To the Editor-

My name is Mary Kneebone and I am running for Stevens Point District 7 Alderperson. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself.

During the nine years I’ve lived in District 7, I’ve seen a lot of changes.  I also see some great opportunities for our district’s future.

We have a community that values its natural resource base in its Bird and Tree City designations. Many households and businesses recycle. Our residents are mindful of wellness and fitness and many utilize our parks and the Green Circle Trail.  Our downtown is on the rise.

We have two first class educational institutions in UWSP and Mid-State Technical College. The arts and local culture draw tourism to our city. All of these factors contribute to the high quality of life in Stevens Point which prompted me to return here for my retirement years.

As our business base grows, I feel I have the experience necessary to help shape the future of our District 7 neighborhood. I first came to Stevens Point as a resource management major at the College of Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point. I moved to Dallas, Texas, after obtaining a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning (Environmental Planning emphasis) from UW-Madison.

For five years I worked as a neighborhood planner for the City of Dallas Neighborhood Renaissance Partnership Program. As the primary liaison between the city and the residents, I learned firsthand how to make residents’ decisions become real improvements in their neighborhoods. My responsibilities included preparation of a monthly financial report which accounted for the approximately $30 million dollars allocated to the program.

I also bring to the table my experiences as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force. As a Vietnam-era veteran, I know the value of teamwork. We were not individuals doing jobs; we were a cohesive unit working for the common good. I am prepared to be a team player, willing to listen to varying points of view and then find win-win solutions.

I can relate to hard working folks who live paycheck to paycheck. I worked as a laborer at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Madison and as a barista for Starbucks for eight years. Finally, my experience as a non-profit executive has given me the opportunity to create and administer budgets and manage limited resources. As property manager for a Girl Scout Council in greater St. Louis and business manager for the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas, I know how to interface with the public to promote worthy programs.

I know that I will have ample time to serve as your representative as I will be retiring my position as executive director of the Portage County Literacy Council this April. I ask for your support on April 7th for smart growth and a sustainable future. And, when elected, this Kneebone will be connected to… you. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Mary Kneebone, Stevens Point