The Press emailed a candidate questionnaire to the two candidates running for the District 1 alder seat on the City of Verona Common Council: Brandon Braithwaite and Lachlann Swanson.
The District 1 seat is the only contested race in Verona’s upcoming April election, with a term of two years. Current District 1 Alder Chad Kemp filed for noncandidacy after three terms. He was appointed to the Dane County Board of Supervisors in September and is running unopposed for reelection this spring.
Candidates were required to limit their responses to 50 words, with the exception of one question where they could write up to 100 words. Responses may have been trimmed to meet word requirements.
Brandon Braithwaite
Braithwaite
Biographical Information
Age: 42
Years in Verona: Four
Education: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Construction Management
Occupation: Project Engineering Manager at Dane County Public Works
Family: Loyda Braithwaite (wife of 14 years), Ayla (daughter, age 10) and Hahmi (daughter, age seven).
Political Experience: Former vice president and current secretary of Verona Area International School; Current appointee to Verona’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission
Notable Affiliations: Returned Peace Corps volunteer (Panama)
Essay Questions
Q: Why are you running for the City of Verona Common Council?
A: “I’m running for Common Council because I’m dedicated to public service and I feel my personal, professional and life experiences can contribute to the council and our stakeholders. I am proud to say I live in Verona, and my energy is focused on making Verona work for everyone.”
Q: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the City of Verona today, and how will you address them?
A: “Affordable housing is a national crisis not unique to Verona, and I support our council’s bravery in pursuing creative strategies. Secondly, development pressures continue to be strong, which is great, but I will deliberate in those considerations. Lastly, we must continually invest in infrastructure and scale city services appropriately.”
Q: Verona is growing quickly. How do you think the city should approach new developments?
A: “I support the mayor’s initiative to amend our Comprehensive Plan. I believe with our new city administrator, director of planning and development and director of public works, along with citizen advisors, we have a unique opportunity in 2024 to establish our growth plan through a collaborative process.”
Q: Verona, like many communities across Wisconsin, is facing a shortage of affordable housing. How do you plan on addressing this?
A: “Although housing costs in Verona are high, we are fortunate to have leaders who are dedicated to doing what they can to help alleviate this complicated national crisis. Several unique solutions have been presented recently, and conversations and initiatives are underway with peer communities to offer innovative resources.”
Q: In what ways will you represent City of Verona residents in your decision-making?
A: “As a municipal civil engineer, I have 18 years of experience witnessing that decisions have public intended and unintended consequences. I encourage our stakeholders to voice their opinions so that I can listen and learn and evaluate all feedback. Solutions won’t immediately be perfect but should always march towards progress.”
Q: How will you work to make Verona a better place, for both current residents and future generations?
A: “I want to work to ensure Verona works for everyone. That is why I am running and dedicated my energy and expertise. But I also realize that a ‘better place’ has different definitions for different stakeholders, thus compromise is paramount.”
Lachlann Swanson
Swanson
Biographical Information
Age: 29
Years in Verona: Four
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, German and International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Occupation: Substitute teacher in the Verona Area School District
Family: Lindsey Tyson (partner of five years) and Cat (two-year old golden retriever)
Political Experience: I was engaged in student government in college and have volunteered with a couple of campaigns since graduating
Notable Affiliations: I am endorsed by Chad Kemp, who held this seat prior to my campaign, Mike Bare, the State Assembly Representative for the 80th District, and the Dane County Democrats
Essay Questions
Q: Why are you running for the City of Verona Common Council?
A: “I am running for Common Council to promote and facilitate responsible, deliberate and progressive action in my community. Verona’s growth and prosperity gives it the opportunity to do great things for those of us who live here, and I believe local government has a responsibility to follow through on that.”
Q: What do you believe are the top three issues facing the City of Verona today, and how will you address them?
A: “My top two issues are housing and economic development, which are addressed below. Issue number three is sustainability. As Verona grows, we need to respect our local ecosystems and think long term. We should be planting trees, maintaining and even expanding parks and acting as ethical, responsible stewards of local biodiversity.”
Q: Verona is growing quickly. How do you think the city should approach new developments?
A: “New development is a necessity for Verona. People are excited to live and work here, and we should be finding ways to take advantage of that energy to encourage civic identity. In particular, we should attract businesses that provide ‘third places’ – centers of community outside of the home or workplace.”
Q: Verona, like many communities across Wisconsin, is facing a shortage of affordable housing. How do you plan on addressing this?
A: “Housing construction, like the newer development south of town and the new apartment units along Main Street, are a good direction. We should explore modifying zoning rules to make that kind of development more accessible. I also think the city should investigate securing and developing municipally-owned and managed workforce housing.”
Q: In what ways will you represent City of Verona residents in your decision-making?
A: “In particular, my work with the school district means I want to put educational concerns highly. I would hope to cultivate that relationship between the Common Council and our educators and support staff. Education-related jobs are eight percent of our local workforce and a healthy community takes educational interests seriously.”
Q: How will you work to make Verona a better place, for both current residents and future generations?
A: “Verona’s proximity to Madison means it is going to continue growing, and while organic growth is straightforward, it can result in long-term issues. I want to help shape a Verona that is an inclusive, positive, responsive community. Verona can be a city that meets all its citizens’ needs while also creating robust pathways for future development. The best way for us to make a better Verona is to listen carefully to what people say are issues now while anticipating future questions on topics like climate change and even more population growth.”
