City Of Waukesha To Select Alderperson For District 12 On Tuesday

WAUKESHA, WI—The City of Waukesha Common Council will interview candidates for District 12 alderperson at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The appointment will be from January 19 to April 19, 2022.

Former Alderman Aaron Perry resigned from his position in December. Perry lost to Scott Allen in the race for Wisconsin State Assembly District 97 in the Nov. 3 General Election. He is also facing charges of domestic violence and has been removed from committee assignments after Mayor Shawn Reilly said he wasn't fulfilling his duties as an alderman.

The Police Department will conduct a background check on alderperson applicants to determine whether any criminal convictions exist that would disqualify an applicant from being appointed to office.

The following candidates will be interviewed and one person will be selected by the Common Council on Tuesday. Residents can view resumes and cover letters by going to the city's website.

Cory Belland is a Waukesha resident and Category Manager at Sentry Foods in Delafield, according to city documents.

"As alderman, I would like to continue this trend and watch the city grow for my children and future generations. I would, however, take into account how changes will affect us, now and into the future. That would apply to the citizens and business developments of the Alderman District. I feel, in the past, District 12 put the cart before the horse.

I also have years of experience handling disagreements of all varieties between not only my employees but also my customers. I have worked in a fast-paced ever-changing environment all my adult life. I am able to handle any new situation that is put in front of me," Belland's letter said.

Frank McElderry is a Waukesha resident and an experienced police officer and military veteran. He works for the Waukesha County Sheriff's Office as a detective bureau commander.

"I appreciate the importance of decision making in high-pressure situations. I have been trained to react rationally in time-sensitive scenarios and will utilize my sound judgment in the role of alderman. The people of Waukesha need stability; I am prepared to offer that to them.

I will show the people of District 12 what true representation looks like. It is imperative that confidence in representative government is restored so that we may all unite for the betterment of our community. If given the opportunity to serve in this role, I will ensure that Waukesha, and its citizens, will always come first," McElderry's letter said.

Zachary Rice is a Waukesha resident and office manager at Salentine Pump & Equipment.

"My military background, along with my professional experience, makes me an excellent candidate to serve the people of my district. My current position places me in direct contact with customers and vendors, where listening and sound decision making are constant necessities for success.

As a United States Marine Corps veteran, I believe in the values of honor, courage and commitment. I understand and respect the duties and responsibilities of an Alderman, and I know my experience will allow me to be a dutiful representative for the people in my district," Rice's letter said.

Julie Valadez is a Waukesha resident, CEO of Hispanic Collaborative Network, and a financial planner. In a letter addressed to the Waukesha Common Council, Valadez acknowledged the reason for the vacant alderman position.

"I am aware that domestic abuse is something that is happening in our community. There are things our community can do to continue to address domestic abuse, safety concerns, and trauma impacts. It’s important to also acknowledge the varying costs to Waukesha that domestic abuse causes. I am a survivor of domestic abuse myself and am very aware of areas that we can be sensitive to the complexities of this issue but very positive to work on ways that we can learn how to reduce violence including domestic violence and its impact on our community," Valadez's letter said.

Valadez said she thinks she can be a valuable voice with her history of community service and representing underserved communities with cultural competency and sensitivity.

"As a woman, a survivor, bilingual and bicultural, and a someone who has been active in committees and programs with Salvation Army, Waukesha Women’s Center, the Waukesha Library, and La Casa de Esperanza and serving on the board of trustees for WCTC as well as a board member for the Waukesha Stem academy these experiences will enrich what I can bring to this position," Valadez's letter said