Melissa P. Francois

Age: 42

Occupation: Microbiologist – Wisconsin Dept. Of Agriculture

Years lived in village: 8

Incumbent? Yes

Have you been on the village board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: Yes, I have served as village trustee from 2020-present and am running for re-election.

Why are you running for village board? I have learned a lot in my first term and there are a projects I would like to be a part of continuing and/or completing. I feel we have big tasks ahead of us and I have a better understanding of what those will entail. It would be an honor to continue to make decisions in the best interest of the village and my constituents.

What issues do you find most important to the village board? List your top three priorities: Transparency and clear communication. Responsible budgeting. Strong downtown development.

If you could reverse one village action, what would that be? Not so much a reversal – but something I think we've learned from: I would like to see the village set a strong standard with developmental agreements going forward (in both residential and commercial zones) that will help our village to grow economically in the correct manner and areas.

Any additional comments? I'm proud of the Village of Belleville and will continue to believe we are working in the right direction and have a lot of potential – it will be important in the coming years to focus on how we can expand and be good stewards of our natural surroundings (our lake, the river and our parks) and how those actions can have a positive economic impact on our downtown.