For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Mary McComb has begun campaigning for a third term as District 9 Alder.

McComb’s civic involvement started long before she was recruited for the position in 2015. She served on the Portage County Library Board of Trustees, spoke out for preserving historical properties, and led in planning the Schierl Family Dog Park.

Having worked at Stora Enso, Travel Guard, UWSP, the Springs Methodist Church, and in her shop Sugar Doll, McComb deeply appreciates her hometown.

“It’s been great to meet and work with City staff, elected colleagues, and, most of all—my neighbors. I am grateful for their trust.” said McComb.

McComb has led in Stevens Point’s efforts to monitor and improve its sustainability. Her summary of City environmental progress since 2008’s “A Path to a Sustainable Point” Ecomunicipality report enabled Stevens Point’s Green Tier Legacy Community status.

“We are systematically tracking our environmental ‘scores’ to do our part to mitigate climate change,” said McComb. “This year the City will focus on measuring and reducing the City’s fossil fuel consumption.”

Throughout her service, McComb has supported policies to advance Stevens Point’s economy and livability. She has advocated for infill development and modern street design. She points out that “Contemporary infill housing; modern streets designed for walkers, bicyclists, and people who use mobility aids, as well as cars; appeal to potential employers and employees alike.” She cites the residential development on the Grant School site as one example.

McComb continues to support affordable senior and workforce housing near Downtown, as well as grants and loans to help working- and middle-class homeowners repair or renovate their homes.  She also would like to see Stevens Point be proactive in recognizing and addressing issues connected with an increasingly diverse population. She backed the Fair Housing ordinance to protect people who are transgender.

“All Stevens Pointers deserve respect, fairness, safety, and equity,” McComb states.

Her work on Bicycle –Pedestrian Street Safety Commission;  Boards of Park Commissioners and Public Works; Deer Management,  Finance , Personnel, and Public Protection Committees; Municipal Court Oversight Commission;  and the Transportation Commission have enhanced McComb’s understanding of the complexities of municipal leadership.

One such challenge is keeping valuable City employees. Elected in 2018 as Personnel Committee Chair,  Alder McComb has spoken up for fair compensation for City workers.

“Every time I hear our snowplows or waste collection trucks rumble down the street, I think of our skilled drivers and other employees and how we must reward their work appropriately.”

She voiced this belief in discussions that resulted in a realignment of the streets department and a COLA for City workers.

McComb intends to continue advocating for the kind of strategic investment that has resulted in new growth. “I’m proud to serve on a Council that has made evidence-based, purposeful decisions that are financially sound and add to residents’  quality of life.”