CG Forward is a platform for independent writing and commentary on local policy, governance, and community issues affecting Cottage Grove, WI and the surrounding area.
The site brings together multiple contributors with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Some contributors are deeply involved in local civic life; others are engaged residents, professionals, or community members who care about the future of the village and region.
CG Forward exists to encourage thoughtful discussion, clarify complex local issues, and create space for informed viewpoints that may not always fit neatly into existing forums or social media conversations.
Articles published on CG Forward are written by individual contributors and reflect the views of their authors. Contributions are published under the author’s name, and disagreement among contributors is expected and welcomed.
CG Forward is independently operated and is not affiliated with any political party, campaign, or governmental body.
Contributors
Michelle Steffens
Wife, Mother of 4, Neuro RN, SEIU WI RN Council Member, SVDP Member, Brewers fanatic, Village of CG resident since 2013.
Stefan Wahe
Stefan Wahe and his wife, Michelle, have lived in Cottage Grove since 2005, when they chose the community as the place to build their home and raise their three sons. Over the years, Stefan has been actively engaged in local civic life, serving on the Town of Sun Prairie/Village of Cottage Grove Planning Committee and as Vice President of the Village Library Board, and supporting local businesses through the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce.
Professionally, Stefan has spent more than 25 years working in higher education, focusing on cybersecurity, privacy, and responsible technology governance. He currently serves as the HIPAA Privacy and Security Director for the University of Illinois and teaches business technology part-time at Madison College. Stefan writes for CGForward to encourage fact-based dialogue and thoughtful planning to help Cottage Grove thrive well into the future.
David Peterson
I currently serve as the Dane County Supervisor for this area and have been involved in local politics since moving to Cottage Grove in 2015. I care deeply about our community and how decisions are made. My work focuses on long-term planning, practical problem-solving, and making sure public decisions are transparent and responsible.
Like many residents, I care deeply about the future of Cottage Grove. I believe informed citizens build stronger communities. That’s why I write about local policy, development, taxes, and governance in a way that prioritizes facts over noise.
Local government is rarely simple. Issues that seem straightforward on the surface are often shaped by state policy, regional economics, and constraints most people never see. I try to provide context and clarity so residents can better understand the trade-offs behind public decisions, even when those trade-offs are uncomfortable. We won’t all agree on every issue. But I believe respectful dialogue, steady leadership, and honest conversations are essential to keeping our community strong.
Katie Moureau
I am mom to 5 boys- ranging in ages 5 to 17. I am married to Paul Moureau. Grew up in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Currently, I live in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a Minor in Family and Health Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Worked as a Behavior Technician and Supervisor for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder for 18 years.
I am on the WI Rare Disease Board and chair their advocacy committee. I am on the Monona Grove Education Foundation as a board member. I am on the MG21 Governance Board. I am also part of Patients Rising Patient Senate and belong to Wisconsin Public Education Network.
Currently, I am an advocate for those with rare diseases, specifically Prader-Willi Syndrome. I have advocated my son’s entire life for him with his medical team (11 years) and his educational team as well as for therapies to help him. During the pandemic, I started educating and advocating at the Federal and State level. This past year, I have been advocating for our school District to have accessible and inclusive playgrounds. In the past 6 months I have added educating and advocating for our state leadership to step up and support our public schools especially with funding.