Email address*:
Answer: stacysheppard.for12@gmail.com
First name*:
Answer: Stacy
Last name*:
Answer: Sheppard
Age:
Answer:
Address:
Answer:
How long have you lived in the community:
Answer: I have lived in the City of Racine all my life and we own our home in West Racine and have lived there for the past 6 years.
What position are you running for?*:
Answer: District 12 Alderman
Have you ever held an elected office position before?* Yes or No
Answer: No
If so, what position(s) were you elected to?*:
Answer: N/A
In thinking about your election bid, what top three issues need to be addressed?*:
Answer: Working towards building a healthy, sustainable city. I serve on the City’s board of Parks and Rec because I want to preserve our green spaces and support initiatives to reduce the City’s carbon footprint. As health care costs rise, each year fewer children see primary care doctors, which is why I support expanding access to healthcare through the City’s proposed Racine Community Health Center at Julian Thomas. Creating a more inclusive community. Racine faces some real challenges and has significant disparities to overcome. However, I know that together we can create a more welcoming and inclusive community for all of our residents. We can be a city that works towards reducing racial disparities in income and home ownership, where the LGBTQ+ community knows they are safe and embraced, and where there is abundant access to mental health services to support those experiencing trauma or who have suicidal thoughts. I believe that representation matters, that being a good neighbor means getting to know your neighbors, and that elected officials should also get to know their constituents. As Alderman, I want my constituents to have accessible, available, and responsive representation to help answer their questions – because representation does matter.
How would you plan to address those issues?*:
Answer: I will strive to work collectively with my colleagues on City Council and relevant stakeholders to address these issues and work towards our common goals for the betterment of our City. I believe that in Racine we get things done through partnerships. Often we focus on the things that divide us. I plan to focus on common ground where we can bring people together to address our community’s needs. From access to healthcare, preserving our parks, to increasing the number of homeowners and making all of our residents feel welcome and supported, we can do those things together. I want to build up Racine and our residents, and we do that through coalitions and cooperation.
In reference to those issues you have identified, what would success look like to you in making an impact?*:
Answer: Being a part of the process to support and pass laws and initiatives that move Racine in the direction to make it a more sustainable, green city. The opening of the Racine Community Health Center at Julian Thomas. Finding a way to increase access to mental health professionals for those who need it and assistance in our community. As well as keeping laws in place that protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination. I want Racine to become a better place for people of color to live and work.
Why are those issues important to you?*:
Answer: As a mother of two, I am focused on what Racine will be for future generations. I care about what Racine looks like and how it will support my kids and their kids and so on. I believe we all have a responsibility to make things better for future generations and serving as Alderman is one way for me to do that.
At the end of your term, what would you like to have accomplished?*:
Answer: Opening the Racine Community Health Clinic at Julian Thomas. Create new opportunities for home ownership and financial literacy. Continuing to improve our parks and green spaces. More partnerships with organizations that support minorities, the LGBTQ+ community and other traditionally under-served communities. I would want my constituents to feel like I listened, that I was responsive to their needs, that I was honest with them and that I did a good job representing them in City Hall.
Why should people vote for you?*:
Answer: I am a lifelong resident of Racine. I chose to own a home and raise a family in Racine. I know that Racine faces some real challenges and has significant disparities to overcome. However, I know that together we can create a more welcoming and inclusive community for all our residents. We can be a City that works toward becoming a more sustainable, healthier, safer place to live and that is also more inviting and inclusive to people of every faith, race, sexuality and ethnic background.
What is your educational background?*:
Answer: I am a graduate of Horlick High School and I have earned college credits from MATC and UW Parkside.
What civic organizations do you belong to?
Answer: N/A