By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — The 2018 Primary is just around the corner, and we sat down with District 8 candidate Lynn Schulist, as she vies for a spot in April for the general election.

A fifth-generation Wisconsin resident, the 37-year-old Schulist holds a B.A. from UWSP, an MBA from the University of Liverpool and was a graduate of Rosholt High School. As a mother of a teenager at SPASH with a successful full-time career in marketing, the ambitious primary candidate seeks to take to city issues from not only a different lens, but a younger one.

Schulist has spent much of her time on the campaign going door-to-door and meeting with residents face-to-face to speak with constituents on the issues that matter to them. When asked what she’s heard from constituents most that affect them, it’s the issue of higher property taxes in the city that seem to be constant.

What are the Biggest Issues Facing Stevens Point?

“What I hear a lot from residents in District 8 are taxes — there was the re-assessment, and it’s been 13 years since the last assessment, so there’s been some big jumps. There’s been some capital expenditures coming up, and I believe in fiscal responsibility and making sure our dollars our spent wisely. Ensuring that we’re prioritizing things with ‘needs versus wants’ is a big thing for me.”

Aside from addressing the issue of higher property taxes, Schulist also wants to continue the growth that the area has already seen. According to Mayor Wiza, Stevens Point has seen $103 million in growth in 2017, however, Schulist would like to see this growth in more areas.

“I also want to promote growth — we’ve had a lot of growth from existing companies in the area, however, while we would want them to continue to grow, it’s also important to look at it externally and bring in some new employers in the area. With that, you’re growing your tax base and that can offset and lower our taxes, or prevent future increases in taxes.”

Another issue Schulist pointed out was the rampant problem of opiate addiction that is affecting the area, and the nation as a whole. Quite simply, she sees this issue as one that requires a little more police in the area and “more boots on the street”. Schulist also highly advocates for the addition of a K-9 unit to the Stevens Point Police Department as “an important piece to the puzzle.”

What Will You Bring to City Government?

“One key skill-set I have is perception, and understanding that perception is everything. Not only personally in how I present myself, but how does the city and council present themselves? I would want to be a leader in that space, in addition to working with the departments.”

Schulist notes that she has met with various heads of city government simply to gauge and learn more about what they do, and the challenges before them. Schulist seeks to promote as much collaboration as possible with city heads, and with her marketing background understands the importance of perception.

Your Vision for Stevens Point?

“I want to see sustainable growth that makes sense. I don’t want to see much more borrowing — we’re going to get a point where we’re going to price ourselves out from a tax structure and people might think it’s too expensive to live in Stevens Point. “I want to think more long-term how to make Stevens Point a more sustainable and vibrant community that people want to live in.”

Why Should Residents Cast Their Vote For You?

“I’ve been successful in the private sector for the last 15 years and have been able to build a lot of skill-sets; like managing multi-million dollar budgets for efficiency and how to most effective spend dollars to get the biggest return on investment. We need younger leaders stepping up in government because nobody lives forever. Who is going to learn how to do this and who is going to take over? You need a diversity of backgrounds, from public and private sector, young and old, parents and non-parents; you name it — and I feel that our council currently is not diverse enough. I think having that fresh perspective is an advantage and will bring in sound judgement and deep critical thinking skills.”

The District 8 primary will be held on Feb. 20 between incumbent Cathy Dugan, and challengers Lynn Schulist and Allan Prosser. Two will advance to the general elected held on April 3.