Candidate Profile: Peggy Huckabee, Fort Atkinson City Council

City Council candidate Peggy Huckabee

Age: 56.

Current occupation: Director of Finance and Administration.

Years of residence in Fort Atkinson: 20.

Education: Associate Degree, Marketing.

Prior political experience: Assisted with campaigns; first time candidate.

Reasons for seeking City Council position: “For many years, I've been called to be of service to my community. That service revolved events, involved with Meals on Wheels and chief cook and bottle washer for the annual free community Christmas dinner for the past 3 years. Now that my children have launched into their own lives, I've felt called in a different direction and have become increasingly interested in how our local, state and national governments work. It's been clear to me over the past 10+ years that the voice of the people appears to be heard less and less. At least that seems to be the perception as more and more resort to keyboard warriors as their civic involvement instead of direct involvement in areas that would have the most effect. For example, becoming involved in local issues and how they are resolved. Seeking out information on candidates and becoming an informed and engaged voter. I applied these steps to myself in the past few years and feel much more invested in my community which has led to my desire to become part of the solution.”

Most pressing issues facing the office/position of City Councilperson: Conditions or projects to improve, initiate, or complete: “There are three areas that I see as vital to the prosperity of our city: focus on increasing citizen involvement; intense financial stewardship; and innovating to promote continued growth and development of industry and housing.”

Unique perspectives brought to the office of City Councilperson: “My love for Fort Atkinson started in 2005. That year, my sister and her husband were considering moving here and suggested it to me as I was looking for a community that reflected my values as I raised my two children as a divorced single mother. I researched the most current census data and from those statistics understood Fort Atkinson to be a very stable community with an average income that would facilitate my ability to raise my family. After a guided tour from Mike & Tammy Foerster in the spring of that year, I fell in love with the schools, church, community involvement and the vitality of the city. It was well maintained, offered great community amenities and I found the people I met to be very welcoming. I'm committed to ensuring that we remain a community that encourages people to also choose Fort Atkinson to live and raise their families.”

Additional comments or insights for the public to know: “My professional experience in finding efficiencies to promote cost savings, employing an eager openness to innovative ideas, and streamlining of systems for those I've had the pleasure of working for, will serve Fort Atkinson well if I'm elected. It's time for change and electing new candidates will bring a new perspective to keep our city vital and innovative and I look forward to the opportunity to serve.”