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Jake Lepper

Fitchburg City Council - District 4, Seat 8

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About Me

Police Sergeant

Why I am Running

I’ve spent my career in public service, working as a police sergeant where I’ve led officers, mentored new recruits, and taken on everything from everyday calls to complex investigations. I’ve also volunteered as an Advanced EMT and served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard, which gave me the chance to help people in crisis and learn the value of steady teamwork under pressure. A proud Wisconsin native, I’ve pursued advanced education and am now finishing a doctorate in law and policy. All of these experiences have shaped how I listen, solve problems, and work to keep our community strong.

Top Issues

Housing As Fitchburg grows, we need to make sure that growth works for everyone. That means supporting affordable and mixed-income housing so families, workers, and seniors can continue to call this city home. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Real safety means giving our first responders the tools they need, while also making sure every resident can count on fair, effective, and compassionate service. Infrastructure / Transportation I support thoughtful investments that make it easier for families, seniors, and workers to move through our city safely, whether that means building trail connections, improving crossings, or strengthening transit options. Environment / Energy Fitchburg has the opportunity to be a leader in sustainability. I believe that when we invest in renewable energy and efficiency upgrades for our city buildings, we’re not only protecting the environment, we’re saving taxpayers money in the long run. Criminal Justice / Public Safety I know how hard our public safety employees work to serve our community. I will always advocate for the resources, training, and respect they deserve. At the same time, I believe in strengthening trust through transparency, community partnerships, and exploring alternative response options. Housing It also means being intentional about how new development fits into our neighborhoods and how it impacts residents. I will work to ensure that we balance progress with fairness, so Fitchburg remains a place where people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to put down roots and thrive. Environment / Energy Our natural spaces are part of what makes Fitchburg special, and we need to ensure they’re preserved for future generations. Smart, forward-looking environmental choices benefit our families today while setting a strong foundation for a world my daughter and yours can grow up in. Infrastructure / Transportation Our trail system and bike paths are more than just recreation, they’re vital parts of how people connect, commute, and experience Fitchburg. As a bike commuter, I know that expanding and maintaining safe routes for walking, biking, and public transit helps us reduce traffic, improve health, and keep our city accessible to everyone.

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