APPLETON - Eight candidates are competing to become Appleton's next mayor and assume oversight of the city's $190 million budget and more than 600 employees.

The candidates are Eric J. Beach, Marsha Brewer, James E. Clemons, Chad Doran, Dana Johnson, Robin Kettleson, Mark Todd and Jake Woodford.

As part of The Post-Crescent’s coverage of the mayoral race, the candidates were asked to complete a questionnaire to explain why they're running for office, what makes them the better candidate and how they would address the most important issues facing the city. The Post-Crescent asked the candidates to respond by email and to include a photo of themselves.

Six of the candidates — Beach, Clemons, Doran, Johnson, Todd and Woodford —complied.

Kettleson didn't respond by email but left voice messages saying he doesn't own a computer. His answers to the questionnaire were gathered from previous reporting and information in his voice messages.

Brewer said she also doesn't own a computer and sent her answers by mail. She declined to provide a photo of herself, suggesting instead that The Post-Crescent publish a photo of a Persian cat as her election picture.

All of the candidates' responses are published below.

A forum for the candidates will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Appleton Public Library, 225 N. Oneida St.

A primary election will be held Feb. 18 to narrow the field to two candidates. They will advance to the April 7 general election.

Incumbent Mayor Tim Hanna didn't seek re-election after a record 24 years in office. Hanna hasn’t endorsed any candidate and doesn’t intend to do so.

“I trust the people to make a good choice,” he told The Post-Crescent. “There are good people running. It’s up to the citizens to choose the best person out of that field to take over this office when I’m done.”

For information about registering to vote and polling locations, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website at myvote.wi.gov/en-us/.

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Eric J. Beach

Address: 1500 E. Longview Drive

1500 E. Longview Drive Age: 42

42 Occupation: Owner and founder of Beach House (apartments) and Free Market Education (skill-sharing platform)

Owner and founder of Beach House (apartments) and Free Market Education (skill-sharing platform) Highest education level: Studied at Troy State University, Columbus Technical College and U.S. Army schools

Studied at Troy State University, Columbus Technical College and U.S. Army schools Relevant experience: 21 years of experience in the U.S. Army, managing and operating a complex organization

Why are you running for office?

I am a leader. A leader shows, teaches and notifies. Leaders lift people; they do good for the people they lead. They give people their best. People watching, learning, being provided for are receiving leadership. If you teach, provide, care for family, work, build, resolve, guide and challenge, you have good leadership traits. I stand behind my leaders. If you’re a community leader, I want you. You’ve got my attention. I'm an action-oriented person. I go to the heart of the issue. I engage in meaningful discussion and try to develop thoughtful solutions. Big, complex problems need big, complex leaders.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

My experience in managing complex, municipal-like organizations is unmatched in this election. I have a proven track record. I can show the voters my military commendations of “excellence” and “among the best” in the areas of logistics, maintenance, operations, human resources, health, fleet management, property accountability, program management, budget planning management and overview, information management, training programs and management systems, facilities, mission execution and planning. Beach House and Free Market Education are other examples of my exemplary management and selfless service mindset, and success. My resume is as impressive as that of the sitting mayor in many ways.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

The issues are as diverse as our culture. People want to be safe, have adequate resources available and want to be heard in their time of need. They want low crime and more affordable housing options. They want our environment and resources protected, more bus options, a better library, better parking, lower taxes and less waste. I will address each person’s concern. I will examine the most impactful issues first. I will examine the resource cost of each issue and weigh it against the social impact that initiative would result in. Our highest social payoff initiatives will get the highest priority.

Marsha Brewer

Address: 1617 W. Lorain Court

1617 W. Lorain Court Age: 70

70 Occupation: Former teacher

Former teacher Highest education level: Law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; master's degree in education from UW-Oshkosh; bachelor's degree in education from UW-Madison

Law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; master's degree in education from UW-Oshkosh; bachelor's degree in education from UW-Madison Relevant experience: Alderman (1990-92); ran for mayor in 1992 and 1996

Why are you running for office?

I have pragmatic and creative ideas about topics of concern to others in Appleton. I want to give my ideas. I think I made a difference in the past. I still have the passion to do it. I enjoyed working as alderman for one term in the past. A major reason to run is that I am interested in keeping the library in the current location and expanding it and in keeping the bus center nearby. I studied housing issues and advocated for affordable, owner-occupied housing in central Appleton. I care about keeping the property tax as low as possible.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I had one term as alderman, so I’m familiar with the committee system and what city departments can do. I had more education than the other candidates, including a law degree, but I’m not licensed as an attorney, so I cannot give legal advice to people. I audited classes in the master’s degree in public administration program at UW-Oshkosh after noticing several prior mayoral candidates had the MPA degree. I had a lot of education and know a lot of stuff about stuff. I’m 70 years old, which may give me good judgment, patience and respect for others.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Why did my property tax go up? Is the library moving? Many people want the library to stay in its current location with access to bus transport. They also want a new or remodeled library. I believe there’s a shortage of affordable housing for low-income people in Appleton. Cost and location of parking ramps is a concern. People asked about the tax incremental financing district for Bluff Site 1 and 2 and U.S. Venture. Some people don’t want bike lanes to reduce parking on their street. My neighbors are concerned about drug use, drinking and bad language in the park.

James E. Clemons

Address: 4909 Redcrested Court

4909 Redcrested Court Age: 62

62 Occupation: Senior account executive for Advocate Aurora

Senior account executive for Advocate Aurora Highest education level: Associate degree in police science from Fox Valley Technical College; associate degree from UW-Fox Valley; two years of study in business finance and economics at UW-Green Bay

Associate degree in police science from Fox Valley Technical College; associate degree from UW-Fox Valley; two years of study in business finance and economics at UW-Green Bay Relevant experience: Appleton alderman for 20 years, including two terms as Common Council president; member of the Apple Creek YMCA Board of Directors. In my profession, I have worked with many top hospital systems in measuring quality and efficiency, with the goal being better outcomes.

Why are you running for office?

I am a lifelong Appleton resident. I graduated from Appleton East and met my wife, Lisa (Appleton West), here, and we chose to raise our family (Tyler, McKenzie) in Appleton. I have been involved in the community my entire life and would love the opportunity to give something substantial back. Appleton is a great place to grow up and raise a family. As mayor, I will work very hard to ensure the quality of life in Appleton continues to foster a safe, accepting, growing community for present and future generations. We owe them that, and I owe it to Appleton.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

My 20 years on council and knowledge of how the system works is an essential asset. I have the experience of holding an elected office and the leadership of being elected by my peers as two-time council president. I have the experience of going through 20 budgets, and I know the complexity involved. I have the experience of knowing what your elected officials on council need to make well-informed, long-term financial decisions that have major impacts on the Appleton taxpayer. With Appleton’s ongoing opportunities and limited taxpayer dollars in mind, my experience and leadership are needed now more than ever.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

The top issue will always be prioritized spending of limited taxpayer dollars. The budget is a dynamic, year-round process with constant follow-up and verification needed as projects are completed, deleted or changed in progress, and the council needs to be kept in the loop. We must keep in mind those on fixed incomes when making spending decisions. Council must have all options available to them, have a thorough debate and then leave a trail for those who come after us. Planned growth, tempered with disciplined good judgment, is needed to increase the tax base while protecting established neighborhoods.

Chad Doran

Address: 3701 S. Johann Drive

3701 S. Johann Drive Age: 41

41 Occupation: Communications coordinator for Appleton

Communications coordinator for Appleton Highest education level: Bachelor’s degree in radio/TV/film from UW-Oshkosh

Bachelor’s degree in radio/TV/film from UW-Oshkosh Relevant experience: More than five years with the city of Appleton working with all departments and staff; certification in strategic planning from Texas Christian University

Why are you running for office?

Appleton’s mayor leads the day-to-day operations of the city, and we need a calm, steady leader who understands the role of local government and how it functions. I know the priorities of our residents because I hear from them every day in my role with the city and in conversations I’ve had in neighborhoods throughout the city during the campaign. I’m running because Appleton has always been an affordable, family-friendly community, and I will ensure it stays that way by prioritizing spending on the quality-of-life issues that matter most to our residents: public safety and infrastructure.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I’ve been recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in local government in the country every year since 2016. I’ve created and lead programs for the city that are copied by local governments around the country. I have advanced training in strategic planning, and I lead by listening to residents to ensure we are focused on the priorities of our community. I work with our departments daily and understand what they do and why. I see the day-to-day management of the organization, and I see the areas where our staff excels and where we can most improve.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Our residents want a safe community with public safety departments that are proactive, not reactive, and they want quality roads and infrastructure for all forms of transportation throughout the city. Those quality-of-life issues of public safety and infrastructure will require reducing spending in other areas of the budget — cuts that I will gather feedback from our residents on and work with our staff to achieve. That’s how we ensure the city’s priorities match the expectations of our residents and fulfill our mission of meeting the needs of the community and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.

Dana Johnson

Address: 915 N. Rankin St.

915 N. Rankin St. Age: 38

38 Occupation: Social worker and human services director

Social worker and human services director Highest education level: Master's degree in social work

Master's degree in social work Relevant experience: (No answer)

Why are you running for office?

Appleton is at a pivotal point in how we continue to thrive as a community. Our attention must turn to the economic opportunity to foster growth by keeping our current young professionals from leaving our city and attract new professionals. I am running for office because Appleton deserves a mayor with leadership experience who can keep moving Appleton forward. My heart, my home and business are rooted in Appleton. My experience is in public service, listening, humbled in the service of others. I will improve transparency, communication and lead the city’s departments and staff in the right direction.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

My lived experience, education and professional skills set me apart and will best serve Appleton. I have an expanded worldview of how municipalities function and societies prosper having traveled, lived and worked in multiple states, counties and foreign countries. I have 10 years of leadership experience in county community social work and small-business ownership, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and supervising a large team of employees. I am a proven, energetic, positive, transparent leader who listens and takes heart-forward action to improve communities. I have a clear vision for the future of Appleton.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Infrastructure, economic development, taxes and a great place for families top the list. Lowering the tax burden on residents begins with economic development. This includes enhancing tourism, manufacturing, retail and small businesses. We will grow our tax base in offering more affordable housing. Enhancing access to and activities on the Fox River, for all budgets, and riverside improvements will increase revenue. We must look beyond downtown and create a cultural district on Wisconsin Avenue. We need to focus our strategic plan, with young professionals at the forefront, to keep families here instead of seeking out larger cities to call home.

Robin Kettleson

Address: 208½ E. College Ave.

208½ E. College Ave. Age: 61

61 Occupation: Shipper for Printron

Shipper for Printron Highest education level: Bachelor's degree in physical education and coaching from Winona State University; associate degree from UW-Fox Valley

Bachelor's degree in physical education and coaching from Winona State University; associate degree from UW-Fox Valley Relevant experience: Ran for mayor as a write-in candidate in 2008; campaigned as a write-in candidate in 2012

Why are you running for office?

I am the top candidate in the field, and I’m the only candidate who’s going to get anything done. The rest of the candidates are just going to talk about generalities. I’m the only candidate who has specific projects that I’m going to do. That’s why I’m running for mayor because if I’m not mayor, those projects will not get done, and we won’t have the only elementary-level disc golf course (discussed below) in the city of Appleton. I’m also going to fix the Telulah Park disc golf course.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I’m the most qualified individual in the race. I’ve been a leader my whole life. In my report cards, even when I was a little kid, teachers would always go, “Yeah, that guy leads. He’s a leader. All of the rest of the kids look up to him.” I was captain of the basketball team at Appleton West. I’ve always been a leader in that regard and in physical fitness and in health. I’ve run the Fox Cities Marathon. I’ve got a posted time of 3 hours, 45 minutes.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

I’ve lived in affordable housing in downtown Appleton for 30 years. We’re going to get more affordable housing, and that includes actual houses and apartment living in Appleton in general. I designed an 18-basket elementary-level disc golf course at Erb Park. That will go up this summer after I’m elected mayor. I also designed an 18-basket disc golf course at Pierce Park with two levels of tee play, with an inner trail and a bypass trail network. I’m going to get a new festival in the spring called the Apple Blossom Festival. It will be the third Saturday in May.

Mark Todd

Address: 149 S. Walter Ave.

149 S. Walter Ave. Age: 54

54 Occupation: Independent representative in merchant services

Independent representative in merchant services Highest education level: Bachelor's degree in interpersonal communications and professional speaking from Marquette University

Bachelor's degree in interpersonal communications and professional speaking from Marquette University Relevant experience: More than 20 years working in the banking industry, including speaking with 20 to 40 business owners daily; three years of missionary experience, including serving homeless and low-income individuals

Why are you running for office?

I’m running to serve our community by making positive differences in our society and to help the city of Appleton prosper and grow. My experience in negotiating with business owners would help make this growth a reality. In addition, I can relate to the needs of a broad spectrum of individuals and families, for example, through helping with the care of my own elderly parents; raising a large family and utilizing a wide variety of local schools for their education; and having close, personal and professional relationships with individuals from a broad spectrum of economic, cultural and vocational backgrounds.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I am a financial conservative. I am strongly committed to helping to decrease the burden our taxpayers are carrying. I understand and see a great deal of government waste. I am concerned about those in the city of Appleton on fixed incomes. If property taxes continue to rise, they will eventually not be able to pay their property taxes and be in danger of losing their homes. I am the only candidate who is promising to lower property taxes during the first year in office. I want to help continue keeping Appleton one of the best cities to live in.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Property taxes going up again: I would decrease government waste and also put certain projects on hold until we have the money in hand, versus increasing property taxes once again to pay for the projects. Ugly art: I believe public art should be beautiful and uplift the soul. Potholes in our streets: I would find out what causes repair delays to speed up the process. Assisting the homeless: Finding homes for the homeless is something dear to my heart, and I have experience in accomplishing this.

Jake Woodford

Address: 267 River Drive

267 River Drive Age: 29

29 Occupation: Secretary to the board of trustees and assistant to the president at Lawrence University. My current title is special assistant to the president to reflect changed responsibilities, including recusal from all city-university matters during my mayoral candidacy.

Secretary to the board of trustees and assistant to the president at Lawrence University. My current title is special assistant to the president to reflect changed responsibilities, including recusal from all city-university matters during my mayoral candidacy. Highest education level: Bachelor's degree in government from Lawrence University

Bachelor's degree in government from Lawrence University Relevant experience: Senior administrator in a $70 million-a-year enterprise responsible for board governance, institutional real estate and major project coordination with many departments of the city of Appleton; member of the Appleton Redevelopment Authority

Why are you running for office?

I’m running for mayor of Appleton because I love and believe in this community. Through my work with the city of Appleton representing Lawrence University, itself like a small city, I have engaged deeply with major departments of city government on complex issues. Through this experience, I’ve seen the role the city plays in our daily lives and local economy firsthand. I’ve also seen opportunities for continued progress. It’s important for Appleton to be an affordable, safe and welcoming community, and I want to do my part to see that it is.

What makes you the better candidate in this race?

I trust my neighbors to decide on the right person to lead our community. The Appleton my wife and I call home today is the result of the hard work and investment of generations of people from all walks of life who’ve shared a desire to live well. Through my deep roots here, spanning four generations of my family, I have a unique understanding of the wide range of perspectives of the people of Appleton. We need a mayor who can help Appletonians connect across generations and differences to move us forward, and I have the ability to do that.

What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?

Overall, I’m heartened by how positively neighbors feel about our community. While significant projects and taxes come up frequently, the broader theme is communication. Residents don’t feel well-informed about what’s happening in their city. They want to know more about the decisions that affect their lives and the work Appleton is doing to serve them. As mayor, I’ll prioritize being accessible by holding open office hours frequently and hosting public meetings out in the community on the budget and other important topics. I’m committed to bringing the table to our residents, rather than expecting them to come to mine.

Contact Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DukeBehnke.