Candidate Profile: Melissa Dolan For Tosa Alderman District 8

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

Melissa L. Dolan

Age (as of Election Day)

44

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Alderperson District 8

Party Affiliation

Family

Husband

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Police Science
Milwaukee Area Technical College

Occupation

Private Piano Instructor and Pianist
22 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

Campaign website

https://www.melissaldolan.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for alderperson because I care deeply about Wauwatosa, my neighbors and I love helping people. Ultimately this opportunity creates a platform where I can help people on a larger scale. I am running for alderperson in my district because I feel like the timing is perfect. I am at the point in my life where I have the time to give back to my community and its people. I look for ways to create bridges by collaborating to solve community problems.

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

I believe the most pressing issue facing District 8 and the city of Wauwatosa is crime.
Crime has increased seemingly everywhere, on our streets, with car thefts and especially with criminals stealing delivered mail and packages off of citizens front porches whether it be an apartment or house dwelling.

I am especially concerned about the crimes that are occurring within our school system. These crimes are being committed by minors in both middle and high school.

Children bringing weapons, vape pens containing nicotine and or marijuana to school, and physical altercations between students at school or on school grounds.

I want to encourage neighbors to look out for one another. I would like to see and work towards a renewal of The Neighborhood Watch Program which collaborate with the Community Support Division of the Wauwatosa Police Department, striving to mitigate criminal behavior.

Most importantly, if a person sees something uncharacteristic to their area, to please say something to the Wauwatosa Police Department immediately. Working together to end the car theft trend and various other crimes is beneficial and vital to Wauwatosa.

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

I believe the critical difference between myself, and the other candidates is education and years of experience as an involved speaker at City Hall meetings including saving the County Grounds, fought to preserve the historic Log Cabin and advocating for my neighborhood during the crematorium controversy.

A critical difference is my extensive and continued commitment to the entire city of Wauwatosa and all of its residents.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I support balanced development that encourages economic growth while respecting neighborhoods, especially respecting and working to preserve greenspaces for all to enjoy.
I am an advocate for equity including respect and support for the Wauwatosa Police Department and the Wauwatosa Fire and EMS Departments.

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

I am an accomplished pianist and a dedicated piano teacher of over twenty years.
I have worked with and for many different people from varying walks of life.
Being a pianist and a piano teacher has taught me hard work and attention to detail, determination and perseverance.

My ability to adapt to my surroundings and work well with others is evidence that I can work as an Alderperson.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice that was ever shared with me was: No matter what you do, no matter if it's washing dishes or performing the concert of your lifetime, do it well.

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

I would like voters to know that I am a hardworking and a loyal individual, and that no matter how difficult the problem, I always focus on trying to find a solution.

I also love to be in my garden, I like digging in the dirt and watching my perennials return season after season. There is always something growing in my garden, it's a kaleidoscope of ever-changing color.

As a alderperson I would look forward to watching Wauwatosa grow and change but ever remain the same, the same beautiful city full of wonderful people that love and care for Wauwatosa.