Candidate Profile: Deborah Davis For District 1 Alderperson

FRANKLIN, WI — Voters will be showing up to the polls on April 5 in Franklin for the Spring Election. Several people are seeking to fill seats on the Common Council, among other races.

Ahead of election day, we asked each candidate to share more about their campaign. We'll be publishing profiles as each candidate responds. To learn more about voting in the election, check out our guide here.

Deborah Davis

Age (as of Election Day)

60

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Alderwoman District 1

Party Affiliation

Non-partisan

Family

My husband, Dimitri Topitzes; mother, Virginia Davis; and I, live together in my childhood Franklin home. My husband and I have been very active in helping to raise our seven nieces and nephews. We are proud that most of the men in our family have provided military service to our country.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor's Degree from Long Island University; Secondary Social Studies Education Certificate from U.W.M.; Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from UWM.

Occupation

Educator for Milwaukee Public Schools, 25 years; Non-Profit Manager, six years; Psychotherapist, seven years; Adjunct Faculty in Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, UWM, six years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://ddavisforfranklin1.wixsite.com/website

Why are you seeking elective office?

In the fall of 2021, neighbors in my district of Franklin became aware of plans for an additional 400 houses in proposed new residential areas in southwest Franklin. We were concerned that some of the proposals were not in compliance with the city's comprehensive plan. Although we felt well represented by D6 Alderman John Nelson, we were aware that there was a history of decision-making by other council members that was not constituent-responsive and lacked transparency. In 2022, the boundaries of our district changed, and we had the opportunity to vote for a D1 Alderperson that we felt could better represent our concerns. I had been taking and sharing notes with neighbors from council and plan commission meetings for several months. My neighbors asked me to run for the office.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The city is in the process of rewriting our Unified Development Ordinance. This includes reviewing our zoning map for the entire city. Franklin has a significant amount of undeveloped land. It is important that we balance residential, business, industrial, agricultural, conservation and recreational uses of our land. To establish this balance, it is critical that we include input from as many constituents and stake holders as possible. I will assist the city in organizing a series of open forums for this input, utilizing all means of communication to constituents, including mailings, electronic notifications, social media and phone calls.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Our neighbors have been concerned that our current Alderman's voting record does not reflect high standards in development decision-making related to public safety, environmental preservation and compliance with current city ordinances.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

A high-profile misstep of the current board is exemplified in the court case Franklin Community Advocates (et al.) vs. the City of Franklin and Strauss Brands LLC. In this case the judge determined that constituents' due process was likely violated. Decision-makers were biased, and information necessary to approve the Special Use Permit was either inaccurate or incomplete. Citizens should be confident in their access to due process without the financial and volunteer labor costs of a 15-month (and counting) court case.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Communication with constituents (both proactive and responsive) is critical. Constituents should be kept informed of and feel invited into the decision-making process of their local government. Additionally, the foundation of engaged constituents is active neighborhoods. Council members can support the role of neighborhood leaders in connecting neighbors to one another. Connected neighborhoods are more likely to choose effective leaders and hold them accountable. Thriving civic engagement is the foundation of healthy democracies.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Leadership positions have come naturally to me since my adolescence in the Franklin Public Schools. I was elected FHS 1980 Student Council President as well as president of our youth group at Sacred Hearts (now St. Martin of Tours). I have served on neighborhood councils, as block club leader, co-founder of multiple non-profits, union rep in Milwaukee Public Schools, advisor for multiple student organizations at MPS and UWM, MPS Civics Teacher and instructor of "Mindfulness and Community Building" at UWM. I have had the honor of working with youth, the elderly, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities and other minority populations. I enjoy listening to and participating in communities with diverse political and life perspectives. I am delighted to be living and serving again in the city that raised me with strong family and community values.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Act well your part: there all honour lies." Alexander Pope.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Voters are most welcome to contact me with any questions and comments via my website!