The Greater Whitewater Committee hosted a special candidate meet and greet Feb. 12, giving members of the Whitewater community an opportunity to connect one-on-one with candidates running in the April election. The event was designed to provide voters with a better understanding of where each candidate stands on local issues.

The evening began with a half-hour social period, allowing candidates to talk with one another and with members of the public in a more informal, relaxed setting. After the social hour, the event organizers asked each candidate to move to their assigned table. From there attendees moved between tables while candidates were given six minutes to introduce themselves, outline their priorities and answer questions before the next rotation.

Among the candidates in attendance was Stephanie Hicks, who is running for a second term as president on the Whitewater Unified School District Board. Hicks stated that many changes were made within the past school year.

“We’re adopting brand new policies and we’re also working on safety,” Hicks said.

Also present was Sean Liebherr, a University of Wisconsin-Whitewater freshman and a candidate for the city’s District 2 seat. District 2 consists of wards 9 and 10, where 90 percent of Whitewater’s university student population lives. Liebherr worked for the Wisconsin State Assembly as a state representative and has been active in the Whitewater Student Government. During his time in student government he strongly advocated for campus safety, specifically advocating for women’s safety when walking alone.

Liebherr said his priorities include addressing budgeting concerns, strengthening relationships between the community and campus and expanding job opportunities for students.

“I think getting good jobs and experience will help students build resumes and pay off debt,” Liebherr said.

Aubrey Thompson, a candidate for the at-large city council position, also spoke with attendees. Unlike district seats, an at-large position is elected by voters across the entire city and isn’t restricted to one district.

Thompson said she began attending city hall meetings last year and was shocked by how many important questions she felt were not being asked. She realized that the public only got a limited time to discuss during meetings, so not everything was getting said.

When asked about her priorities, Thompson explained that property taxes are too high.

“Property taxes are exorbitantly high and wages aren’t going up,” Thompson said. “I would like to see houses being built that people can afford with the wages that we’re currently making.”

She would also like to attract more businesses to Whitewater that are open to offering higher wages.

The event concluded with additional time to talk informally, allowing voters to further discuss the topics that matter the most. As the April ballot approaches, events like this aim to help members of the community make informed decisions that can strengthen the community.