Christina Shiroma

Age: 35

Occupation: Marketing and Management Consultant - current clients include Belleville's Lingonberry Llama

Years lived in village: 4

Incumbent? No

Have you been on the village board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: No

Why are you running for village board? I am eager to bring my skills to serve the village and the people who live here. I have lived in Wisconsin for about 13 years and in Belleville for almost 4. I want to help Belleville grow thoughtfully. We have a lot to offer as a community, and I think we can do more to support businesses and residents. One of the first things I would focus on would be increasing transparency and communication. Doing so will prevent unnecessary surprises and help strengthen our community.

What issues do you find most important to the village board? List your top three priorities: Growth is the most important, multi-faceted issue that encompasses my top three priorities. We need to make sure were grow in a sustainable and thoughtful way.

We need to focus on attracting businesses that will help support the village and ease the residents' tax and water burdens.

Most of the development right now is for one-family homes. While it's important to attract young professionals and families, we also need to make sure that we have affordable options for low-income families and seniors. You shouldn't need a down payment to live in Belleville.

Our natural assets are a main attraction to new neighbors and visitors, and they are in need of support as well. We need to fix the dam, work with the DNR to get the Stewart Tunnel reopened, and work to get the day trippers into town to spend money.

If you could reverse one village action, what would that be? Most of the frustration in town stems from a lack of communication and transparency. Whether it's the Riverwalk idea, property assessments, or sewer rate increases, these surprises feel like sucker punches. Early and clear communication can ease the sting from these changes.

Any additional comments? Belleville is a wonderful community and it would be an honor to represent the village as we continue to grow. We have a lot to offer to new residents and businesses should want to be our neighbors, it falls to us to help them see that. This task is a large one, but one I believe I am suited to tackle.