Eau Claire City Council Candidate Information
There are 8 candidates running for the 5 at-large Eau Claire City Council seats this April. The Eau Claire City Council includes 11 members who each serve a three-year term, including 5 elected by district, 5 elected at large, and 1 elected City Council President. Each official elected by district represents about 13,509 people and the City Council President represents about 67,545 people (or the whole City of Eau Claire).
As a civic organization representing the business community, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce works to provide information on candidates for local office to help voters make wise choices. We have reached out to each candidate for Eau Claire City Council and asked them a few questions about their qualification and why they are running. Unfortunately, we were unable to get a response from Roderick Jones, Bob Carr, or Mark Richter.
1.) Do you have a website or social media for more information?
– Kate Beaton (incumbent)
https://www.facebook.com/KateBeaton4EC
– Joshua Miller
https://www.facebook.com/MillerForEC
– Larry Mboga
Larry Mboga for Eau Claire
– Charlie Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/Charlie4EC
– Brian Trowbridge
www.facebook.com/trowbridge4ec
– Mary Partlow
@MaryPartlow4CityCouncil
2. What is your current position and background? (100 words or less)
– Kate Beaton (incumbent)
I serve on the Eau Claire City Council At-Large, a privilege I’ve had for nearly 6 years. I also currently serve on the Waterways and Parks Commission and the Visit Eau Claire Board of Directors as a representative of the City Council. In my day job, I work as the Organizing Director for Citizen Action of Wisconsin, a Wisconsin-based nonprofit where I lead a team of organizers advocating for greater access to healthcare, a full transition to clean energy, racial justice, and fair and open democracy.
– Joshua Miller
My wife and I have lived in Eau Claire since 2006. I have worked as a chemist at HTI/TDK for the past eight years and my wife has been a professor at UWEC since we arrived. We have a daughter in sixth grade at South Middle School. For six years (Jan 2015 – Dec 2020) I served on the Waterways and Parks commission and was the chair for the second half of that time. I led meetings, addressed input from the public and questions from the media, and worked with city staff and City Council members.
– Larry Mboga
My current position is high school coach, dad and husband. Pick up soccer organizer with 1000 members and community organizer
– Charlie Johnson
I came to Eau Claire in 2016 to study political science and communications at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. During my 4 years as a student, I was a vocal advocate of University and City Issues on the local, state, and federal level. I currently work as a Project Coordinator in the information technology field. I work with companies all across the United States, including right here in Eau Claire. By providing them with practical and advanced point of sale solutions, I play a role in helping companies provide their best service to their valued customers.
– Brian Trowbridge
I have been a resident of the Chippewa Valley for 34 years, and have lived in the City of Eau Claire for the past 15 years. I have a degree in political science and public administration from UW-Whitewater, and have worked in corrections and law enforcement for 19 years.
I have been very active with my two teenaged sons, volunteering in my church, served on the board of directors for the Eau Claire American Little League for 9 years, and on the executive board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley for 5 years.
– Mary Partlow
Well I currently work at home as a Customer Service Supervisor for PetSmart. My background in Employment is Customer Service. Manufacturing,Waitress, Home HealthCare Worker, Mom. My education is a BS in Human Development and Family Studies and a Minor in Vocational Rehabilitation from UW-Stout. I was born here in Eau Claire .Went to School in Eau Claire. Was raised on a Farm in Rock Falls. My Father worked at Uniroyal and my mom foremost was an advocate. That is where my passion lies. I have been an Advocate for 30 years for anyone who needed me. I have been the Parent President of Wisconsin-Head Start, Was on my Student Senate while I attended CVTC. and have been on several task forces. I have worked with Jonah, The Poverty Summit and now Empower Eau Claire.
3. Why are you running for this office? (100 words or less)
– Kate Beaton (incumbent)
In a political environment where it feels like progress is slow, we have so much power to do good on the local level. In my time on the city council, we’ve made historic investments into affordable housing, created a plan to invest in clean energy and make a full transition away from fossil fuels, made it easier to vote and participate in our government, and much more. We’ve done so much good in collaboration with the community. I’m running for re-election to do more good and to ensure that the positive changes we’re making together sustain the test of time.
– Joshua Miller
During my tenure on the Waterways & Parks Commission, I worked with residents, staff, directors, and council members to improve Eau Claire. With the at-large city council seats up for election this year, I wanted to bring my passion and experience to the council. I aim to continue the recent positive efforts of the council to make Eau Claire an attractive city where people choose to work, learn, and live. At the same time we need to ensure that residents who struggle with costs are not forgotten as we address affordability issues. I ask for your vote on April 5.
– Larry Mboga
I’m running for city council at large because I believe in working toward creating a dialogue with police , city government and community. I believe that when we come together and see humanity in each other , that is how our community solves its biggest problems and gives everyone a chance to succeed !
– Charlie Johnson
Eau Claire was my home for four years as an undergraduate student, and it is now my permanent home as a young adult. I am running because I believe the long term health of our democratic process relies on active engagement from members of our younger generations. That being said, issues such as affordable housing, reliable broadband network, and safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure are not only concerns for our younger residents. These are concerns for all of the residents of Eau Claire, and I am committed to successfully addressing these concerns on their behalf.
– Brian Trowbridge
I am running for a seat on the Eau Claire City Council because I genuinely love Eau Claire and the area around it, and feel that my experiences both professionally and personally can bring a unique perspective to the Council
Those who know me would agree, I feel, that I am very rational, level-headed, and able to think outside the box and on a moment’s notice regarding solutions to issues that may arise.
I look forward to the chance for an opportunity to serve the citizens of Eau Claire in yet another way as a representative on the City Council.
– Mary Partlow
Simple, to add a different perspective. The lived experience perspective. I want to bring all voices to the table. and find common ground, so we can grow and become a healthier community. I want to work on Affordable housing, addiction issues and well because enough people told me I should run.
The election will be held on April 5th. Go to myvote.wi for more information on how to register to vote and where to vote. Be on the lookout for more voter education information from the Eau Claire Chamber. The Chamber does not endorse candidates, but in key races provides candidate questionnaires and other resources to learn their positions on important business and community issues.
More Information:
Eau Claire and Altoona City Council candidates (Eau Claire Chamber)
Posted by Brianna Franke
franke@eauclairechamber.org