Candidate Profile: Noah Wolfe 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.

Noah Wolfe

Age (as of Election Day)

22

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Shorewood Village Trustee

Party Affiliation

Family

I am a life-long resident of Shorewood, growing up with my three siblings, all proud Shorewood High School graduates. My parents have been Shorewood residents for over 20 years.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Proud Shorewood High School Graduate - 2017
Bachelor of Science - K-12 Special Education - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - 2021
Current Special Education Graduate Degree student - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Occupation

Special Education Teacher - 1 year of experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.facebook.com/Wolfe4Shorewood

Why are you seeking elective office?

One of the largest projected population growths in Shorewood over the next few years is young adults, between the ages of 20-34. As we see Shorewood becoming a more renter-friendly village with young professionals, it is time that the Village Board has representation from that same age range. I am a public school teacher and I work every day to help young people learn the skills to advocate for their needs and feel empowered to speak up. Young people and young adults living in Shorewood should know they are represented by our Village Board.

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

The biggest challenges facing the Village are housing affordability and police equity. Shorewood needs to address housing affordability and ensure that all new housing built is accessible housing for various income levels, going above minimum requirements for affordability and inclusivity. In addition, the equity work occurring with the Shorewood Police Department is a good start, but must continue. I would like to see larger steps being taken and real change occurring within the Village and the Police Department based on the Village of Shorewood Police Organization Study that occurred in addition to collaboration with community members and experts. I would also like to see more public input on the department's spending and priorities.

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

Over 50% of the people living in Shorewood are renters, including myself. In addition, as mentioned, there is a large projected population growth in Shorewood over the next few years from young adults, between the ages of 20 to 34. Shorewood's Village Board represents the people of Shorewood and it is important that the demographics of the Village Board members reflect the demographics of Shorewood accurately. I am the only candidate who is a current renter in Shorewood and if elected, would be the only Village Board member that falls within the large projected population growth age-range of 20 to 34 years old.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The three main issues that define my campaign platform are accessibility, equity and community. If elected I would be committed to affordable housing and disability-friendly infrastructure village-wide. I also would be a strong advocate for all residents, with a lens towards students, renters, and families. I am dedicated to working collaboratively for a community where everyone is included and differences are celebrated. I hope to work together with community members to build a stronger Shorewood through activism and allyship, where every voice is heard and everyone is welcome.

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

I am currently a special education teacher who works with students with severe behavioral disabilities. I pride myself on my ability to collaborate and advocate with students, families and other staff members to do what is best. In addition, in the summer of 2020, I helped organize the North Shore Black Lives Matter protest, working directly with Black youth from Shorewood High School, to help share their stories and experiences living and going to school in Shorewood. The protest began at Atwater Park, with 5,000 people coming together to protest in Shorewood and other North Shore streets. I have a track record of listening deeply to other's concerns and working hard to reach common goals.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Ask questions rather than make statements

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

I believe what makes Shorewood great is the wide range of voices and ideas that all should be brought to the table. I have recently met with Shorewood High School and Shorewood Intermediate School students, hearing their concerns regarding Shorewood and their ideas on how we can improve as a community. I am hopeful that Shorewood voters recognize the importance of having a fresh, young, voice on the Village Board that is committed to collaboration, allyship and advocating for all Shorewood residents, including students, renters, families and more.