Four candidates outline priorities at Oshkosh City Council forum ahead of April 1 election

A League of Women Voters–moderated forum hosted by Oshkosh Media brought the four candidates for three Oshkosh City Council seats together for opening statements and a question-and-answer session Monday, with the candidates urging voters to consider housing, infrastructure funding and neighborhood needs ahead of the April 1 election.

The forum featured incumbents Carl Bulow, Paul Eslinger and Joe Stevenson and challenger Bridal Spanbauer. Eslinger noted his 13 years on the council, including two terms as mayor; Bulow described his work as director of development for the nonprofit Grand Oshkosh; Spanbauer said she is the sustainability director at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; and Stevenson identified himself as an economic development program manager for East Central Planning Commission.

The forum opened with two-minute statements from each candidate. Bulow said he has “devoted the last, dozen years or so on non profits here in town,” and that as a councilor he wants “to make sure that every voice and every person gets considered when we’re making decisions up here in city hall.” Eslinger emphasized experience and said he wants to “work with the new city manager on finding new ways to opper to operate local government.” Spanbauer highlighted her background in sustainability and energy savings at the university, saying she led a team that realized “about $600,000 of savings in the first 7 months.” Stevenson described his training in urban planning and public administration and said he aims to focus on housing and responsible growth.

Moderators told the audience that four candidates were competing for three seats and that questions had been solicited in advance and could also be submitted by attendees. The forum was recorded and distributed by Oshkosh Media on local government TV and online platforms.

The candidates answered a series of community-focused questions on topics that included housing and the city strategic plan, infrastructure funding and the vehicle registration fee, diversity of council representation, development in the South Main/Sawdust District, green space and parks, and how councilors would communicate with residents.

Closing statements reiterated the candidates’ appeals to voters. Stevenson said he would “still be right here pounding it for Oshkosh” whether or not he is reelected; Spanbauer asked voters to consider her record saving utility costs at UW Oshkosh; Eslinger requested re-election; and Bulow listed a range of boards and commissions he serves on and said those experiences inform his approach to governance.

Voters may cast ballots on April 1 and may vote early; moderators urged attendees to contact local election officials with questions about voting options and deadlines.