Candidate Profile: Marcelino Rivera III For District 5 Alderman

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.

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

Marcelino Rivera III

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

City of Franklin - District 5 Alderman

Party Affiliation

Not affiliated with any major party and position is non-partisan.

Family

My wife and I have been together for 13 years. Our family unit consists of my adult son and our twin girls that attend Franklin High School. Other family members include our dog, two rabbits and an axolotl (Amphibious Salamander).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My mother works for the USPS and my mother-in-law works for the Department of Defense.

Education

• Cardinal Stritch University
  • Master of Business Administration

• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
  • Molecular Diagnostics Certification
  • Bachelor of Science in Clinical Lab Sciences

Occupation

Worked in patient care for more than twenty years. Currently working as an IT Systems Analyst in healthcare for nationally recognized hospital system.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

https://riverafordistrict5.wixsite.com/website

Why are you seeking elective office?

While attending many city meetings, I witnessed inconsistency in the process for developers and residents. Through the right to open records, I learned there is no watchful eye tracking government spending as we fall behind in providing opportunities to keep our hard-earned tax dollars local. My goal is to bring integrity and a sensible process that can save us time and money.

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

District - District 5 has a large portion of the Oak leaf trail that could benefit from additional connections. We have a unique opportunity to turn the active Quarry into a park once it closes. Citizens deserve this to become a public not private park, especially those aggrieved by blasting moving closer to their homes. Lack of attention to business opportunities adjacent to Sendik’s and the former Sentry area (Rawson & 76th) have needed re-development. Previous plans sit stagnant while installed infrastructure is depreciating. The amount of planning documents for D5 (and city-wide) funded by our taxes and not implemented needs our immediate attention.

City - The rapid rate of development in areas without water, sewer, and roads is increasing our city debt and outpacing already strained DPW, Police and Fire services. Providing city services, at a reasonable fee, is an important function of a municipality and should be a priority over subsidizing those making money off taxpayers.

Surrounding cities have worked toward a plan and brought it to fruition, while we are falling farther behind. Today's world requires high-tech skills, hard work ethics and innovative thinking I utilize daily.

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

I am an analytical and creative person, blending critical thinking with new ideas in coming up with solutions to complex issues daily. Working for a nationally recognized leader in Healthcare, I understand the importance of being dollar smart and penny wise while not sacrificing quality as it has the potential to impact patients and put lives at risk. I will make my decisions after careful study and understanding the future financial impacts. Because I owe no political debt, I will base my votes in the best interest of the people, on quality development, after knowing costs and understanding taxpayer's liability.

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

Conversing with constituents has provided significant insight on missed opportunities the District 5 Alderman can improve on such as street safety, drainage concerns and more recreational and community events that help Franklin retain its value to residents. However, the largest issues stem from not understanding the function and role of the position. A straight record of voting yes on every item presented without any further input or assessment is not indicative of working on citizen’s behalf. Projects, spending and carrying out long-range plans require more thought to achieve a community’s bigger picture.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign is based on three pillars (I. Quality, II. Integrity, III. The Community) The community needs to get more for its tax dollars. There is a lack of open communication about spending, debt, and plans. The influences on boards and commissions limit meaningful discussion that could help gain citizen trust while improving project outcomes.

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

Past political experience is not always the best way to bring process consistency or solution-oriented ideas to the forefront. We need thoughtful conversations. Our fast-paced society requires skills to compete, which I bring to the table. I've consistently worked my way up throughout my career including my current role as a Systems Analyst. My daily work tasks include project management of small break-fix to large scale, multi-team requests that effect patient care and system revenue. I am trained in report writing including multi-level analysis and process for changes to system configuration and project tracking every aspect of data. I will leverage my experience and background to bring a systematic process to improve our current confusing and scattered government, which developers and citizens find challenging.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The most valuable currency in this world is time; be careful with whom and how you spend it.

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

Positions - Concerns I hear often are regarding taxes and finding a balance between those wanting growth and those who enjoy Franklin's lower density rural character. I desire a balance; growth while main-taining some rural character, providing places to spend money locally and maintaining the support of police, fire, and other city services to reduce crime and keep our community safe.

My vision is quite different from the "anti-development" buzz word used often to manipulate and control politics of our city council. Growth can offset taxes and when done correctly it should maintain city services and quality of life while protecting resident's home investment.

About Me - My family and I are National Park enthusiasts. I also enjoy skateboarding and being active. You may have seen my dog and I walking or him pulling me on my skateboard through the Root River Heights area.

More info about me can be found at: https://riverafordistrict5.wixsite.com/website