Homuth: Connecting with citizens is key

• Rachel Homuth

Rachel Homuth

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Rachel Homuth said she has leadership experience to be mayor and believes new voices are needed in elected city government.

“I haven’t been here too long and I haven’t been here too short, so I feel like I have a good perspective,” said Homuth, a nine-year Woodbury resident.

As mayor, Homuth said she would learn more about each city department. She also said she would work with the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce to promote the city to businesses and potential residents.

“We’re really not poised for tremendous growth, but that’s the vision,” she said.

The city has skilled employees, Homuth, 36, said, and Woodbury has done a good job keeping its budget “in check.” Employee layoffs should be a “last resort” if the city needs to cut spending, she said.

Some local residents want an aquatic center near Bielenberg Sports Center. Homuth said she would like a community pool, but private ventures should be explored and taxpayers should not pay to build or operate a pool.

Homuth said the next mayor should be visible in neighborhoods, not just at meetings and civic gatherings. That is a good way to interact with citizens who believe going to City Hall is “intimidating,” she said.

“If (the) mayor and council want to be approachable like they say they want to be, then they need to be out there,” she said.

Homuth said she wants a more visible city government presence at the annual Woodbury Days festival. Also, Homuth said she wants the city to promote more of the information it gathers in a biennial survey of residents, beyond highlights that appear in the city newsletter.

“The city right now isn’t doing a great job with communication with its residents,” she said.

At a glance: Rachel Homuth

Resident: Nine years

Occupation: Business consultant at The Hartford

Family: Husband; one daughter, two adult stepchildren

Civic involvement: Active in Powers Lake Neighborhood Watch

Tags: woodbury mayor, election