Editors note: This is the first in a series of Marshfield City Council candidates for the contested seats ahead of the election April 7. Candidates sat down with News-Herald Media to answer the same questions. This is the second of four profiles.

Name: Rich Reinart, candidate for District 6

What qualifies you for this office and why are you running?

I have some experience with city government from being on the Parks and Recreation Committee and the city's Plan Commission. With the work that I do I know a lot about zoning, permits and variances.

I've lived in the city for 10 years and have a general knowledge of how government works but I know there is a lot to learn.

What are the two important issues the city is facing and how should each be addressed?

The major issue for the city is the cost of infrastructure and how to maintain everything without passing all of the cost onto the taxpayers. The cost for materials continues to go up and up. So the cost to maintain infrastructure goes up. That is a challenge that is going to continue. The major cost is streets. Everyone drives so potholes, things like that, are issues for a lot of people. We need to maintain the streets, but it's difficult to keep up as the costs continue to increase. How much to spend and on which project is difficult to balance.

This isn't a big issue, but from being on the Parks and Recreation committee it's important. Hefko Pool needs to be addressed and it's another project that will be several million dollars. Depending on whether we renovate, or build new, it's costly. A lot has changed since that pool was originally put in. There will be a study about whether it should be an aquatic center or just a pool.

That being said, if this is an issue, it shows this is a good community. ... We don't have issues like some cities have. ... As I've gotten to know city staff I know we have good people in the right places.

This is a good community and I want to keep it. ... Overall the city is in good shape. When I go to other downtowns, I see lots of vacant window fronts. Our downtown looks nice. Over 90 percent of the business space is occupied. ... For where it is Marshfield does just fine.

One thing I will do a good job at is getting people answers. If someone calls me, I will get an answer for them. It may not be what they want to hear but I am willing to talk and help people. I want to be that resource to help people.

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