Op-Ed
Jan 15, 2024, 2:03 PM CST
“Why are you running for Mayor?” It’s the first of many questions asked of Wausau mayoral candidate and current council member Doug Diny while live on air with Chad Holmes, host of The Chad Holmes Show on Bull Falls Radio WXCO 1230 AM, 98.9 FM, and via the Civic Media app.
Holmes includes a question regarding the positives and negatives about actually running for office. “What is this experience like?” Holmes asks. “There’s positives and negatives and how do you negotiate it?”
“This is the story of my life,” Diny says. “I’ve been on the outside looking in, and I’ve been wanting to get involved. So, I’m on the council and try to listen to all sides, but feedback is telling me, I’m too tough on the current mayor. Yet, I believe we are competing for ideas. What are the issues? What are we doing about these issues? I want to continue taking this approach without feeling like anyone is being personally attacked.”
As the conversation continues, Holmes says, “You lean conservative. What does this mean to you related to public policy and how you live your life?”
“I’m concerned about issues as much as anyone else, but with the idea of effective, efficient government services.”
Doug Diny
“Some say I should be a progressive conservative,” Diny says. “I’m concerned about issues as much as anyone else, but with the idea of effective, efficient government services.”
One example from Diny, is the Citizens for Clean Wausau organization and its meetings about clean and less costly water.
“Some people look at me like what is he doing at this meeting or why does he care about this issue,” Diny says. “I’m concerned as a resident and council member, too. But I also want to lean on limited, efficient, effective government. Still, depending on the issues, as a leader, you may need to be more involved.”
Diny shares a story related to Riverside Park of Wausau. It’s where the city has been accused of being a responsible party in the contamination of a public water area. Diny says hazardous warning signs were supposed to be posted around it months ago. And residents wanted to know why it was taking so long.
“I decided to walk through the various city departments involved to find out who is supposed to do what. And in 24 hours, I was able to get it done,” Diny says. “I’m not saying the mayor should be micromanaging, but we have to follow through on the requirements surrounding each request whether it’s from official department leaders or residents.”
Two of the biggest topics for Diny relate to economic development and increasing the tax base, along with public transportation, which he is currently taking a personal interest in.
“I bought a pass and have been riding the bus,” Diny says. “One initiative is to review the routes, and how we are supporting seniors, disabled, and veteran riders who need to use the bus.”
“We have to be able to get veterans to the VA Hospital in Rothschild,” Diny explains. “This could also open up a whole new bus route for other businesses there. Plus, we need to hire a transit director with vision and technological skills to move us into the future.”
The conversation continues with questions about good government, the idea of humble leadership, and positive interactions with city workers and residents while knowing you are elected to make the tough decisions.
