City Of Wauwatosa: Aldermanic And Municipal Judge Candidates

Press release from the City of Wauwatosa:

03/01/2022 10:03 AM

Candidates on the April 5, 2022 ballot tell us about themselves and why they're running

We want to provide information for residents to be informed about the upcoming election and the candidates. We asked the alderperson candidates to respond to a set of questions. Their responses are below.

Learn more about upcoming elections, voter registration, and early voting.

Andrew Meindl

Contact information: meindl4tosa@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• United States General Services Administration - Project Manager (current)
• United States Forest Service - Grants Administrator
• United States Environmental Protection Agency - Environmental Protection Specialist
• United States Environmental Protection Agency - Facilities Manager
• City of Belvidere and Boone County - Planner/Intern
• American Planning Association Illinois Chapter - Board Member
• Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus
• Additional information about my resume can be found on LinkedIn

Why are you running for Alderperson?

My family calls Wauwatosa our forever community, and we hope to continue to see Wauwatosa grow and improve. I feel it is my civic duty to give back to the community and represent my friends, neighbors, residents, and businesses of District 1.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

My key priorities are safety, maintaining quality city services, responsible development, and keeping Tosa a welcoming place to live, work, and play.

Chris Kemble

Contact information: 479BCE@hushmail.com or (414) 436-0989

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Degreed professional in graphics and printing for over 30 years.
• Highest skilled trade and journeyman as process color cameraman.
• Adaptive digital high-tech professional with years of additional study and research.
• Wrote the curriculum and taught courses at WCTC.
• Entrepreneur: started three businesses in stone floor refinishing, custom laser engraving and software programming.
• Active published writer on subjects such as policy, art history and sports in US & Canada.
• Dedicated skating rink guard for over a decade.

Why are you running for Alderperson?

I am running for Alderperson because the US has ten times more crime, decade after decade, than any other western country. Over one million have been murdered in the last sixty years. As crazy as homicide numbers are, this is a very tiny fraction of overall crime. Millions of lives are shattered in a never-ending big government failure based on insane utopian ideas. Our future does not need to be like this. I wrote the history of this crime wave, started by Supreme Court justices in the 1960s, and the cruel results. The article is linked to thru my website. In recent months I have talked to 100s of people from Appleton, to Kenosha, to Dane and Sauk counties about crime, because high crime is everywhere. I have talked to elected officials, police officers, and candidates for school board, governor, judge, sheriff, state attorney general, mayor and more. I have given speeches. Both political parties have failed to take the criminals off the street and to understand the cultural and historical failures. 

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

We need new people at all levels of government who will not undercut the criminal justice system, who oppose the narcotics open borders that enrich gangs on both border sides that killed over 600 people in Milwaukee County just this year. We need new people who will not demonize and hamstring the police, who will not support DAs that do not prosecute, not support easy bail, not turn cities into sanctuaries from law, not use any excuse to keep criminals free. We need tougher sentencing. The cost of crime is incalculable and beyond mere economics, we need more funding for police and corrections. I have started a grassroots campaign to educate the public about why the political parties always fail to stop crime.

Margaret Michele Arney

Joseph Makhlouf II

Contact information: TosaJoe4Alder@gmail.com and (414) 578-7937

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• AMI Medical Professional
• Chiropractor
• Advocate for Students
• Ski & Snowboard Club Advisor for Wauwatosa West & East HS
• Former Middle School Volleyball Coach
• Former Boys Lacrosse Head Coach
• Wauwatosa Girls High School Lacrosse Assistant Coach 

Why are you running for Alderperson?

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. I want to bring a unique perspective to the board since I do not have a typical political candidate background.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

Having undertaken a number of initiatives towards diversity, equity and inclusion, the city has made progress in those areas; however, there is still a way to go. Elected officials need to better understand the unique challenges faced by different ethnic and racial groups in the city and try to address them. I would pursue actions in these areas that were begun through the Equity and Inclusion Statement passed by the Common Council.

I would also pursue issues regarding sensible development including putting appropriate height limits in place to close loopholes for unlimited height projects. Sensible development would meet the needs of the city and community while respecting residents’ rights. Development should enhance and complement surrounding land uses, as outlined in the comprehensive plan. I would pursue actions that would require developers to work with residents to determine what is appropriate for their neighborhoods.

Patricia A. Stone

Contact information: (414) 292-9810 and PAStone15@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Attorney. As an attorney, I fight for people who have been harmed by the actions of others. Generally, my clients are up against people/entities with far more resources and are resistant to providing fair compensation.
• Former Lobbyist on Affordable Housing Concerns. Work with Wisconsin state governments and local governments in analyzing and advocating on certain code change proposals that would affect the affordability of housing
• Milwaukee Poll Worker
• Former Milwaukee County Foster Parent
• Parent of two boys, both proud Eisenhower Elementary Eagles

Why are you running for Alderperson?

Having grown up in a neighboring suburb, I, along with my family, moved to Wauwatosa to join a diverse and thriving community. I have watched, however, as the same people, year after year, run for alderperson and serve on the Common Council. I believe the best government is run by the people of the community through an ever-changing composition of leadership. The role of existing leadership (in addition to governance) should be to identify future leaders and promote such evolution. The incumbent in District 3 is looking to serve for two consecutive decades on the Common Council. New and changing representation helps to ensure all voices are heard. I believe I have the knowledge, background, and commitment to represent the interests of my neighbors in District 3.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

The city of Wauwatosa needs to continue to look for ways to minimize its footprint on the environment, starting with mandates for new retail/commercial development (pervious surfaces to minimize storm water run-off, use of green materials, etc.). I also believe the city needs to continue to assess ways in which the community can be more ethnically, racially, and socioeconomically diverse. In addition, I believe significantly more needs to be done to ensure the Wauwatosa Police Department treats all residents and visitors fairly and, perhaps most importantly, proportionately to any presumed danger that arises. The city also needs to identify ways in which the Police Department can effectively reduce crime, rather than being seen as solely a reactionary force. Lastly, the zoning in the city needs to be reviewed and updated to ensure no “loopholes” exist through which developers may propose a project that is within the confines of the zoning limitations but is nonetheless entirely inconsistent for the neighborhood surrounding the parcel at issue.

David R. Lewis

Contact information: lewis4tosa@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• I currently am employed by Red Star Yeast in Milwaukee in a Director of Sales role. A 150+ year old company. I have been in the nutrition industry my entire career (30+ years)
• President of a 120-unit condo association
• Volunteer Hunger Task Force
• Wellauer Heights Neighborhood Association past President and current member
• Rise Against Hunger - To address global hunger
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters — Board member and a Big Brother
• Meals on Wheels volunteer

Why are you running for Alderperson?

Since graduating college David Lewis has lived in St. Louis, Minneapolis, Chicago, and now Wauwatosa. Although he enjoyed living in these Midwest cities, he loves Wauwatosa the most by far. He is a lifelong believer in participating in the local community and giving back. He is running to represent District 4 as a Wauwatosa Alderperson.

David grew up in a small farming community where his parents owned and operated a local diner. As a result, David developed a passion for health and nutrition at an early age. His interest in government started in high school, where he served as President and Vice President. Experience in six high school stage plays and three community theater performances added to David’s comfort in public speaking and presentation abilities and his desire to serve.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

CRIME

We all want to live in a safe, vibrant community. I plan to join the Government Affairs Committee and lend a hand in addressing the challenging issues facing our society today.

ZONING

There is a definite need to address our zoning laws. It has been more than ten years since any zoning ordinance changes have been made. We desperately need to address the issue of the construction of high-rise buildings in the middle of our citizen's neighborhoods.

SCHOOL SAFETY

As we all know, many of our schools in Wauwatosa are on our busy streets. We need to ensure the sidewalks and crosswalks our children utilize to make their way to school are beyond safe.

TAXES

We all work very hard for our money, and I will do everything I can to make sure our tax dollars benefit us in the best way possible.

Ian Beck

Contact information: 414-702-1429 or ianrbeck2036@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Student at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Class of 2024, Double Major in Political Science and History
• Member of Wauwatosa Commission for Persons with Disabilities, since 2021
• Head of Wisconsin Lutheran College Mock Trial team, since 2020
• Worked in various occupations inside the local community such as Colder’s Furniture and Mo’s Irish Pub

Why are you running for Alderperson?

In our increasingly divided and polarized nation, the ability to step back and evaluate a problem or event solely on its merit is more crucial than ever. What I call the “Three C’s”: Common Sense, Critical Thinking, and Compromise seemingly becomes more and more of a lost art among our representatives each and every day. We must restore and uphold faith in our democratic institutions, and it begins at the local level. By evaluating every issue affecting our community through an objective lens and solving it with a straightforward and practical approach, I will ensure that every constituent has a voice which is heard and represented in our local government. Through cooperation and focusing on what unites us, rather than sparks division, we can continue to help create a better Tosa and serve as an example for other neighborhoods and cities.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

For far too long, the channels of communication between our residents and their representatives have been convoluted and unwelcoming. It is crucial that every member of Wauwatosa can clearly and easily understand policies and changes taking place in their city. As the next Alderperson of District Four, I will cut through pretentious formality and red tape by creating an official and accessible calendar which lists the direct issues and dates they will be discussed by the Common Council as well as showcase opportunities for community input. Next, it is crucial that Wauwatosa promote our small businesses, as they are and should be the lifeblood for our community's economy. Through grants and tax credits, I will seek to expand and develop our existing small business while encouraging more business owners to consider operating here in Tosa. Thirdly, we have an excellent opportunity to showcase how smaller communities can combat larger environmental challenges. By protecting and preserving our green spaces such as The Wetlands we can help create a more green and environmentally friendly society.

Rob Gustafson (incumbent)

Contact information: 414-522-1238 or Rob@RobForAlder.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Co-Owner - Vennture Brew Co - Coffee Roaster and Brewery on 55th and North Ave.
• Vice President - Uptown Crossing BID #16 - Uptown Crossing runs along West North Avenue from Sherman Boulevard to North 60th Street, and along West Lisbon Avenue between North 46th and 51st streets on Milwaukee's beautiful Near Westside.
• Co-Founder - Help Portrait Milwaukee

Why are you running for Alderperson?

I am invested deeply in this neighborhood and want to be a voice for my neighbors. Like many families in District 5, we own a house here, have a child in school at Wauwatosa East, and own a business nearby. In talking to folks every day, I get to hear about their challenges and concerns, their problems, questions and what they want from our City. I want to take those questions and challenges to Council while we consider the best path to what’s next for Wauwatosa. I want to represent District 5 to bring a balanced approach to decision-making, and to collaborate with other alders to move our whole City forward. I can also speak for the needs of the small businesses that make our District fun and vibrant, plus provide insights or support to give new businesses access to information and resources so growth can continue in our neighborhood. I want to represent District 5 to help my neighbors find and use the City’s resources, solve problems and connect them with the right people.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

• Funding for infrastructure modernization in Wauwatosa
  • Lead lateral replacement
  • Prioritizing Schoonmaker Creek improvements to mitigate household flooding issues.
  • Modernize North Ave. & 76th St during reconstruction including traffic street calming measures and safe bicycle infrastructure
• Bridging the communication gap between the city and residents
  • Being responsive to emails and phone calls
  • Sharing approachable recaps of committee & council meetings to social media
• Supporting development that:
  • Preserves our neighborhoods
  • Encourages small business growth
  • Ensures affordable housing for our seniors and those with disabilities
• Funding for community-sensitive police and fire services
  • Champion appropriate funding to attract and retain the best candidates for our City
  • Support on-going, comprehensive training of fire & police department personnel
  • Support the expansion of the Community Service Officer program

Sean Lowe

Contact information: 262-421-6464 or info@seanloweforalder.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Product & Sales Support Sr. Specialist at Northwestern Mutual
• 18 years at Northwestern Mutual in various career-progressing roles
• Current City of Wauwatosa Equity & Inclusion Commission Chairman
• Former President- Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
• Former Board Member- Milwaukee Urban League
• Former Central Region Vice President, Treasurer and Membership Chair- National Urban League Young Professionals
• Diversity & Inclusion Council Member- Northwestern Mutual

Why are you running for Alderperson?

I'm running because based on my time working with elected officials throughout the city of Wauwatosa, I know that my skill sets are much needed on the Common Council. As someone who has volunteered for years throughout the Greater Milwaukee area, I believe I can best represent those who feel they don't have a voice in our city nor see themselves represented at City Council. I want to be a part of an inclusive team that makes Wauwatosa a model suburb and a community for all to live, work, play and thrive in.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

I believe that by delivering equity in leadership to all citizens in all parts of Wauwatosa, we can create a world-class city in Wisconsin, one that prepares us for growth, promotes inclusion while focusing on our parks, safety, and prosperity for all residents. There is more than enough space in Wauwatosa to protect our county grounds and still develop affordable housing and new businesses. This district needs someone who will push for Schoonmaker Creek's infrastructure development that will help prevent future flooding for homeowners. We need to ensure that the Wauwatosa home repair program continues to be funded and fund rental assistance programs as well.

Joe Phillips

Contact information: 414-875-7659 or joefortosa@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Executive Director, Luther Manor Foundation. I work to ensure seniors have access to safe housing, quality health care, and meaningful activity.
• International Development Officer, Cross Catholic Outreach. I helped impoverished communities achieve holistic solutions around housing, clean water, food, and education.
• Director of Spiritual Services, Congregational Home
• Coach, Tosa Baseball League and Tosa Kickers
• Board Member, Wisconsin Chaplaincy Association
• Treasurer, Friends of Robyn Vining

Why are you running for Alderperson?

I love Wauwatosa, it is a great community to raise my family. I want to help Wauwatosa continue to become a more welcoming community for all people. A lesson we emphasize with our children is ‘leave a place better than you found it”. I have dedicated my 20-year career to working in nonprofits, focusing on families, vital services for seniors, and poverty relief. As a 4th generation “Tosan”, I am running for alder to make Wauwatosa better. I will bring hope, optimism and a strong work ethic to the Wauwatosa Common Council.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

Primarily, I hope to find common ground and pursue the common good together. My top priorities are:

• Address the zoning code to work for people – all people. Our code should be appropriate by neighborhood, but must meet the need to expand housing options. A home can look different based on life stage and economics. I will work to make Tosa an option for people to live throughout their lifespan, and welcoming to all people.
• Midtown Master Plan. I seek to further the current plan for the North Ave business district. This is an exciting opportunity in the city to the over 50 small businesses while addressing safety concerns. Working together we can work to create a safer and thriving North Avenue corridor.
• Public safety for all. I have heard from people concerned about car theft and reckless driving. I plan to work in collaboration with the police, fire, and health departments along with neighborhood associations to strengthen communication and make Wauwatosa an even safer, healthier community.

Margaret Fritsch

Contact information: 414-429-4941 or info@margaretfortosa.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Currently employed as a Senior Associate – Strategic Communications at Michael Best Strategies
• Prior work included: Bottom Line Marketing & Public Relations; Remsik Mueller & Associates; Mount Mary University; Kohn Law Firm
• Christ King Grade School; PTA Secretary; Co-chair Christ King Auction; Forensics team coach; High Interest Day volunteer; Room Parent
• Wauwatosa West High School; PTA Secretary; Auction chair Toasting for Tosa West Scholarship Foundation fundraiser

Why are you running for Alderperson?

Over the last few years, Wauwatosa has become something other than the Tosa many of us know and love, which is why I decided to run. My goal is to get involved and help bring us together. I’m not a politician, nor do I have a partisan or activist agenda. I’m simply a mom, a neighbor, a recent cancer survivor, a communications professional and a taxpayer with a passion for getting things done. My husband Greg and I have lived in Wauwatosa for 30 years, as renters, landlords and home owners. We are members of Christ King Parish and have two adult daughters. We live in the Pasadena Neighborhood with our two dogs.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

• A safe community—Stand with the Tosa Police as they attempt to curb reckless driving, stolen vehicles and other crimes by enforcing the law and making Tosa undesirable for criminals
• Wise use of your tax dollars—Ask “Is this the best spend of our taxpayers’ money?” “Will this build the tax base and encourage business growth?”
• Housing options for seniors and people with disabilities—let’s give these folks a place to stay in our community and give new families the opportunity to move into Tosa
• Controlled and thoughtful development—Take a thoughtful approach to development by asking “Does it fit with the neighborhood?” “Will it help maintain the character and property values of the area?” “What do the majority of residents think?”
• Tosans first—too many outside voices and influences have taken front and center, drowning out the voices of our residents.
• Communication—let constituents know what’s going on at the committee level and at common council ahead of any vote so they can participate in open discussion and public comment.
• Common sense

Amanda Fuerst

Melissa Dolan

Contact information: (414) 704-5610 and melissaldolan2022@gmail.com 

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• Private Piano Instructor and Pianist for the past 22 years

Why are you running for Alderperson?

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.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

I believe the most pressing issue facing 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 would like to work towards a renewal of The Neighborhood Watch Program which collaborates with the Community Support Division of the Wauwatosa Police Department, striving to mitigate criminal behavior.

John Larry

Contact information: (847) 401-5924 and johnlarryforalder@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, & Volunteer Positions: 

•  Dean of Instruction & Culture @ King’s Academy Christian School - Present
• 7th Grade Teacher @ Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy - 2017-2021
• Curriculum Director @ New Testament Christian Academy - 2015-2017
• Dean of Students & Teacher @ HOPE Christian School - Fortis
• Founder of the Justice Rollin’ Down Alliance
• Founder of The Proverbial Table Podcast
• Former Chair & Member of Wauwatosa Governor Affairs Ad-Hoc Committee

Why are you running for Alderperson?

I am running for Alderperson because I believe that I am equipped and empowered with what it takes to help Wauwatosa become a “First Class City for ALL!” I strongly believe that Wauwatosa is on the cusp of experiencing dynamic changes, and such changes demand new and fresh perspectives, as well as innovative and creative practical ideas! I believe that I have what it takes to help reshape and rewrite the current narrative of Wauwatosa in lue of all that has occurred over the past two to three years. The run for Alderperson is what I strongly believe that I have been summoned to do in an effort to move Wauwatosa toward continually doing better, and being better. As Alderperson, I will be committed to District 8 Constituents, Tosa Community, making a lasting change, and helping Tosa become a “First Class City For ALL!”

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

One issue that I would like to pursue, if elected, is engaging in practical conversations about Wauwatosa receiving $24 million in federal pandemic relief funds. The impact that COVID-19 has had on Wauwatosa has been severe! Families, entities, and businesses, whether small or large, have been severely impacted! The ‘Tosa Community needs assistance and relief, now! I would make it a priority to engage in practical conversation as it relates to providing relief to the ‘Tosa Community!

Another issue that I would pursue is the rise in vehicle break-ins and theft. This is an issue that cities and states are facing across the country. I believe that courageous conversations need to be engaged in around this issue with local leaders, with the resolve being a comprehensive and strategic plan being drafted and executed. 

Increasing diversity within Wauwatosa is also an issue that I would pursue. This entails diversifying the Wauwatosa Community, city leadership, small and large business-owners, developers, etc. Increasing diversity is not only inclusive of ethnicity, but individuals from all walks of life.

Krista LaFave

Contact information: (414) 316-8609, kristaforjudge@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• I am a plaintiff’s civil litigation attorney with Warshafsky, Rotter, Tarnoff & Bloch, S.C. advocating for individuals injured because of another person's actions. I actively manage my clients’ cases and am the main research attorney at the firm. I represent clients in various state courts, federal court, mediation, and arbitration. 
• Previously served as a clerk or intern with various judges at Milwaukee County Circuit Court, Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the Eastern District of Louisiana. 
• I currently serve on Wauwatosa’s Board of Zoning Appeals, as a poll worker, as a member of the Tosa East Towne Association and the Wauwatosa Lions Club, and on the Equity Committee at Lincoln Elementary School. I was previously a board member and president of Sheraton Lawns Neighborhood Association. 
• Provide volunteer legal service and representation with the Eviction Defense Project, elected to the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors where I currently serve as the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. 

Why are you running for Municipal Judge?

As an energetic advocate for Wauwatosa, I am running for Wauwatosa Municipal Judge to continue my service to the community. I will ensure that our statutes and ordinances are enforced firmly and with consistency. The municipal court is a civil court, and the main type of cases are traffic. My background in civil litigation and automobile collisions and insurance provides me with unique insight into the impact on the community when these laws are not followed. I bring a well-rounded, community-based approach to the court, with an understanding that enforcement is an opportunity for education. I am fastidious, well-researched, and open to using all of the available resources to make a positive impact on the defendant, which will, in turn, make our community safer.

I care deeply about the future of Wauwatosa and view the municipal judgeship as an opportunity to have a positive impact on our community. I am excited for this opportunity to uphold the high standards we have for our community.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

The municipal court is the third branch of our municipal government, and, while it is often overlooked and misunderstood, it is an important part of our community. Since Wauwatosa serves as a regional hub in southeastern Wisconsin, a significant number of those who appear in municipal court are non-residents. The municipal court may be one of the only times a person has an interaction with our community. This is an opportunity for the court to leave an overall positive impression on the defendant, even if the person must pay a forfeiture. I will work to ensure that there is transparency by creating processes and publicly available information. When presiding at court, my candor and demeanor will be representative of a city that welcomes guests and visitors. While I cannot control how a person feels regarding their court appearance, I can oversee court processes and mete out justice in a way that increases the likelihood the person has an overall positive experience. This, in turn, increases the view that Wauwatosa is a fair and just community. 

J.C. Moore

Contact information: 414-485-5909 or moorefortosajudge@gmail.com

Occupation, Work History, Volunteer Positions

• 7 years as a court commissioner in Milwaukee County presiding over thousands of criminal, traffic, juvenile, small claims and eviction cases.
• 21 years as a trial attorney and supervisor in the Milwaukee office of the Public Defender representing thousands of clients in criminal and traffic cases.
• Veteran and retired Army Colonel who led thousands of soldiers over a 32 year career. 15 years leading and developing programs to assist veterans.
• Nearly 20 years leading, developing and teaching about justice reform programs across the state and nation.
• Leader and member of several statewide and local committees and organizations on justice reform.
• 30 years involvement in community, youth, veterans, school and religious groups. Member of First Congregational Church.
• Lifelong Wauwatosa resident in Glenview Heights Neighborhood. Parent of four children who have graduated from Wauwatosa Public Schools.

Why are you running for Municipal Judge?

Service: I’ve dedicated my adult life to service. As a public defender and a court commissioner I’ve served the people of Milwaukee County. As a veteran, I served our nation. I’ve worked to improve our justice system, mentor youth, assist veterans and the homeless and give back to the community through my church. Wauwatosa is my home. I grew up here, married a Tosa girl in a Tosa church and raised 4 kids who went to Tosa schools. Serving as your municipal court judge is another way for me to give back to the people of my hometown.

Impact: During my 3 decades in the justice system, I’ve learned that every decision a judge makes affects someone’s life in profound ways. Judges must be meaningful and impactful. For too long your municipal court has done things the same old ineffective way. Get a ticket, pay the fine or lose your license hasn’t worked to reduce crime or keep us safe and it hasn’t helped the people appearing in court. Your judge can do better.

What issues would you like to pursue if elected?

Crime. Community safety is on the mind of nearly every Wauwatosan and municipal court plays an important role. While it doesn’t handle the most serious crimes, it does hear cases involving dangerous behavior like drunk and reckless driving, theft, weapons and violence. It’s also a chance to intervene before the behavior gets worse. Judges can do this by treating people as individuals, emphasizing enforcement for serious cases but using innovative programs for others. For too long we’ve just collected fines in a one size fits all approach.

Fairness. Your court must be open and transparent to the public. Parties must have a meaningful voice through legal assistance or knowledge of court operations. Finally, they must be treated respectfully and fairly, regardless of their address or race. Our city has a troubling legacy of unequal treatment for communities of color. We need to address this head on by examining real data to supplement the anecdotal information and take steps to remedy it in your court.

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This press release was produced by the City of Wauwatosa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.