PLATFORM

New Leadership for a Growing Community

PLATFORM

I have always loved Delavan, because it’s been a wonderful place to grow up and to raise a family. Ample support for the next generation, fiscal responsibility and revitalization of Delavan's Downtown will be my priorities as Mayor. Accessibility and listening are important qualities as a leader, and my office will be open to the Citizens of Delavan to share ideas and ask questions. Working together, I believe that Delavan's future is bright.

Grace's Priorities for Delavan

Small Business and Smart Growth

Ensure a business-friendly environment to encourage healthy growth downtown and throughout the city.

Delavan has been blessed by innovaters who are establishing their small and large businesses in Delavan. People are drawn to Delavan for job opportunities and the unique flavor of the city. As Mayor, I'll make sure businesses know they're welcome in Delavan.

Responsible Financial Management

Maintain a budget that keeps taxes low, uses public funds efficiently, and abides by sustainable, ethical principles

We are stewards of the taxpayer's money. It's important that we are transparent with the costs of services, and communicate how taxpayer dollars are spent. Careful budget planning and efficient use of public funds are the responsibility of all of Delavan's elected officials.

Strong Support for Children

Providing strong support for children through Delavan Schools, Boys & Girls Club, City Rec Department and Aram Public Library.

It is our privilege and our responsibility to meet the needs of our youngest citizens. Investing in the next generation ensures that children's needs are met, and will thrive as they mature and become adults. To quote Frederick Douglass, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." We have several good programs and institutions in Delavan, and children will benefit when the city offers its strong support.

Grow Your Vision

Questionnaire from The Delavan Enterprise, March, 2024

Name: Grace (Van Dyken) Hirte

Age: 65

Previous Political Office(s) held: None Government Experience: City of Delavan Public Works Committee for 5 years

Community Involvement (club, service organizations, church, etc.):

Safe Families for Children; City of Delavan Public Works Committee; New Day Women’s Clinic Board; AFS Host Family; Spirit of Hope Homeless Shelter; Friends of Aram Public Library; GEMS Girls’ Club; Pianist and Organist for several area churches and schools; Delavan Christian Reformed Church

Please answer the following questions:

1. Why should you be considered the top candidate for the office you are running for?

I’m very proud of Delavan. Its history, its blend of farm and city style, its “old” and new residents, its brick street, and even the location - all combine to make the City of Delavan a very special place to live. I believe I should be considered the top candidate for the office of Mayor because my goal is for all of Delavan to thrive.

. I’ve also engaged with most sectors of our community through my work, volunteer work, growing up in Delavan and raising a family here. My experience in education, business and administration have given me valuable tools for leadership. I believe I will bring some fresh energy to our City Government.

2. What do you think you bring to the table that is unique?

Listening to people and problem-solving are strengths that I bring to the table. I will also be accessible to constituents through weekly office hours, providing regular opportunities for good communication.

Marrying into a “deaf” family provided an opportunity to learn sign language and to recognize deaf culture. Working at Wisconsin State School for the Deaf gave better understanding of the particular needs of individuals with language barriers. My respect and inclusion of people from all backgrounds is a strength that I bring to the table.

3. What do you feel is the single biggest challenge facing your community?

A big challenge that can be approached at the local level would be the number of students choosing to attend schools outside of the Delavan-Darien School District. As I have done substitute teaching in DDSD schools the past three years, I can attest to the quality of the staff and the education that is happening here. This is a challenge we can address.

Grow Your Vision

Questionnaire from The League of Women Voters / Vote411

League of Women Voters

750 word limit to answers.

Requested English and Spanish

We would like your answers to the following questions:

Please describe your priorities for your term in office.

Priorities during my term of office as Mayor would be:

- to raise awareness of the quality of Delavan-Darien Schools, making DDSD the public school “choice” parents make for their children. Explore how the City can help DDSD reach their goals, and reduce the number of students attending schools outside of our district.

- to increase housing opportunities for middle- and low-income residents.

- to bring a variety of shops to the downtown and support the library expansion, making the historic area of Delavan a destination that benefits both residents and visitors.

Las prioridades durante mi mandato como alcalde serían:

- Aumentar la conciencia sobre la calidad de las escuelas de Delavan-Darien, haciendo del DDSD la "elección" de la escuela pública que los padres hacen para sus hijos. Explore cómo la Ciudad puede ayudar al DDSD a alcanzar sus metas y reducir el número de estudiantes que asisten a escuelas fuera de nuestro distrito.

- Aumentar las oportunidades de vivienda para los residentes de ingresos medios y bajos.

- Traer una variedad de tiendas al centro de la ciudad y apoyar la expansión de la biblioteca, haciendo de la zona histórica de Delavan un destino que beneficie tanto a los residentes como a los visitantes.

What would you do to promote civility and cooperative problem-solving in your community?

I would promote cooperative problem-solving by including stakeholders from diverse backgrounds in community discussions, and provide opportunities for community discussion. I would be intentional when making committee appointments, so that voices from different ages, genders, cultures, political perspectives and income levels are taking part in the conversation. Civility is maintained through listening and speaking with respect. In settings where I have a leadership role, incivility is not tolerated. As someone who genuinely enjoys people, I’m eager to learn the perspective of others, communicate kindly and truthfully, and seek common ground.

Promovería la resolución cooperativa de problemas mediante la inclusión de partes interesadas de diversos orígenes en las discusiones comunitarias, y brindaría oportunidades para la discusión comunitaria. Sería intencional al hacer los nombramientos de los comités, para que voces de diferentes edades, géneros, culturas, perspectivas políticas y niveles de ingresos participen en la conversación. El civismo se mantiene escuchando y hablando con respeto. En los entornos en los que tengo un papel de liderazgo, no se tolera la incivilidad. Como alguien que realmente disfruta de las personas, estoy ansioso por aprender la perspectiva de los demás, comunicarse con amabilidad y sinceridad, y buscar puntos en común.

What is the most pressing social service issue facing your community and what should your local government do about it?

While campaigning, I’m hearing people say they are increasingly concerned with safety. They have been shaken by recent events in Delavan and Elkhorn. It’s important to recognize that our local police and sheriff departments successfully investigated and arrested perpetrators in these crimes. Their fears, however, highlight a need to continue to ensure overall public safety. Our local government needs to offer strong support to law enforcement, providing necessary staffing, equipment and technology, along with an attitude of appreciation and respect. Proactive measures include positive interaction between police and the public on city sidewalks, and other strategies that increase trust and transparency between residents and law enforcement.

Mientras hago campaña, escucho a la gente decir que están cada vez más preocupados por la seguridad. Han sido sacudidos por los recientes acontecimientos en Delavan y Elkhorn. Es importante reconocer que nuestros departamentos locales de policía y alguacil investigaron y arrestaron con éxito a los perpetradores de estos delitos. Sus temores, sin embargo, ponen de relieve la necesidad de seguir garantizando la seguridad pública en general. Nuestro gobierno local debe ofrecer un fuerte apoyo a las fuerzas del orden, proporcionando el personal, el equipo y la tecnología necesarios, junto con una actitud de aprecio y respeto. Las medidas proactivas incluyen la interacción positiva entre la policía y el público en las aceras de la ciudad, y otras estrategias que aumentan la confianza y la transparencia entre los residentes y las fuerzas del orden.