Kelly Butler

Age: 56

Occupation: Regional director, behavioral health

Political experience: Auburn Comprehensive Plan Committee; various community boards

Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate, for this seat? 

My commitment to listening to all residents, ensuring transparency, fostering community connection, and advocating for policies and solutions that benefit everyone makes me the ideal candidate for City Council. Participation in the Comprehensive Planning Committee and neighbor-to-neighbor conversations has provided me with a solid understanding of the issues that are most affecting our community members. My background in public, private and nonprofit service has equipped me with a broad range of leadership skills to bring about real change for our community members while also continuing to strengthen the overall health and vitality of our community. 

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them. Be specific.

In the neighbor-to-neighbor discussions I am actively engaged in with Auburn residents, shared concerns have included issues such as taxes, road conditions, education, and safety. I agree all are important concerns to address. Two issues hold a critical value to Auburn’s future; including ensuring our city is well prepared to support generational growth through proactive and deliberate care of our natural resources as well as flexible and intentional development of affordable housing. Hearing from all voices in Auburn while also completing and implementing Auburn’s Comprehensive Plan are progressive first steps toward addressing both issues. 

Auburn, like many other municipalities, is seeing rising property taxes resulting from higher property values. What can Auburn do to address this issue?

Auburn can support minimizing the impact of rising property taxes through exploration of tax relief programs, strategic long-term planning (such as that being completed by the Comprehensive Planning committee) and maximizing advocacy for fair provisioning of state and federal revenue services. Increases of commercial and affordable housing development for Auburn’s families reduces reliance on residential property taxes. Ongoing information sharing and engagement of Auburn residents in fiscal planning along with intentional growth management will not only help to balance rising values with affordability for all residents but will also increase community stability through intergenerational growth and responsible use of resources.

Benjamin Weisner

Age: 36

Occupation: Public insurance adjuster 

Political experience: One term as Ward 4 city councilor  

Why do you think you’re the most qualified, or best candidate, for this seat?

I believe I am most qualified for this seat due to the experience gained during my 2023-2025 term as city councilor for Ward 4. This position has provided me with an understanding of the municipal process. I believe in listening to the residents of Ward 4 and ensuring their concerns are heard. My goal is to provide thoughtful, responsive representation and to continue advocating for the community.

Please name two issues that you believe are critical to Auburn’s future, and how you would address them. Be specific.

Housing: Auburn needs more housing to meet the demand. I would look to advocate for housing at all price points. 

Infrastructure: Auburn’s roads and bridges. I would look to Auburn’s road study and review the data to ensure the city invests in these areas that need much-needed improvements.

Auburn, like many other municipalities, is seeing rising property taxes resulting from higher property values. What can Auburn do to address this issue?

Auburn needs to look at its spending. When it comes to the budget, Auburn needs to cut spending and cut taxes. Engaging residents in the budgeting process can help prioritize what matters most to the community.