Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlonsky Elijah - Supplemental QuestionnaireOshkosh Common Council Candidate Questionnaire — Final Draft Council Candidate Name: Elijah J. Plonsky 1. How do you view the role of a City Council Member—what is your job as a council member? A City Council Member’s role is to serve as a steward of the community’s long-term wellbeing, ensure responsible governance, and represent residents with fairness, transparency, and integrity. The job is not only legislative; it is relational. It requires listening to constituents, weighing diverse perspectives, and making decisions rooted in evidence, equity, and the city’s strategic priorities. A council member must set policy, provide oversight, and ensure that city operations reflect the values, goals, and vision of Oshkosh’s residents—while maintaining professionalism, accountability, and respect for the limits of municipal authority. 2. Will you be running for a seat on the Oshkosh Common Council in the next election— whether selected for this appointment or not? No. I do not intend to run in the next election. My goal is to serve out the remainder of Kris Larson’s term, which concludes on April 21st, and contribute meaningfully during that time. After completing the term, I plan to pursue law school beginning in Fall 2027. Given that timeline, I would not be able to commit to a full additional term on the Council, and I want to be transparent about that from the outset. 3. Do you understand the time commitment required for a Council Member, and do you have the time and flexibility to accommodate it? Yes. My collective background in journalism, committee work, and student government has prepared me well for the time commitment required of a Council Member. In addition to serving as Communications Director for the Oshkosh Student Government, I previously served as a Senator and was appointed to the Student Allocations Committee (SAC). On that committee, I was elected First Secretary and took minutes for our meetings. My work as a journalist has also brought regular collaboration with university administrators. Most recently, I covered Chancellor Singh’s new strategic plan, UWO Infinite, and reported on how his administration is shaping the university’s next chapter. Both my journalism experience and my service as a student representative have strengthened my ability to manage demanding schedules, stay organized, engage with the public, and communicate clearly. I have the time, flexibility, and professional capacity to fully commit to the responsibilities of the Council. 4. Where do you see this community in five years? In five years, I see Oshkosh as a more connected, resilient, and opportunity-rich community—one that continues moving toward inclusive growth and modernized infrastructure. With balanced economic development, a strong downtown corridor, improved housing accessibility, and strengthened partnerships with UWO, Fox Valley Technical College, regional employers, and nonprofits, Oshkosh can position itself as a hub for innovation and community-driven progress. The city is already building momentum, and with consistent strategic planning, I believe we can enhance public services, support local businesses, and maintain long-term fiscal stability. 5. A group of residents demands action on something we legally cannot do or have no control over. How do you respond? I would respond with empathy, transparency, and clarity. Publicly, I would acknowledge their concerns and explain the legal or jurisdictional limits that prevent the Council’s intervention. I would also outline alternative avenues—through state representatives, state agencies, or existing community services—that may help address the issue. Even when the answer has to be “no” for legal reasons, it should be communicated respectfully and accompanied by a genuine effort to inform residents of what the City can do within the scope of its authority. 6. What is your definition of sustainability, and how do you relate it to city operations? Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In city operations, this means ensuring environmental responsibility, long-term fiscal stability, and resilient infrastructure. Sustainable governance includes efficient energy use, responsible budgeting, climate-conscious planning, and strategic investments that reduce future burdens. It also means building systems— transportation, housing, public safety, waste management—that are equitable, durable, and adaptable in the face of changing economic and environmental conditions. 7. What is your opinion of the City budget and taxes; do you have any ideas to share? I believe the city budget should reflect clear priorities: essential services, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, livability, and long-term resilience. I do not view Wisconsin’s levy limits as inherently negative—they offer stability for taxpayers and encourage disciplined budgeting. At the same time, these limits require cities to be strategic, because the cost of delivering services continues to rise even when revenue growth is constrained. Responsible budgeting means operating effectively within those limits and focusing on long-term planning rather than short-term fixes. My approach would be to support data- driven budgeting, protect essential services, identify efficiencies, and pursue grants, partnerships, and innovative funding models that reduce the burden on taxpayers. Sustainable growth that broadens the tax base is also important for maintaining high- quality services without placing additional strain on residents. 8. As a Common Council Member, how would you support the Strategic Plan Goals, Mission, and Vision of the community? I would support the Strategic Plan by helping advance the strategies under Enhance Our Quality-of-Life Services and Assets, especially those focused on museum programming, public engagement, and cultural vibrancy. First, I would strengthen the City’s brand by using my journalism and communications background to amplify community stories and help ensure Museum exhibitions reflect Oshkosh’s diverse history and identity. Second, I would support the Museum in expanding public feedback channels to guide future exhibits. Surveys of students and residents could help identify what families and adults most want to see, ensuring programming remains relevant and community-driven. Third, I would encourage the development of an Art in Public Spaces program by promoting partnerships with local artists and regional student talent. Public art enhances walkability, builds community pride, and can reflect the Indigenous roots of Oshkosh and its diverse future. I would also like to see public art that celebrates UWO’s students, creative strengths, and its role as a major contributor to the city’s cultural and economic vitality. As a student, I understand firsthand how meaningful it is when a city reflects and supports its university community, and I would advocate for leveraging sponsorships and grant funding to support installations that showcase both local history and the innovative energy coming from UWO.