Donna Richards for Council

09/14/2024

𝙍𝙀𝙈𝙄𝙉𝘿𝙀𝙍 - Our large item collection will be ending for the season at the end of September. Each residence will have 𝟏 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 date over the next 2 weeks (opposite of your recycling week).

Starting in October this 2 person crew will be busy providing fall yard waste collection and winter sidewalk maintenance services throughout the City. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝘀.

For more information, please visit our website at https://www.appleton.org/government/public-works

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08/03/2024

No, I am not running for anything.

Just want to let these interested followers that there is a meeting on Housing, I believe hosted by the City, at the Main Fire Station, this Wed at 6 PM. Looking forward to it!

As a planner by training and development professional in my career, I hope we learn good news. We are in a housing crisis, losing many potential people to other communities For lack of housing opportunities.

04/06/2022

Post-mortem: I will write more later, but just a quick note about my loss. In fact, I am smiling, and can't wipe the smile off my face. My husband Steve said you may not be happy if you win, and I think he was right. I feel like a dagger has been removed from my heart. I really did hate feeling like I needed to say something at meetings, and often jumped in at the end to express my knowledge and thoughts. Not well received, as I was never a politician. And I begged my fellow Councilmemers for ways to really discuss things. That may start to happen now.
For twenty-five or more years depending on how I count them, I was a staffer, (and now a Councilmember). As staff, I always had incredibly supportive bosses who let me "run with it", in collaboration with other staff and with the neighborhoods or developers I was working with, always with developers and neighbors taking ownership along the way. So, I could buy property, write RFPs, develop collaborative plans, set criteria for City funding/subsidies based on analysis and great design, and impacts of projects side by side, all kinds of fun; these great things happened in Cincinnati. And neighborhood planning happened in Des Moines. In Milwaukee I organized street events for merchants, put together a small newspaper for the West Side community I was working with, in support of the merchants on Lisbon and North, from 27th to where Lisbon and North crossed each other, around 47th Street (my job). (This was my neighborhood growing up from around age two to thirteen, went to Hi-Mount and Steuben.) I also organized block clubs, in an ever-changing community. Again, I was allowed to go with my gut, and do what was needed.
There is no way for the public or Council to understand my frustration with an obvious lack of a development stream of major projects here, and dearth of open meetings, transparent sharing of our developments and strategies and detailed projects before they are fully cooked and asking for Council action. We developed these projects and reports as staff, and our bosses presented everything in a level of detail which sometimes included spreadsheets and budgets for each project, and our analysis/summaries or fullblown plans and illustrations for review, then discussion, and/or adoption. I liked being behind the scenes, making stuff happen. Fond du Lac? Well, enough said. It is a wonderful place with so many talented and engaged, active people involved all over the place. We have so many gifts, like the historic buildings that remain, and some needing to be saved. Incredible bodies of water for our enjoyment and needing care and better drainage strategies. Sustainability policies are needed. We have amazing history with original peoples gathering rice, and giving up tribal status in order to stay, in a struggle with the BIA that continues to this day, along with being part of an inland sea, with giant squid, etc...we all need to learn and know more.
So, hey, what is next? There are many projects in the works in Fond du Lac, and I think it will become a stream of projects. But proper staffing levels and rational approaches along with strategic plans are sorely sadly needed, as is leadership/initiative/partnerships. Need coalitions and committees and task forces formed, as citizens groups alongside staff. If these happen, please join in.
I am looking forward, will have a party when my kitchen is finally done. We may have puppies this Spring, will find out this weekend. It is my art show season, so I will start wrecking my hands again. Wish me the best. My retirement has been interesting, and will continue to be, if I can stand it!
Love and thanks to all of you who supported me. I had been ambivalent from the beginning of this campaign, with others dropping out of the race like flies. I think some of these winners wanted it more than I did, and/or know more people here than I do. I hope some of them call to meet with me, or don't hesitate to call. I am willing, and still think I have much to teach (and learn). It does take years to be a policy wonk, of which I am one, and always have been. These two year terms alongside term limits are nuts. Do you know that we are the only City in Wisconsin with term limits, at large seats (only) with no districts, and a City Manager/Council form of government (i.e. without a Mayor? Just thought I would share that. Another wonk from FdL living in Florida has done all the research to look at our governance structure. Another challenge. Districts would probably be a good start. I would lengthen terms maybe to four years, with or without term limits. You may remember some of the great leaders that I have heard about from our past. Many more lessons to be learned from them.
Thanks for your indulgence. Ever onward.
Oh, gee. I just feel the need to share my Grade School song, (To the tune of /Onward Christian Soldiers):
Onward Hi-Mount students marching on to fame,
with our Council's help and Hi-Mount's glorious name.
We are ever loyal to our dear old school,
We are all united with the golden rule.
Onward Hi-Mount students marching on to fame,
with our Council's help and Hi-Mount's glorious name!!
What a wonderful life, I am most fortunate!

04/05/2022

Well, it's Election Day. A Day of Reckoning. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Fond du Lac has many challenges and opportunities. The beauty of this campaign has been the various events at which candidates were able to share their thoughts and priorities. Several of us want the same things, and I think that congealed over these weeks and months. If elected, I look forward to working with the new Council. After four years on Council, I have been waiting for a Council that will get things done, and I think this one will be it. The other interesting reality is that if I am not elected, the longest serving current Council members will have one year of experience. I think that would be a loss for Fond du Lac, but at the same time, the members elected last year and this year may in fact serve together for several years. That is unique, as generally we lose one or two Councilmembers each year at election time (to term limits or resignations or being defeated.) We were not able to evolve together with long discussions and common purpose. That will hopefully change, and perhaps we can discuss governance structures and communications strategies that will work better to inform and provide more opportunities to be involved and engaged in our work.
This campaign was a time of reflection. I have suffered tragic personal losses in recent times. Council has lost several (I would count four) great leaders in the last year. Evolving, revolving. We still are lacking in a governing model that rewards leadership. We can discuss that at another time. Just ask me.
Now I just want to thank those who are voting for me one last time, and especially those who worked on my campaign in big ways and small ways... took a sign, came to an event, distributed signs, contributed time and money, made phone calls with in-kind support from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, special thanks to our organizer Tristan Angulo, told friends who to vote for, attended or tuned in to a forum or read the newspaper to learn more, read my one little postcard that I managed to send out to some voters.... and all those who are voting for me. I am humbled by your support in these troubled and divided times. There is so much to say that will be left unsaid on this election eve and morning.
I had the opportunity to talk or leave messages with dozens if not hundreds of voters, and know that the hard core Spring voters are love Fond du Lac, and want learn more about our priorities before they make their choices. And the roads and drainage are terrible, among other things, and care about the environment and want bulky waste curbside pickup! Yay!

So much more to say, and if elected or even if not, you will hear more soon.

I hope Lori Kornblum retains her appointed seat on the Court of Appeals. It will be sad and maybe even tragic if she loses.

Please vote!!!

03/29/2022

This is the mailing that was sent out yesterday... Hope it arrives in the next day or so. I couldn't afford to send to everyone, so it is a small list. If you did not get it, here it is. Please send it along to others, as a way to show your support for me, if you are so inclined. Much appreciated!

03/27/2022

Well, it looks like I can't paste the FdL Reporter story. Here is my piece of it, if this works...They limited us to 100 word answers per question, except for the introductions.

Donna Richards (incumbent)
Donna Richards
Address: 121 N. National Ave.
Age: 71
Occupation and highest education level: Retired community development professional, part-time I make and sell my designs of earcuffs, ear-ups and earrings at art fairs, serve on City Council. Masters degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University.
Relevant experience: Organized block clubs and merchant groups in Milwaukee, was a neighborhood planner and federal funds administrator in Des Moines, and in Cincinnati worked with neighborhood groups, nonprofit and for-profit developers, administered local and federal funding for nonprofits, housing and mixed use development, evaluated competing projects for city subsidies, coordinated design reviews, mothballed and marketed vacant historic buildings, put together one designation for a historic district, and did some land purchases for redevelopment projects. Was the village clerk in North Fond du Lac, where I took care of citizen needs, put together the Village Board agendas and minutes, administered elections (registering voters, training election officials, testing machines, etc.) and put together a small farmers’ market and a newsletter called the Villager.

Why are you running for office, and what makes you a better candidate for this race?: I was elected four years ago, and am running for my final term. Accomplishments:
A pilot program to minimize poisons in parks.
A pilot program for free curbside bulky waste pick-up
A housing trust fund.
There are several new, excellent Council initiatives and goals. Among these are a bridge to Lakeside Park West; a comprehensive communications program; flood mitigation plan; better bus, bike and pedestrian systems; a plan for the Saputo site and surrounds, and a Riverfront District Plan.
In addition, I hope citizens will study Governance Reform and work to save the historic John Amory Home/convent on Division and more.

What are your or residents’ top issues, and how would you address them?: Crime, violence, social integration, and public safety: form block clubs, train neighborhood leadership, hire social workers to prevent violence and create a community/teen center.
Allocate $14 million federal COVID-19 funds, maybe for emergency funds for rent and homeless prevention; fund for re-employment, child care and transportation; after-school enrichment, homework help, drama, dance and music; fund small businesses; training to remove lead pipes; improve ventilation and create outdoor seating/venues; food trucks and flea markets.
Develop housing, down payment assistance for all incomes.

How would you like to see public spaces be utilized in the future, and how do you hope to introduce any related changes?: More public spaces for relaxation, civic engagement, athletics and entertainment. Expand natural areas; add conservation and trail easements regionally; map public lands and develop and preserve them as natural or pocket parks; build bridge from Lakeside Park to west and plan possible amphitheater, if desired.
Add trails, public seating, landscaping, steps to lake, plazas and restrooms to Lighthouse Peninsula, and add a food venue south of the Yacht Club on city property, not under lease. Hopefully private donors will help.
Save the Amory house and maybe create a Lautenschlager Center for Community Engagement.

Well, there is so much more to do. Please ask questions, or call me, and I'd be happy to tell you more. 920-907-0326... Thanks for your time and interest.

03/27/2022

In case you missed the Reporter's story on all of us, I hope you can see this. We have at least a couple great candidates running. They are working hard to get elected. Three of them ran last time, and I am frankly surprised that they did not follow Council closely this past year, and become more tuned in to the issues, if they planned to run again. But, so it is. It does take at least a year if not two or three to better understand how cities and in particular Fond du Lac works. If I am not re-elected, I'm sure the City will be okay. But, the entire Council will have at most one year of experience on it, as all the others were elected last year, and two of my colleagues are not running again. We the current Council have several issues we have identified and are working on. So, at least the table is set. I would like to be part of what happens next, to see it through. Issues like the redevelopment of the Saputo property as well as the spending of our federal dollars in our most blighted areas would harken back to many projects I worked on as a City or non-profit staff member in Milwaukee, DesMoines and Cincinnati. I'm sure I could help get those projects moving. I will post my thoughts on spending the Federal dollars next, and if you haven't clicked on the Friends of Lakeside Park survey, please do so. Here's the Reporter story on all of us...

The page you're looking for isn't here.Either someone gave you a bad link or there's something funky going on. Either way, we're truly sorry for the inconvenience.Stories Trending NowHe went 'from dope dealer to hope dealer'NewsNeighbors say farm near lake shouldn't be thereNewsAldi renovates, downt...

03/27/2022

Fond du Lac County's event is sooner, available to all County residents, including City residents, costs $5 a car:

Many common items such as automotive products, household cleaners, pesticides and home improvement products are hazardous when used, stored or disposed of improperly. We all end up breathing chemicals burned in a barrel and waste in a landfill can seep into our water supply.  The damage can be life...

03/27/2022

FYI, Household hazardous waste dropoff is scheduled as follows for 2022:
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal – July 19th, 2022

The City of Fond du Lac has scheduled a household hazardous waste drop off at the City Municipal Service Center.
Where: Municipal Service Center – 530 Doty Street
When: Tuesday, July 19 2022
Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Residents who wish to participate in this event will be advised to follow the signed route to access the Municipal Service Center.
FREE SERVICE FOR CITY RESIDENTS ONLY
Staff will be onsite to check photo identification.
The City is partnering with Veolia Environmental Services to ensure proper disposal of all items.
Listed below are the items that will be accepted and items that WILL NOT be accepted.
Acceptable Items:
Kitchen/Bath Items
• Aerosol Cans – Floor Care Products – Furniture Polish – Drain Cleaners –Bathroom Cleaners – Bug Sprays – Metal Polish –Oven Cleaners –Tile Cleaners – Disinfectants
Garage/Workshop
• Gasoline – Oil Mixtures – Auto Repair Products – Transmission Fluid –Paints (Oil& Metal Based) – Other Oils/Cleaners – Antifreeze – Old Gasoline – Brake Fluid – Paint Thinner – Paint Stripper – Varnish
Garden/Miscellaneous
• Chemical Fertilizers – Photographic Chemicals – Artists’ Paints – Fluorescent Bulbs – Gun Cleaning Solvents – Fiberglass Epoxy – Thermometers – Fungicides – Herbicides – Rat Poison – Moth Balls – Pool Chemicals – Thermostats – Mercury

Bring Products that Say:
• Caution – Toxic – Corrosive – Pesticide – Combustible – Poison – Flammable – Warning – Danger – Reactive

Unacceptable Items:
• Cylinders (Propane) – Radioactives – Explosives – Biologicals – Medical Waste – Ammunition – Commercial Wastes
• Latex Paint – Latex paint will not be accepted at this collection event, as it is not a hazardous material. To properly dispose of latex paint, follow the below instructions:
1. Open the can
2. Dry or solidify the paint by mixing with Floor Dry, cat litter, or sawdust. If the can is full, you will need to use a secondary container
3. Dispose of the can and solidified paint in your refuse cart. Please remove the lid.

Important Notice due to COVID-19
For the health and safety of our residents and our staff, participants will not be permitted to exit their vehicles during the event. Staff is also not permitted to enter the interior of any vehicle to retrieve items that may be placed inside. Please have all items in the trunk or back of a pickup bed. Individuals who do not comply may be refused service.

Please call the Municipal Service Center at 920-322-3544 with any questions.

03/26/2022

On Thursday morning, all but one of the Council candidates were at the Rotary Club to speak. Speeches were great. Afterwards, I received one of the nicest compliments ever: Our former City Administrator told me that he listens to Council meetings, and that I should keep saying what needs to be said. Yes! Thank you, Sir.

03/25/2022

This has been a wonderful experience on the campaign trail, with many candidates learning from each other, and developing issues in common. We have had four debates/forums, but I don't think there are any more to come. And the Friends of Lakeside Park did a questionaire. Here's the link of our responses side-by-side...

Friends of Lakeside Park Blog City Council #5 – Questions 13 -16 Read More City Council #4 – Questions 9-12 Read More City Council #3 – Questions 5-8 Read More City Council #2 – Questions 1-4 Read More City Council #1 – Candidate Questionnaire Read More Legal Process – Part 8: Our Reply ...

03/22/2022

Reminder of tonight’s candidate event, City County building 6 PM, televised on cable channel 980! Looking forward to it.