THE CANDIDATES' VOICES: Doug Knapp – ‘Success is always a collaborative effort’

Sauk Valley Media presents a series of guest columns by candidates in key contested races in the April 4 election. Candidates were invited to write up to 400 words about why voters should support them.

Hello, everyone. My name is Doug Knapp, and I am running for Polo city mayor in the Consolidated Election on Tuesday, April 4.

I am the present mayor of Polo, where I reside with my wife, Dawn. We have lived together for the past 35 years in Polo, where I have been active in many organizations.

Some of these groups have been Lions Club, junior tackle and high school football, Polo baseball, Church Council and Church Youth, Chamber of Commerce, and Polo local government.

During my term in office, we have made many advances and improvements in the city.

Following through on the Mark Scholl administration, we have opened the state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant and introduced the completely renovated swimming pool facility.

I have always felt that any success is always a collaborative effort. No one person is ever responsible for any constructive changes, especially at this local level.

I pride our success and my administration for being able to organize groups and committees that can work together and get things done.

This is not possible without department heads who take responsibility and make things work.

Although at times we have our differences, I can truly say that our aldermen and department heads are the most dedicated and hard-working people I’ve ever been associated with.

Along with this council, the city attorney and city clerk, we get things done.

Under our watch, the Police Department and Water, Sewer and Street departments have been totally revamped and are working smoothly.

Through the Economic Development Corp., we are working to get senior housing and a grocery store in Polo.

So on Tuesday, April 4, I ask for your support at the polls.

I have been honored to serve you for the past 4 years, and ask for your vote so I can continue to humbly serve as your mayor for the next 4 years.

DETAILS

Age: 64

Occupation: Self-employed floor installer; owner, Doug Knapp Floor Covering

Education: University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 2 years

Experience: Mayor of Polo for past 4 years; local activities include Lions Club, junior tackle and high school football, Polo baseball, Church Council and Church Youth, Chamber of Commerce