategies for resilience as a community.

What motivated you to run for this position? As a 35-year resident and as someone who loves this community, I feel compelled to step up during this current time. I see the growth in River Falls and I want to know who is benefiting and what our growth models as a city are. I will listen and work hard if elected.

Elected officials often faces strong public opinions on social media and at meetings. How would you approach decisions when the community is divided on an issue? I will listen to everyone to the best of my ability. I see serving on City Council as a large housekeeping job. There are many moving parts in running a city. I think we can work together, including working through differences. Actively listening, being transparent, having honest discussions with community involvement will be crucial to our future as a desirable city.

The area is rapidly developing and changing. How do you think the small-town feel of the city and its historical characteristics should be preserved while accommodating growth? We will need higher density housing for greater affordability, which the city has been addressing. Green space allocation is essential in new development projects. It's best to have housing that people are attracted to and want to call their own. This can set us apart from other cities. River Falls should continue to promote independent small businesses. We have a downtown space that adds character and encourages tourism. Let's build on that strength. We have many local, nonprofits to draw on and strengthen relationships with as well as UWRF and CVTC, our two local colleges. Thanks to community members and leaders we have a live music scene that attracts people to River Falls. Local establishments offer live music year-round, plus Music in the Park and River Falls Bluegrass Festival. I hope to engage more of the community to participate and spend money in local businesses.

What is your approach to funding critical infrastructure and service needs while ensuring responsible, sustainable fiscal management? River Falls is in decent shape regarding fiscal management. We need to maintain that discipline and have proactive planning for funding future projects. Applying for grants, keeping our city fleet well maintained, keeping River Falls municipal utilities strong and promoting our beautifully remodeled library to be utilized by our residents. Our new fire station will be another addition to River Falls. We need to be mindful of property taxes for residents.

Name one thing you feel the city and/or city council could do better. We could have a higher level of engagement with the community. Advertising community surveys and incentivizing the public to become more involved and informed, myself included. Encouraging public participation is optimal.

In one sentence, what makes the city worth investing in? River Falls has much to offer in terms of strong community, natural beauty, great location all of which can be enhanced by active community participation, hard work and smart planning for a resilient, functional and cooperative city.

How would you approach transparency and procedural clarity as a council member? Transparency is essential and needs to be maintained. Questions on procedure can and should be discussed. The city publishes council minutes and council meetings can be viewed online. Residents can comment on issues at any council meeting. This practice should be encouraged and continued.

Why should you be elected? I have a 35-year history in River Falls. I have time for this position, I love the city and I want to serve.

How can people reach you? I can be reached by email. RFalderperson@gmail.com. Thank you for your time.

Alderperson Ward 4

Name: Todd Bjerstedt*

Bjerstedt did not respond to the Journal’s emailed questionnaire.