Bruhn, Muller face off in District 4 Council race

District 4 is the only aldermanic seat for which there is a contest in the April 1 election. Incumbent Michael Bruhn (left), 34, who's completing his first term, is being challenged John Muller, 56, who served on the council previously.

Bruhn, 357 N. Heatherstone Drive, has been a legislative chief-of-staff at the Capitol for more than ten years. He is the City Council vice president, chairman of the Personnel Committee and a member of the Planning Commission.

Bruhn also volunteers as an instructor with the Presidential Classroom program, which provides high school students the opportunity to learn about our federal government firsthand in Washington, D.C. He is a former Big Brother volunteer.

Muller, 2150 Stonehaven Drive, owns Muller Plumbing Ltd. In addition to his past council terms, he has served on the Sun Prairie Water & Light Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Alcohol License Review Board and the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. He is a past board member of the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce.

Muller's campaign Web site is www.votejohnmuller.com.

Here's what the candidates had to say about some of the issues.

What is the most important issue the Common Council faces today ... and how would you help address it?

Bruhn: The most important issue facing the Common Council is holding the line on property taxes. I have worked to ensure that the property tax burden in Sun Prairie stays in line with our families' ability to pay without sacrificing vital and necessary services our residents rely upon. As your alderman, I have worked to streamline our city government, reduce spending and consolidate services with our School Board. I have also worked diligently to encourage high quality and diverse commercial, retail and professional development in order to reduce the tax burden on our homeowners.

Muller: Growth and Crime. When I'm out talking to people in our community, crime and growth are by far the two issues I hear about the most. And they go hand-in-hand because as Sun Prairie continues to grow, so do the challenges for law enforcement to ensure public safety for all our citizens. People are telling me they think the City Council needs to be more rigid and strike a better balance on the type of growth we allow in our city. They are concerned about the direction of our city and quality of life. If elected to the Council, I pledge to push for better quality growth, limit the number of new rental units and ensure that law enforcement has the resources needed to keep our streets safe. The type of growth that we attract has a direct effect on crime, schools and our overall quality of life.

How can council members ensure they are best representing their district and the community as a whole?

Bruhn: Council members need be informed about the issues they are voting on, and we must listen to our constituents and the residents of the City of Sun Prairie. As a member of the City Council, I make myself available not only to my constituents in the 4th District, but all residents of the city. I always try to reply to my constituents with an answer to their concerns the same day they contact me.   

Muller: This is an area where my opponent and I offer vastly different styles. First and foremost, I am of the belief that the people you represent and their interests come first. Secondly, I believe you are most effective as a representative of the people by listening and continuously communicating with them about important city issues. District 4 needs an alderperson who will reach out more to residents and inform them on what's happening in their city. If elected, I will start a monthly online district newsletter to help provide residents with information on important issues facing the city. Council members can best represent their districts when residents are informed and engaged in the issues that affect their city.

What can be done to improve communication between the Common Council, School Board, business community and other groups that impact local growth?

Bruhn: Dealing with growth is an issue that impacts every resident of the City of Sun Prairie. The City Council must make sure that we listen to everyone who will be impacted. Since I have been on the City Council, we have met twice a year with the School Board on a wide range of issues. The School Board has an appointee to the Plan Commission, Board President Stackhouse, and he does a wonderful job representing the School Board on these issues. Finally, I think that the City Council needs to continue the tradition of informal, interactive public meetings on the issues that affect the residents of Sun Prairie, so residents do not feel that the only time the Council addresses their concerns is during a formal City Council meeting.

Muller: I believe it starts with better leadership from all groups that have a role in Sun Prairie's future growth. We need leadership that will bring all groups involved together to agree on a long-term vision for growth in Sun Prairie. In many respects, the contentious school boundary issues that we are dealing with in our city are a direct result of the decisions made by past Common Councils and the lack of communication with the School Board. We need additional cross-representation from the School Board on the City Planning Commission so that the recommendations from Planning take into account the effect they will have on our school system.

In 100 words or less, please explain why voters should choose you on April 1?

Bruhn: It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you on the Sun Prairie City Council. I have dedicated my adult life to public service, and I bring a wealth of knowledge from my experience as the chief-of-staff in the Wisconsin State Assembly. I have been a champion of a "common sense" agenda -- lower taxes, efficient government, protecting our communities, expanding economic development and improving the quality of life for our families in Sun Prairie. With your vote, I will continue working on these important issues.

Muller: I share the values of people in Sun Prairie and bring "real life" experiences to the job. Unlike my opponent, I am a lifelong resident of this community, parent and local small business owner. I know firsthand what it's like to juggle a mortgage, raise a family and run a business. I am running for City Council because people are genuinely concerned about the direction of our city and quality of life. I want to help restore Sun Prairie to being a great, upward community for everyone. I ask for your vote and confidence on Tuesday, April 1. Thank you.