Herter, Roberts answer questions
By Robert Cloud
Ald. Tim Roberts is challenging incumbent Mayor Mark Herter in the April 2 election for New London mayor.
Herter was elected mayor in 2020.
Roberts currently represents District 4 on New London Common Council.
This is the first-part in a two-part series asking the candidates questions about their past experiences and hopes for the future of New London.
Please describe your education and professional training?
Herter: I have a HSED from the FVTC. I have training in human resource, business management, lean six sigma and Fortune 500. I have held several positions including supervisor and shift lead for many years at large private businesses before taking office as your mayor in 2020. In most of those cases managing more than 20 or more employees.
Most of my background in management is in day-to-day operations of production facilities, employee management, work flow processes, ergonomic work cells, competitive implementation and management of business contracts while keeping a competitive edge of expenses and marketing for future growth.
Roberts: I attended Emanuel Lutheran Elementary School here in New London and later graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School. After high school I attended Basic Training and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I later moved to Arizona where I attended Mohave Community College for EMT training.
In 2003, I was deployed to Iraq to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom where I earned an Army Commendation Medal for being the most accomplished dual driving team in the platoon completing 59 missions and enduring terrorist attacks during three of those missions.
Where are you employed?
Roberts: I am a businessman here in New London at The Print Shop. My family has owned and operated the business since 1994 and I have now taken charge of the business as my parents have now retired. We also own several rental properties in the city of which I manage. Fortunately, by working for myself this would allow me to have the opportunity (should I be elected) to be available as a 24/7 full-time Mayor for the citizens of New London.
Herter: I am currently employed by Dixon Ticonderoga Corporation in the Fox Valley. I believe my past experiences are what gives me the edge needed to represent the people of New London to the fullest as your Mayor. I have held several positions within large corporations giving me knowledge of large corporation operations that can be directly related to the day-to-day operations of city government.
How do your past experiences impact your work in city government?
Herter: I have had success with several local organizations and nonprofit groups such as New London wrestling club and Traumatic Brain Injury Fight for Life Club, and in some cases assisting as cofounder. Holding different tittles such as VP or president of those committees.
As mayor I have been CEO of our city for the past four years, learning even more every day along the way by seeking out opportunities offered by the League Of Municipalities and CVMIC. The last four years in office, I have had success with managing and executing contracts for our city, recognizing citizen asks and successfully implementing solutions, and community growth.
I have been fiscally responsible and accountable with tax dollars by using county, state and federal grant money for projects first before our local tax dollars. I understand the importance of representation of my constituents both like minded and not, as we all want the same things for our community. I also possess skills sets and the experience of setting up the city for affordable growth for all.
Roberts: As a businessman, I am experienced in working with a fiscal budget and making the most out of every dollar. I also have many relationships with local businesses and contacts within the city.
My service for the last three years as the District 4 alderman has given me a close insight on how the city runs and how I can help to make a change for the betterment of the people. I have the opportunity to hear the opinions of the citizens from both sides and have a great working relationship with the current staff and can readily present ideas to them for open discussion.
As the past VFW commander, I gained experience in a leadership role. I was responsible for leading the Post in meetings, carrying out and following guidelines set forth by the State Department and organizing the Post’s activities and business proceedings. As the current American Legion Adjutant, I am in charge of recording meeting minutes and maintaining detailed records for the Post. These skills provide me with the organizational and leadership necessary to lead committees and council to best serve the city of New London in a professional manner.