Politics & Government
Election Preview: Waukesha Common Council (8th District)
Three candidates, including one write-in, are running for the 8th District aldermanic seat on the Waukesha Common Council in the April 2 election.
Alderman Vance Skinner faces challengers Emanuele Vitale and Sean Grosenick in the race for the 8th District seat on the Waukesha Common Council. (Click on link for biographical information on each candidate). Grosenick is a Carroll University student who is mounting a write-in campaign, and his name will not appear on the ballot.
See map of 8th Aldermanic District
To provide residents with the most information about the election, Patch asked candidates for their positions on key issues facing the city. Here, in their own words, are the candidates' answers to those questions.
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Waukesha is a wonderful community, I enjoy championing the place my family calls home each and every day. I want to continue to build on the work I've already started.Â
Vitale Attempts to contact were unsuccessful. Grosenick I am running for alderman for a variety of reasons. I would like to involve my entire district in the decision making processes of our city. I want to be a person who can respond to the concerns of every citizen in my district with an open mind. For this reason I will make myself the most accessible member of city council. Also I would like to create a better connection between Carroll University and downtown Waukesha as well as the surrounding neighborhoods. Lastly I would focus on the stimulation of business in Waukesha as it is vital to the health and culture of Waukesha. What is the biggest issue facing Waukesha, and how would you address it, if elected?Skinner
Securing a sustainable water supply! When I was elected three years ago, I visited with the City of Oak Creek and others to explore a sustainable solution that would position our community for long term success and minimize the health risks we are facing. I'm optimistic about the work that is currently under way, which requires an informed and supportive council to see it finished. I will continue to actively support the effort to completion, the risk is too great.
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Yes, however in a responsible manner. While this has been in the plan for 50 years, we need to ensure it has been revised for today's standards while minimizing the impact on existing wetlands, nearby neighborhoods and other elements. The county and state continue to gather public input on this matter, which is key.
Vitale Attempts to contact were unsuccessful. Grosenick I support the Waukesha West bypass route moving forward because it will help with traffic issues and the businesses of our community. This being said I also believe, going forward we must give attention to the concerns of citizens against this project and make the negative impacts of the project as small as possible. In light of the recent problems with the BID Board, what role does the Common Council have in restoring peace in downtown Waukesha?Skinner
The downtown property owners and business community play the most important and primary role with regard to the BID and the path it will take. The Council plays a lesser role through the approval of the plan submitted by the BID board and determining member appointments. In my opinion the Council can play a supportive advisory role to help drive the success of the BID, which I view as an important entity that has helped shape many of the successes in our downtown (new business, cultural activities and events).
Support – I met with the City of Oak Creek after my 2010 election. Prior to this, I researched water studies going back several decades and consulted with engineers to educate myself further. Politics should be far removed from this important matter.
Vitale Attempts to contact were unsuccessful. Grosenick I believe the pipeline is a viable option for our city's water supply. However, we need to be ready for the reality that the pipeline may be denied. For this reason we need to be ready with significant alternatives. Among these alternatives are questions of different well options, water from the Fox River, and efforts to reduce water consumption to minimize our water usage. (Editor's Note: The Fox River has already been determined to not be a viable solution for Waukesha's water suppy) With city budgets being extremely tight each year, what are your top budget priorities? SkinnerSecure a water agreement. City infrastructure such as roads and flood mitigation as well as continuing to offer quality city services at a responsible cost. This is how we will secure our place in the future.
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