Oshkosh City Council candidates debate housing, taxes, parks and representation at League forum

Four candidates competing for three Oshkosh City Council seats appeared at a League of Women Voters forum in Oshkosh to discuss housing, local taxes, parks and council representation ahead of the April 1 election.

The forum matters to voters because the council sets local tax and development priorities that affect housing costs, special assessments and redevelopment in downtown and central neighborhoods.

Housing and redevelopment were recurring themes. Candidates described the Sawdust District and the South Main Street corridor as major redevelopment opportunities, but said environmental remediation and financing remain barriers. Joe Stevenson, an economic development program manager and candidate, called the area a chance to “build the coolest building you could ever think of” but said brownfields and cleanup will require state grants and local tools. Carl Bulow, an incumbent, and others said the city has used TIF (tax increment financing) and other incentives to make redevelopment feasible.

Candidates sharply debated the vehicle…