Bill Baker For Sun Prairie

Neighborhood Warning: Watch out For Quick Change Artist.

While Santiago Rosas may present himself as a candidate for change, it is important to critically assess his promises and capabilities. Anyone can criticize and offer vague statements about change, but it takes someone truly ingrained in the community, who has built relationships with its people, possesses a deep understanding of its history, and has hands-on experience and the capability to present a well-thought-out plan that will help the city THRIVE. I am that Candidate!

Initially, his proposal to increase police staffing fails to tackle the underlying reasons behind the shortage of officers in our city. Chief Steffes acknowledges the difficulties in recruiting and retaining officers, yet it is unacceptable that Sun Prairie officers are lured away by larger salary offers from the Dane County Sheriff's Department or Madison Police Department. It is crucial to recognize that this is not a criticism of the officers themselves and I advocate for fair compensation for them based on their merits. However, it is vital to consider the financial burden on the city in terms of training and preparing officers for active duty on our streets. This issue extends beyond Sun Prairie, prompting me to engage with our state Representative Melissa Ratcliff during the campaign with a plan and to initiate discussions on how her office could address this costly problem.

When it comes to backing small businesses, I place my trust in the robust network and connections fostered by the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is committed to providing comprehensive support to small businesses, aiding them in every aspect of their operations and expansion. As a Chamber Ambassador, I've personally witnessed the positive impact of this support on the growth of small businesses in our community.

Certainly, there will be instances where businesses may close their doors, merge with larger entities, or transition due to retirement or other reasons. However, this is a natural part of the business cycle, and it does not detract from the ongoing efforts to bolster and sustain our local small business ecosystem. Through continued collaboration with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, we can ensure that our small businesses have the resources and support they need to thrive in both good times and challenging ones.

Furthermore, Rosas’s notion of transitioning from the “old” Sun Prairie to the “new” Sun Prairie could be seen as divisive and neglectful of the city’s history and existing neighborhoods. Plus, I believe it gives a clear indication that my opponent has no connection or understanding of the City history. This is another example of a per Change for the sake of change may not always be beneficial, especially if it disregards the needs and perspectives of all residents.

It is essential for voters to scrutinize candidates’ platforms and ensure that their proposed changes are comprehensive, inclusive, and truly beneficial for all constituents, not just certain sectors of the community. I have the tools and plans to help Sun Prairie thrive and with your vote for Bill Baker on April 2nd, we will hit the ground running.