Who's On April's Ballot: Robert Hammel, District 2 Aldermanic Candidate

As a personal lending officer with TCF Bank, Robert Hammel said, "I've see what good finances are versus bad, and overall Muskego has kept its values fairly steady."

He is hoping to take that experience in finance, along with an interest in community service, as the District 2 alderman in April. Hammel will face competition from Butch LeDoux, who has been involved in various committees in the city as well as a previous term as an alderman. However, he sees that as a plus.

"I'd like to think being outside of the loop allows me to look at problems with a fresh perspective," he said. "It makes me a good voice for the district, although I know that you're never going to make everyone happy."

"I like to understand why things are done a certain way before jumping in to change them," Hammel further explained in a letter to constituents. "I am focused on ensuring things work efficiently and expeditiously at the best possible cost, eliminating wasteful spending and finding efficiencies in government."

He said he saw growth as an integral part of relieving the residential tax burden (currently at about 88 percent) through smart growth and development.

"We've seen the negative results of unplanned growth in other cities, and I don't want to see Muskego make the same mistakes," he said. "I think we can work to develop our city downtown and in the other centers of commerce without losing the charm that has been one of the draws for people to come here."

Hammel grew up in New Berlin, and has lived in Muskego since 1999 with his wife Jennifer and two sons.

If you have any questions for him - no public candidate forums have been scheduled - contact Hammel at bjhammel@sbcglobal.net.