Marshall Takes Narrow Lead Over Verhalen In District 4 Alder Race

OAK CREEK, WI — Lisa Marshall took a narrow lead over Mark Verhalen in Tuesday's race for the 4th District Alderperson seat, the latest unofficial totals showed.

Races included one contested aldermanic seat, plus two other alderperson seats that were uncontested. Two on the Oak Creek-Franklin School Board, plus various county seats were also up for election.

At the heart of the election was the District 4 Alderperson seat, which represents Oak Creek's lakefront land. Incumbent Mike Toman had recieved the least votes in unofficial totals during the February primary, leaving Lisa Marshall and Mark Verhalen to compete in Tuesday's election.

Other alderperson seats went uncontested in the race. In District 2, Gregory Loreck was running. In District 6, Christopher Guzikowski was running.

District 4 Candidates Share Perspectives

Lake Vista Park and the more recent Lakeshore Commons housing development were at the top of concerns for those in the 4th Alderperson District.

Marshall, who moved to Oak Creek with her family in 2006, said she believes "it is time for a fresh voice and perspective."

Marshall approached candidacy with experience on the Oak Creek Celebration Committee and and other civic involvement.

She told Patch that one critical thing with lakefront developments is the possibility of expanding needs for police and emergency medical services. She also spoke out about how the city can find and retain community members, and how the city should work with local industry to aid students at Oak Creek High School in a "technical economy."

Verhalen, who approached District 4 as a candidate with previous alderman experience and experience in business, Told Patch he wants to establish Oak Creek "as a destination, not a pass-through city to get to Milwaukee."

He said the city should use its Interstate 94 corridor, plus lakefront land, to establish upscale projects that attract professionals and businesses. With that, Verhalen says development in Drexel Town Square hasn't quite lived up to original plans, saying there have been difficulties in maintaining anchor businesses. He also said there is insufficient parking and open space at Drexel Town Square.

The candidates set themselves apart in how their experience would come into play on the board.

Marshall said the biggest difference between her and the other candidates was that she is not a lifelong resident, but that she is very active in the community, keeping her connected to all ages of community members.

Verhalen said what sets him apart is business experience as well as knowledge of building trades, stormwater management and environmental rules. He said he is familiar with Oak Creek development criteria, which would help him to work with city officials and private businesses on long-term goals.

District 4 Alderperson

Unofficial results will be updated as they come in. Updated 8:24 p.m.

Lisa Marshall: 391

Mark Verhalen: 373

Want to learn more about the candidates? Here are the profiles we published:

Candidate Profile: Lisa Marshall For District 4 Alderperson

Candidate Profile: Mark Verhalen For Alderman District 4