To help our readers get to know the candidates running for City Council a little better, Sun Prairie Rising threw them a few curveballs. Read below and decide whether they hit it out of the park (or swung and missed).
City Council Alders will be elected on Tuesday, April 7th.
For more information on your district, ballots, where and how to vote, visit https://myvote.wi.gov/
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District 1
Rex Owens (incumbent)
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie and your “go-to” order?
Guimo’s – Shrimp enchilada.
If Alders had ” Walk-up music” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
My Heart Goes on by Celtic Woman
Would you rather meet with residents
First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers market? OR
Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
Meet residents at the Farmer’s Market
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie. What would you wish for? One catch: he can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes (everyone knows groundhogs are bad with money)
That we keep our cultural diversity.
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
My father.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
My Dad worked for a Utility Company and my Mom stayed home.
Describe your goals for the city in 3 words.
Stay the course
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less)
We need to invest in Public Safety to ensure adequate staffing for police, fire and EMS. We need to have sufficient tax revenue to maintain current quality services. We need to celebrate our diversity and creativity in our growing community. We need to seek more community involvement by encouraging volunteerism. We need to invest in our school district to maintain high standards and provide all students with a quality education that prepares them for adult life.
Dave Bendit (challenger)
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie and your “go-to” order?
Sun Prairie is lucky to have so many excellent Mexican restaurants, but my favorite is El Primo on Main St., and my go-to order is the al pastor burrito with everything. The food at El Primo is on par with what I could get growing up in Arizona, and the staff are always friendly. I also want to shout out the street fries at Guimo’s down the street – they don’t get nearly enough love.
If Alders had ” Walk-up music” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
The Workers Song – The Longest Johns (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR_KZ4bBglM). Unlike some council members, I’m not a business owner or a landlord. I’m a strong believer in unions and labor rights. One of the many reasons that things are so dire for so many right now is due to the exploitation of the ownership class, and I want to do whatever I can to help protect people from that exploitation.
Would you rather meet with residents
First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers market? OR
Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
I’ll make the time to meet whenever is convenient for residents, but I’ll always ask for it to be later than earlier. Full Mile is my go-to meeting place when people want to chat.
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie. What would you wish for? One catch: he can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes (everyone knows groundhogs are bad with money)
Knowing that groundhogs are friendly creatures (I’ve seen too many Wishmaster movies and read too many monkey paw stories to trust wish-granters otherwise), I’d wish for a growth in housing supply across a variety of housing types (single-family, duplex, triplex, quadplex, cottage court, tiny home, condos, townhouses, and apartment buildings of varying sizes, all for rental or ownership) to achieve and sustain affordable pricing for current and future residents of the city. In 2020, 17% of homeowners and 44% of renters in Dane County spent more than 30% of their gross annual income on housing costs. If we could help solve that in Sun Prairie, it would be an enormous boon to so many.
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
Does it make it too obvious that I’m a millennial if I answer with Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation? I never met most of my grandparents, and my relationship with my own parents is somewhat complicated, so I’ve never had the luxury of looking to some familial patriarch for guidance. Instead, I look to a character who was written as patient, thoughtful, and deeply empathetic, while also having the strength to stand up to injustice and fight for what he believed to be right. If those aren’t qualities to aspire to, I don’t know what would be.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
My father sold life insurance and later moved on to financial planning. My mother was, at varying points, an art teacher, a real estate agent, a web designer, and a professional psychic.
Describe your goals for the city in 3 words.
Make things better.
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less)
I talk a lot about housing and zoning and taxes and those things all the time, but my one, overarching goal is simple: I just want things to get better for people. So many things are getting worse all the time. Everything is more expensive. Nothing lasts as long as it used to. The quality is getting worse. The packages are getting smaller. I want, more than anything, to make things in Sun Prairie better. We have the power to choose, on April 7th, to decide that things don’t have to keep getting worse. They can get better.
District 2
Santiago Rosas (incumbent)
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie? What’s your “go-to” order?
Tipsy Cow Sun Prairie, Daly’s Bar and Grill, Nitty Gritty-Sun Prairie, Forage Kitchen, Gus’s Diner, Sugar River Pizza Co., Monk’s Bar & Grill, El Patron Mexican Grill. I support all local businesses.
If Alders had ” Walk-up music” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
I like all sorts of music from Mexican to Country Western, to Classical. But if I had my favorite it would be Adagio from Tomaso Albinoni.
Would you rather meet with residents
First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers market?
Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
I would rather meet residents first thing on Saturday morning at the Farmers Market over a cup of coffee.
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie. What would you wish for? One catch: he can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes (everyone knows groundhogs are bad with money)
I would wish that everyone in Sun Prairie to have the essentials that people needs: like food, shelter and good health
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
My parents and a long life friend who I met at Madison College, who is a retired History & Native American teacher. My parents who taught me to be humble and kind and for my long life friend who has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader was my teacher.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
As I was growing up my parents were migrant workers who worked endless hours in the fields, and we traveled from Texas to the Midwest to work. They were my rock and were the salt of the earth with big hearts and strong work ethics.
Describe your goals for the city in 3 words.
Change, transparency and honesty
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less)
I have accomplished some changes in the City of Sun Prairie, voting no in what I believe increases on taxes, excessive spending, attempting to send a message to the council regarding pet projects that are not necessary regarding their cost. Encourage my colleagues to meet with the residents and have a face to face conversation and have meetings with them. Engage residents to participate in the discussions about the issues that’s facing the city today and assist us in decision making.
Sara Mork (challenger)
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie? What’s your “go-to” order?
My favorite Dine-in restaurant is Buck n Honey’s. I love to order their stuffed chicken and I always double up on the Brussel Sprouts.
If Alders had “walk-up music,” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
Ride Like the Wind by Christopher Cross.
Would you rather meet with residents…
– First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market?
– Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
I am definitely an early morning, cup of coffee type lady.
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie. What would you wish for?
*One catch: He can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes (Everyone knows groundhogs are bad with money)
If the groundhog can please make a mountain range on the edge of town that is beautiful to look at and fun to hike, I would be most grateful.
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
My aunt Patsy was my biggest role model, a hero to those who knew her and the hardest worker anyone knew. She was a welder – and people would travel through states to have her work on their cars, trucks, and trailers. She would counsel me to do everything to the best of my ability and if the best isn’t good enough, “then do it better” but you don’t quit. She passed to me an unrelenting appetite for hard work. Like all stars that burn the brightest we lost her too soon, but I hear her voice all the time.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
My father sold cars until he got his CDL and then he was a cross country truck driver. My mother is a dental assistant.
Describe your goals for the City in 3 words.
NO ADDITIONAL TAXES.
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less).
My goals aren’t for the city but for the people of the community: I want their tax rates to remain the same and not increase anymore. I want the people to have the full capacity of their earnings (or as much as possible) for their own lifestyles, families, and desires. The less taxes people pay over time, the more money they have to invest as they wish, exercising their personal freedoms and choice.
District 3
Maureen Crombie is running unopposed
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie? What’s your “go-to” order?
Sugar River Pizza. Cheese bread
If Alders had “walk-up music,” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
I am woman! by Helen Reddy
Would you rather meet with residents…
– First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market? OR
– Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market.
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie.
(One catch: He can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes.)
A more walkable, vibrant and dense neighborhoods showing less reliability on cars and more access to daily needs such as parks, work and shops.
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
My parents because they taught me to give back to my community and set the stage for resilience and personal growth. They also taught me to be kind.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
My dad was a farmer and my mom was a Domestic Engineer.
Describe your goals for the City in 3 words.
Connected. Vibrant. Sustainable.
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less).
Public safety and focusing on core services and resources we can provide.
Making sure tax dollars are spent reasonably and effectively
Adopting smart growth principals like mixed used zoning, integrating green infrastructure and creating incentives for sustainable building and strengthening community engagement for input. Updating the Council’s Strategic planning with refreshed goals that align with current community needs and budget constraints.
District 4
Both candidates are running to fill the seat vacated by Cassi Benedict
David Virgell
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie? What’s your “go-to” order?
Gloria’s. My go-to order is the Nachos A La Mar. Great food, good atmosphere, and it’s one of those places where you often run into neighbors and end up having a good conversation.
If Alders had “walk-up music,” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
“A Change Is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
It’s a song about perseverance and hope. It reminds me that progress doesn’t happen overnight, but when people stay committed to doing what’s right, change eventually comes.
Would you rather meet with residents…
– First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market? OR
– Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market.
The Farmers’ Market is one of the best places in Sun Prairie to connect with people naturally. Families are out, neighbors are talking, and the conversations are real.
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie.
(One catch: He can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes.)
I would wish for every resident to feel deeply connected to one another.
A community where there is no division, where people feel valued and accepted for who they truly are. A place where neighbors are so connected that they influence their government rather than feel like victims of it. A community where people feel heard, understood, and confident that their voice matters.
When neighbors are connected to each other, everything else becomes easier to solve.
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
My family.
I wasn’t raised by my birth parents. My Aunt Ethel, who will always be my mom in my eyes, took custody of me. I lived with her and her parents, and that’s where I truly learned what the phrase “it takes a village” really means.
They taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and treating people with dignity no matter where they come from. Growing up in Baltimore, I saw firsthand how strength and compassion can exist side by side.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
My mom worked for Procter & Gamble. She worked hard to provide for our family. Like many families in Baltimore, it wasn’t always easy, but she showed me what perseverance looks like.
She instilled in me a deep respect for work, community, and looking out for others.
Describe your goals for the City in 3 words.
Connection. Balance. Opportunity.
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less).
My goal is to help Sun Prairie grow in a way that keeps our community strong and connected. That means making sure residents feel valued, making thoughtful decisions about development, and preparing for the changes that come with growth. I want neighbors to clearly understand how decisions are made and to know their voices matter. To me, the real power in a community has always belonged to the people. Those elected to serve are simply stewards of that trust. When residents stay engaged and government remains accountable to them, it creates opportunity and a stronger future for everyone who calls Sun Prairie home.
Cheryl Batterman
What is your favorite restaurant in Sun Prairie? What’s your “go-to” order?
For seafood, I love Sea Scallops at Buck & Honey’s; for pizza, it’s Anna’s Pizza; and for steak it’s Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse.
If Alders had “walk-up music,” what song would you like to have playing when you arrive at Council Chambers?
“Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles
Would you rather meet with residents…
– First thing Saturday morning at the Farmers’ Market? OR
– Hanging out late at a local watering hole before bar time?
Definitely first thing Saturday morning—when I’m the most energized!
A magic groundhog appears and offers to grant you one wish to change something in Sun Prairie.
(One catch: He can’t raise any revenue or cut taxes.)
Good health for all
Who has been the most significant role model in your life?
My father, Dr. Ronald McKinney, has been the most significant role model in my life. Despite coming from a highly dysfunctional family, he became the first in his family to graduate from college, attending the University of Michigan, and eventually earning a PhD from the University of Utah.
He lived by the motto, “The most important rule in life is to treat others as you would want to be treated.” I strive to follow this wisdom every day.
What did your parents do for work when you were growing up?
My mother earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree before starting a family. After raising five children as a homemaker, she returned to nursing and eventually retired from the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City.
My father served as a Navy ensign for four years. He later earned a BA in Psychology and was commissioned as an Intelligence Officer in the Air Force, where he served for another 20 years. After retiring from the military, he earned a PhD in Psychology with a concentration in geriatrics. He eventually retired from a career that included working for the State of California and maintaining a successful private practice.
Describe your goals for the City in 3 words.
Debt-free, thriving, safe
Describe your goals for the city in 100 words (or less).
Fiscal responsibility and accountability remain a critical topic. Debt service payments are currently the second-largest line item in our city budget, necessitating a serious conversation about our financial future. Taxpayers are concerned about spending levels, and it is imperative we live within our means. Our focus should be on paying down existing debt and avoiding the accumulation of new debt.
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