I am running for re-election as Alderperson in Waukesha to put my values into action. I understand many of the challenges faced by regular people in today’s economy. With your support I plan to focus on the big picture in Waukesha by advocating for and insisting on sustainable practices, building resiliency, walkable neighborhoods and maintaining municipal services within budget restrictions. (described in more detail below)

By way of background, I grew up in Waukesha and attended South High School. I have a degree in accounting from UW Eau Claire. I married and divorced an Air Force pilot. I have 3 amazing children; 2 daughters and 1 son who are all adults now. When the kids were small and we were traveling with the Air Force I stayed home to raise my children. As they grew up and we returned to Wisconsin, I returned to work as a paralegal work at a Waukesha law firm. I retired near the end of 2024. Waukesha is my home and I love it here. I hope to get a chance to talk with you in person to hear your thoughts on maintaining a positive direction for our City.

 

Sustainable Practices

The City of Waukesha exists in various degrees of connection with each if its residents, surrounding communities, our regional area, the State of Wisconsin, the Midwest, the United States of America and the global community.  Sustainability concerns affect how the City operates internally and in context with every person and group that we are connected with.  I support that the City of Waukesha become a leader in developing and implementing sustainable practices.  The City should lead by example by how it conducts its own work and develop a culture of sustainability.  Also, the City should properly incentive individuals, businesses and neighbors to start and continue sustainable practices that foster a healthy place to live for everyone.

I participated in updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan which was passed by the Council in 2024. This plan creates broad goals for the City and will be used to formulate strategic plans and policies. In 2025 we will continue to implement the plan and update the Zoning Code accordingly.

City policies should include analysis of and measurable metrics concerning the following goals in mind:

  1. Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, underground metals and minerals.

  2. Reduce dependence upon synthetic chemicals and other unnatural substances.

  3. Reduce encroachment upon Nature (land, water, wildlife, soils, forests)

  4. Meet human needs fairly and efficiently.

Building Resiliency

Resiliency is an ability to adapt to change, an efficient use of resources, a creative approach to changing demographics and a factor in long term problem solving.  Resiliency is not a fixed goal but a way of looking at interrelated problems and systems to build ways to efficiently use resources. For example, loneliness is an epidemic in our modern age and Cities can play a role in alleviating this.  City design and planning can foster or enhance social interaction.  We can build on the programming offered by the Park & Recreation Department to create groups of persons to get to know each other.  For another example, as our population ages, a small group of persons could train as many volunteers as we can find to notice signs of depression or other illnesses.  We can start shared ride co-ops to social events or medical appointments.  Our City environment can help to build resilient citizens and new or changes in policy should promote resiliency.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (website here: http://www.oecd.org/cfe/regional-policy/resilient-cities.htm) describes resiliency as follows:

4 AREAS THAT DRIVE RESILIENCE

Economy: A diverse number of industries, A dynamic economy to generate growth, Conditions allow innovation to take place, People have access to employment, education, services, skills training.

Governance: Clear leadership and management, Strategic and integrated approaches are taken by leaders, Public sector has the right skills, Government is open and transparent.

Society: Society is inclusive and cohesive, Citizens’ networks in communities are active, Neighborhood is safe, Citizens enjoy healthy lives.

Environment: Ecosystem is sound and diverse, Infrastructure can meet basic needs, Adequate natural resources are available, Coherent policy towards land use

Municipal Budget

Many Wisconsin municipalities are facing budget pressure due to lack of sufficient revenue to support current levels of municipal services. Waukesha also faces these budget pressures. For the 2025 budget year, the City has implemented a Financial Management Plan also known as the cost to continue. This plan projects out 5 years with certain inflation assumptions to determine any structural deficits that need to be addressed to avoid any sudden or unplanned budget shortfalls. We have worked diligently to inform the public, city employees and all affected persons that services may need to be adjusted or reconsidered to maintain services within these budget realities. One clear example is the leaf pickup for fall of 2024 was reduced to two collections with dates floating to accommodate work crews. By eliminating one leaf collection cycle and increasing flexibility for work dates the City was able to maintain leaf collection services and reduced costs by $19,000 of fuel and saved nearly 2,000 hours of work. For next season we will work on better communication with property owners to let them know when to expect their leaf pickup.

This type rethinking city services needs to continue and decisions will need to be made to continue to prioritize public safety and maintain other municipal services within a tight budget.