Waukesha Alderman Vacancy On Common Council Agenda

WAUKESHA, WI — The Waukesha Common Council will meet Tuesday to select someone to replace former Alderman Kathleen Cummings in District 9.

Cummings abruptly resigned as a Waukesha County supervisor and city alderman after serving more than 20 years after she was charged with seven felonies. Investigators found she was using two different addresses, according to online court documents and a criminal complaint.

Cummings is accused of not living in her home district for nine years of her time in public service, the complaint said. She was elected as alderman of District 9 and served for 20 years. She served as a county supervisor for District 19 for 22 years.

Three people under consideration to fill her aldermanic seat, according to the meeting agenda. The candidate selected as alderman will take the oath of office on Tuesday.

Kris Allen Bzdawka, a business owner, has lived in Waukesha for a year and wanted help the community, Bzdawka's application letter said.

"After participating in the Christmas Parade and seeing the horrific aftermath of the senseless act, I feel the time is now," Bzdawka said.

Michael Payne submitted paperwork to run for the Common Council in District 9 in the spring 2022 election.

"My reason for pursuing the position stems from a deep belief in serving the community and a passion for local issues," he said.

He served as a member of the Waukesha Plan Commission from 2014 to 2018 as a citizen member of the joint review board. He was also appointed and served as member of the Waukesha County Airport Operations Commission from 2015 to 2017.

Jonathan Barnard is a professional software engineer, according to his application letter.

"I believe that representative democracy is critically important for the well-being of American citizens. I am not a member of either national political party. I am well-informed and open-minded. I am an excellent listener and an effective decision-maker," Barnard's application letter said.

Barnard served in the National Guard.