Candidate Profile: Jerry Lynn For Shorewood Village Board

SHOREWOOD, WI — We asked each candidate running for a spot on the Shorewood Village Board of Trustees to share more about their platform and ideas. The board will have an election for two seats on April 5.

Patch will be publishing each candidate's profile as responses are recieved, and we'll be keeping a close eye on the results come election night. Three people are running for the seats.

Jerry Lynn

Age (as of Election Day)

35

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Village Trustee

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife - Haley; Daughters - Jane, Birdie, and Rosemary; Dog - Huckleberry

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA - History, UWM; Currently enrolled in MS - Education, UWM

Occupation

Former Corporate Finance Administrator, 10 Years. Currently Student Teaching in MPS and earning a Masters in Education at UWM.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

facebook.com/jerrylynnforshorewood

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe that the Village is in a great position for growth in the next few years following the completion of a number of important studies done in Village Hall. We are on the right track and now need to implement the plans and I believe that I can help. We will need to leverage community input in constructive and impactful ways to ensure that completed projects meet the high standards of Shorewood and better the Milwaukee community at large. I hope to be an advocate for the people who need a voice in Village Hall and will always promise to collaborate with our neighbors to get things done. I love my community and am always willing to serve in any capacity that I am asked.

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

While on the board I hope to further the efforts to create Affordable Housing options, specifically to help tackle the problems caused by decades of racist segregation in the Milwaukee area. I will work closely with the County's Office of African American Affairs to make sure that the programs are aimed directly at helping further our racial justice initiatives. I hope to act as a guarantee to the community that racial justice will always be on the forefront of my decision making.
The Village also needs to be on the forefront of inclusivity for our handicapped, disabled, and senior citizen neighbors as well. We have aging infrastructure and limited parking in the Village and need to prioritize accessibility with all of our projects. It's an area where the Board needs to show leadership so that the community can work together to tackle the biggest challenges.

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

The Village has three people running for Trustee this year who all care deeply about the future of our Village. I believe that I am well suited to help implement the programs that we have started in the last few years. I know what it takes to collaborate within Village Hall to get big projects done and I plan to be a productive member of the board. I have always loved serving this community and will continue to help in any way that I am asked regardless of the outcome of this election.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Inclusivity – From Racial Justice to Disability Rights advocacy I believe that our local government should be focused on inclusivity in all our decision-making.

Compassionate Community Engagement – I believe in leading with empathy and that starts with listening to the concerns of the community and engaging with our neighbors in collaborative ways.

Supporting Evidence-Based Progress – As a volunteer community member serving on the Board, I recognize that I am not an expert in all municipal matters. It is important to follow the evidence and listen to the experts in Village Hall.

Sustainability – The Board has an obligation to combat climate change, support sustainable practices amongst our residents, and make sustainable development a priority for all future Village projects. I would rather do a job right today than be forced to restart in the future.

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

I served for five years as the Co-Chair of one of our great Citizen Committees in Village Hall, the Pedestrian and Bike Safety Committee, where I helped the Board work through a number of important issues and projects. I collaborated with most departments in Village Hall, including the Police, Health Department, Village Planner, DPW, and worked closely with the Village Manager's office. We held public forums and worked closely with community members during the planning process for projects to paint bike lanes on Oakland Ave, and to reduce Lake Drive from four lanes down to two. My time as a volunteer in Village Hall taught me what it takes to turn an idea into reality in this Village, and that is how I plan to use my time on the Board.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” - Bobby Kennedy

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

I am not someone to shy away from my views and opinions, but I also don't believe that my ideas are the only ones worth pursuing. I will always be open to community input and feedback and will always ask for help when I need it. I hope to act as a unifying voice on the Board and be a productive help in Village Hall.