Interview with Gillett Alderman Irene Drake who Defends her Seat in the 2019 Election
5 min readGillett News interviews City of Gillett Ward 3 Alderman, Irene Drake, who is running for re-election in the 2019 Spring Election on April 2, 2019
Gillett News | March 12, 2019
Tell our readers a little about yourself…
“I grew up on a farm in Spruce and have called Gillett my home for 43 years. We always enjoyed coming to Gillett to shop and of course the 4th of July and the Oconto County youth fair. I’m a graduate of Oconto Falls High School and FVTC. Steve and I have been married nearly 44 years and our 3 children graduated from the Gillett School system and went on to attend college. I manage my husband’s optometric office, and find participating in a number of Gillett organizations very rewarding.”
How long have you lived in Gillett?
“We have lived in Gillett for 43 years.”
How many years have you served on the Gillett City Council?
“I have served on the City Council over 30 years, and was Mayor from 2012 to 2016.”
How long have you owned a business in Gillett?
“We have operated Family Vision Care in Gillett for more than 43 years.”
Are you involved with any local clubs/organizations?
“I’ve been on the Sunshine Child Care board of Directors for over 35 years. During that time I held several offices and was on the Committee for the new building. I’ve been a Lion for 20 years and have held several offices. Currently I’m the treasurer and the food stand chairman. I’ve been a Gillett Woman’s club member for 35 years and am the current Vice President and co-chairman of the Fashion show. I’ve been a Gillett Business Association member for over 30 years, and am the current treasurer and co-chair of Christmas in the Park (I was one of the members that started Christmas in the Park) I’m also on the committee for the GBA and Lions Golf outing and have held several offices in each organization.”
What would you say are some of your greatest achievements while serving on City Council?
“I was very involved with the Seneca expansion and new East Main St, the new water tower, the current code book, Ridgewood Subdivision, the Industrial park,and the new library, I also served as the City of Gillett rep on the Oconto County Economic Development Corporation and was a past Chair. During my tenure Gillett received over $2 million in state and federal grants, and low interest loans that were used for roads, water tower, wells, water mains, and the daycare building.”
Why are you running for re-election? What are some of the things you hope to accomplish if re-elected? Why should residents vote for you?
“I enjoy the challenge and work. I’m dedicated to the city and work hard at getting things done. I want to work with the Nursing Home owner to see what can be done with the building to replace jobs and elderly care services. I want to see that we meet the needs of the school with police response and have a safe community. I also want to work on the replacement of infrastructure and the Hwy 22 project. Gillett also needs to stay diligent in attracting business, industry and families to maintain a viable community. We can improve the downtown and secure additional commercial and industrial sites to attract employers that pay living wages with good benefits.”
What are some of your favorite things about Gillett?
“The ability to know people and be involved in so many different things. We are the location for the County Fair. The snowmobile and ATV trails give us and visitors to Gillett many opportunities. Most importantly, Gillett has wonderful people and families.”
What are some of the most difficult challenges Gillett faces in the next few years?
“The City of Gillett must live within our means and we must maintain responsible budgeting. One of the largest challenges is the replacement of infrastructure and roads. We have infrastructure from the 1920’s and it is deteriorating. The cost to replace roads, sewer and water mains keep going up but our tax base is not growing. In the past few years marketing Gillett to attract industry, families and finding places for business to expand has not been a priority. If we don’t have a growing tax base we can’t maintain municipal services like we should or want to. We need to increase our tax base by attracting new investment, not by raising taxes. Additionally, we need to improve the appearance of our downtown and find additional industrial land to attract new employers that pay living wages with good benefits.”
Do you believe there is currently a housing shortage in Gillett? Is this an important issue to you?
“We all should be concerned about Gillett having an adequate supply of housing and having the right mix of housing to meet the needs of newcomers, families starting up, and for people who want to work in Gillett. Rentals seem to be a little tight with few vacancies. Naturally, landlords are reviewing applications and background checks closer for the renter’s ability to pay. There are more than 10 houses for sale at least 2 more going into foreclosure. There are several empty lots that are buildable throughout the city and in Ridgewood Heights. It may be a good idea to develop a housing study to determine exact type and numbers of housing units needed but that takes money. The City Council should look for grants and engage other agencies that could reduce or eliminate the cost to the City.”
Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers?
“Electing a person with experience is important if the city wants to operate efficiently and within budget. I have never run for office because I was against any particular issue or person. I would like to continue being an alderperson because I am for the City of Gillett and my ward. Gillett is a nice community with great residents and businesses but we can be better and we can do more. We need optimism and a willingness to work towards a better community. If we focus on the assets we have we can attract new investments. Every person who lives and works in Gillett can be involved if they have the time and are willing to do so.”
__End of Interview__
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