There are so many wonderful things to love about living in Monona.
My days in this amazing community have been filled with a steady stream of people waving and saying hello from their bikes and cars while I walk my dog or stopping just to say hi. I can’t count how many times I’ve been stopped by people who just wanted to say “thank you for your advocacy and your voice.” It warms my heart to be part of someplace so special.
While I truly believe Monona is one of the best cities in America, we have work to do. We need to build a future that keeps our kids and grandkids here. We need to address our housing affordability issues, solve our public transit challenges, address our lack of diversity, and the high carrying costs of our debt.
This community has given me and my family so much. And I’ve worked hard to give right back. I’ve run for public office and served on the city council. I’ve supported our business community while serving as the Executive Director of MESBA (aka the Monona Chamber of Commerce). I currently lead a nonprofit that provides bikes to families in need. I’ve helped create more public art, advocated for better bicycle infrastructure, and have been a steward for protecting our waterways.
And I did it all, not for the thank you's (as much as I love and appreciate them!) but because Monona is worth fighting for.
Which is why I’m excited to announce that I’m officially running for Mayor of Monona in the spring election.
Things haven’t always come easy for me. I’ve spent a lifetime overcoming the odds. I’ve walked away stronger, wiser, and better because of it. And while my run for Mayor in 2021 didn’t turn out as I hoped, I learned so much from the experience. I gained new insights, new friends and colleagues, and I have even more focus and determination than ever!
People often ask why I would want such a thankless job. But public service has never been thankless for me. Having an opportunity to help so many people is rare and I embrace it wholeheartedly. I am being called to lead to ensure that we plan for the future and leave our city in the best possible condition for our children and grandchildren.
I have a fresh vision for our community, reflective of the regular folks in Monona who, like me, work hard to support our families. I know the struggles of the average citizen because those are my struggles as well. So much of my success in life has come from my ability to work with others and to listen, and gather input from constituents, and then serve as a voice for the voiceless. I believe we all win when we all collaborate, and that positive energy can beat cynicism every time.
I'm an empathetic leader and I always put others first. My vision for the future is hopeful —I want Monona to set the standard of excellence for what a small American city can and should be. Throughout my life, I’ve set lofty goals and then worked hard to achieve them. I have done so by surrounding myself with a strong team of doers and by relying on data driven decisions.
The identities I bring forward are not those that are typically represented by candidates in small town America.
• I’m a single parent raising two kids, one with a disability (and proudly watching them work their way through our wonderful public schools), • I’m a first generation college student, • I grew up with a single mom who never rose above the poverty level, • I’m a member of an Ojibway tribe, • I’m a former local business owner.
I bring perspectives that are too often left out when our local government is making decisions. I can help us acknowledge our blindspots and ensure equitable thinking in more areas of decision making, all while working tirelessly to build a community that our kids and grandkids will want to call home!
I’ve been told countless times that I'm giving people hope for a local government that works for all of us, where everyone can feel like they matter and are being heard. I am running for Mayor because it's time to give the people a voice. We must prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. I am asking for your support on April 4, 2023 and I will work hard to earn your vote. Thank you for the privilege of your time and consideration.
Tis a lesson you should heed– Try again; If at first you don’t succeed, Try again. Then your courage should appear; For if you will persevere, You will conquer, never fear, Try again. -William Edward Hickson
Yours in service,
Kristie Goforth, Candidate for Monona Mayor 2023
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I have over 100 endorsements listed on my About page but it also takes donations to make this a reality. Will you donate today? No amount is too small! For Venmo users, use @KristieGoforth.
I have set a personal goal of knocking every door in Monona. Would you like to volunteer to be on my team? If so, please email me because the work starts now.
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