Candidate Profile: Makhlouf II For Tosa Alderman District 3

WAUWATOSA, WI — The 2022 election is heating up in Wisconsin and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Voters will also decide the outcome of state representative, senate seats and local government and school boards.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Name

Joseph Makhlouf II

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Alderperson District 3

Party Affiliation

None

Family

Wife - Tamara 52,
Son - Benjamin 24
Son - Brett 20
Daughter - Amira 18

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse,
Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Northwestern Health Science University

Occupation

AMI - Medical Professional

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

TosaJoe4Alder.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a lifelong resident, Wauwatosa has been a great place to grow up and to raise our family. In the past few years, however, I have noticed a decline in many aspects of Wauwatosa. There has been an increase in car thefts, reckless driving, and a decline in our highly respected schools. Our elected officials are taking Wauwatosa in the wrong direction and seem more interested in helping their friends, outside interests, and ignoring and stifling public input and participation. I am running to initiate change, move things in the right direction, and provide transparency and accountability to Wauwatosa residents.

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

I feel that all the issues are important; however, one of the most important issues facing our is the current disconnect between residents and their elected officials. Many of our current elected officials are out of touch with their constituents that elected them, and the concerns that they have about their district and the city in general. Even when residents reach out to their elected officials themselves their concerns are often dismissed or ignored. Many elected officials don't even bother to reply, even to simply acknowledge that they received the communications. What is even worse is when elected officials clearly know what the majority of their residents want but then act or vote in a way that is completely opposite to that. If elected I will make sure to stay in touch with my constituents, and plan to hold regular listening sessions to find out comments and concerns. I will fight for the interest of the residents instead of outside interests, and I will empower residents with open communication and transparency of action.

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

The major difference between me and the other candidates running in District 3 is my background. I do not have the standard background of many political candidates. Coming from a scientific background I look at things from a very analytical perspective. I try to look at problems from a variety of angles trying to find the best approach or combination of approaches to solving it. Even though running for office falls into the political spectrum, looking at a problem simply from a legal or political perspective may not be the best approach. Often a better solution can be found by looking a the problem from a different perspective and I offer a different perspective toward solving many issues.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I have heard that Alderperson Hanson is a good person, however over his 16 years he has become disconnected from the constituents he serves. I have heard from a number of people in the district that he simply will not replay to emails or other communication from them regarding a variety of concerns in the district, that is unfortunate and cannot continue to happen. In addition, Alderperson Hanson is ok with development in the district that the majority of residents in the district have opposed, favoring outside development interests over the interests of the constituents that elected him. We should be working for residents of the district Alderperson Hanson is not.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am in favor of sensible development. Sensible development is that development that serves the needs of the city and community while respecting neighborhood residents. Just because we can develop something does not me that we should. We want to make sure development fits and is appropriate and does not dramatically change the appearance or feel of the community in which it placed. The city and developers should work neighborhood residents to determine what is appropriate.

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

I have a strong work ethic and am willing to learn, grow and do what it takes. I use a commonsense approach in everything I do and can bring to the table that common sense in tackling issues important to the city. As a Coach I understand the importance of teamwork to the success of the team, not only from the players but from the coaching team as well. It is only if we work with residents as a team will we be able to succeed as a community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't be afraid of change, change can be scary, but change can be good. If you are not willing to look at the possibility of change then you will not know what is out there and what you are missing. Only with change does one grow.

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

I will work to build a stronger more vibrant Wauwatosa for All.