Muskego Election 2012: 1st District Race First At Polls
The big year of voting begins on February 21, as voters in aldermanic district 1 will pick the top two candidates to go onto the April ballot.
The election season is closer than you might think, as three candidates for the first aldermanic district seat means a primary will be slated for Tuesday, Feb. 21. We've asked each candidate for their basic biographies, plus a little of what they would focus on in the next 2 years. As two are challengers and one is a long-term incumbent the questions in this regard varied a bit.
The top two vote-getters will advance to the March 20 forum, and the April 3 election.
Robert Wolfe
Currently employed at Viking Electric, Account Manager
Muskego Resident for 21 Years
Committees, volunteer posts, etc.: None listed
What made you decide to run?/What would you focus on in your term? "I want to create a refreshing and long overdue change with better representation as District 1 Alderman in Muskego. My commitment is to do everything possible to make our community a better place to live. My knowledge and experience will benefit Muskego with a realistic vision for the future. As an honest, dependable, hard working family man I think that it is time for the voter to be heard.
I will be watchful and look out for the well being of Muskego.
Tracy Snead (incumbent)
Currently employed at Franklin Public Schools since 1995, currently facilitating the development and implementation of a program in Alternative Education for At-Risk students. Five certifications in education and two Masters degrees, one in Exceptional Education and the other in Administration.
Muskego resident for 17 years
Committees, volunteer posts, etc.: On common council for three terms/six years. Park and Rec board for two years, finance for four years, Public works for two years one of those years as the Chair, Festival Committee for the past five years, and currently Public Safety as the chair. Served twice as Council President.
What do you love about Muskego/what makes you want to run again? "I love the community and it has been a great place for my husband and I to raise our two sons, Ryan 21 and Logan 18. They have both gone through the public schools and I feel got an excellent education in Muskego.
"I enjoy Muskego because of how close knit of a community it is. Prior to becoming an Alderman, I knew a lot of people through the sports world that we were involved in due to the boys. Now, having been an Alderman, I have met even more people and that is one of the things I enjoy the most. Jammin' on Janesville was a blast for me because not only did I get the opportunity to talk with people I already knew, but also met people I didn't.
"I enjoy attending the Chamber functions, and helping to make decisions that will help to develop Muskego both now and for the future. Since I have been an Alderman, I feel I have done so much. I began with helping to solve the issues with the Historical Society through the development of working document that provides guidelines for both. I also have worked with the Council and Volunteer Fire Department to first of all consolidate and help to create more efficiency and cost effectiveness for the city. I helped to assess the need of the City Administrator position within the city and supported not to fill this position and to restructure the staff we currently have to take over the duties and roles from that position which was a cost savings for the city. I have been part of making tough decisions that have helped to keep services the same, keep taxes down and yet support progress projects that benefit the city as a whole.
What issues you hope to focus on in the next two years?
"The biggest issue in my district currently is the flooding. From what I am hearing from those that have lived here longer than me, this seemed to become a big issue once New Berlin started to build and since Janesville road went in. I have attempted in many ways to work with the County and have gotten no where. My hopes are that with a new Supervisor for this area, I can finally be heard and get somewhere with this issue.
"We also have the Tess Corners reconstruction project that will begin in Spring. This will potentially include a recreation trail which has been requested by many in this district both from those living on Tess Corners but also people that live in my subdivision. The road is in horrible condition and since the initial part of this project has begun, it is found that the soil beneath the road is in worse shape than was initially thought and needs more attention than initially thought. It is my hope that the flooding issue coming from this road will also be addressed hopefully to alleviate some of the flooding coming from Tess Corner's Creek and other areas.
"As for the city as a whole, I would continue to work on the relationship between the fire department and the City. I want to see some type of retention program implemented that will help to benefit all that are and have given their time and dedication. I would like to continue in the planning and development of the Janesville road project. I would like to help bring in small business that makes Muskego a destination place. I would like to continue to work with the Police Department and their programs that help to keep them the proactive department that they are. They have wonderful programs that benefit our community. We live in a safe and well protected community.
"The Council over the past six years that I have been in office has worked diligently on keeping taxes down, while continuing to provide services that we all want from leaf pick up to community programs and yet try to pull in businesses that will help provide tax revenue for our city, such as Kohls, GE, and Walmart to name a few. We have made our Government within City Hall more efficient in its duties thus reducing costs and increasing customer service. We have done some great things over the past six years and I have been proud to be a part of this and would like to continue on to make sure that we stay on a productive and cost effective path."
Randall Hojnacki:
Currently employed at: Waukesha State Bank (part-time); retired from IBM after 37 year career as a program manager
Muskego resident for 34 years; 64 years of age, married for 35 years
Committees, volunteer posts, etc.: Treasurer for homeowners association, 26 years; PTO Vice-president, chairperson fund raisers; lector and religious Education Teacher, 12 years; RE Board and President, 16 years; long range planning committee, technology committee, fundraisers; Boy Scouts, camp-out and fund raising assistant
What do you love about Muskego/made you decide to run? "Our family has lived in Muskego for almost 34 years. Our children were raised in this community, which my wife and I call home. We love this area and have no plans to move or leave. We want to see Muskego preserve its heritage as it grows and develops in the years ahead.
What will you focus on in your term? "As a Muskego Alderperson, I want to ensure the city prospers, grows and develops without negatively impacting the homeowner’s ability to maintain their homes. I support an open government; one that solicits input from its constituents, listens to them and follows the will of the majority. I will maintain an open door and allow an avenue for input and feedback.
"Being retired now and having years of business experience; I have the time, knowledge and motivation to serve as an Alderperson for the City of Muskego. Once elected, I will represent my constituents honestly and keep a watchful eye on how our tax dollars are collected and spent."
(Additional information was also sent by this candidate - see pdf)
SBR
9:21 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
I appreciate Snead and Hojnacki answering all the questions so we can make a informed decision. I question Mr. Wolfe's follow thru and dedication to this position if he can not even spend the time answering all the questions.
Denise Konkol
10:23 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
If we hear back from Mr. Wolfe and he wants to add to his answers (sometimes people read a portion of questions, especially in emails) we will add it.
Robert J. Wolfe
10:20 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I am more than willing to share the response I sent to Denise Konkol, clearly it was not entirely posted. If you would like me to forward the entire email please contact me.
Robert J. Wolfe
414-427-9653
rwolfe.alderman1@yahoo.com
Concerned Citizen
10:05 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I am a resident of a local old age home, Mr. Wolfe came to speak with us and it was nice to associate a name with a face because I didn't even know who Snead was and she has been our alderman for some time now. I sincerely must question her ethical values. She had family members at the meeting bad mouthing the other candidates and calling them names. They are not even residents of the home. If you are going to play dirty, you do not deserve to win. This is small town politics and it is quite easy to tarnish your reputation with concerned citizens. I have been a life-long Muskego resident and I want the city to keep it's values preserved for generations to come. It is evident that you know that you are doing something wrong if you have to spread falsities and commit slander.
Robert J. Wolfe
10:48 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thank you,
Rob Wolfe
Concerned Citizen
10:08 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Denise, could you please add the rest of the questions? If not, I will gladly call Mr. Wolfe myself. He has been very helpful and well informed. Sorry I did not notice his update before my answer.
Denise Konkol
12:09 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
We ran with a series of questions for each candidate to answer. Mr. Wolfe had responded to us, but not all of the questions were answered. We also told candidates that this was more a bio piece on their experience, family info, how long they had been in Muskego, etc. I can post his other information here in the comments section, as it falls into more of a campaign statement.
Robert J. Wolfe
11:01 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Anyone seeking more information you can contact me at 414-427-9653 and I will be honored to answer your questions.
Thank you,
Rob Wolfe
SBR
11:22 am on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Eithics? Mr Wolfe has simply been out stating mis-information and false statements. Let's state with his comment that taxes are out of control. In 2005 my taxes for city services were higher than they are now 6 years later. Yes mine and almost anyone else in district 1 can look and see our home value has increased and our taxes have decreased. Lets look at Mr Wolfe's home. In 2005, before Alderman Snead was elected his home was assessed at $200,800 and had a fair market value of $197,700. His city taxes that year were $951.80. Six years later his home is assessed at $213,900 with a fair market value of $203,600 his taxes now? $943.24! So to recap his home value INCREASED by about 3% and his taxes DECREASED by about 1%. That beats any trend for the last 10 years. Bottom line just because a wanna be candidate states something, doesn't make it true.
Robert J. Wolfe
11:01 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I have nothing to hide, if you like to call me at 414-427-9653 I would be more than willing to state the facts.
Thank you,
Rob Wolfe
Denise Konkol
12:13 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Here's the info from Robert Wolfe verbatim:
I will create a refreshing and long overdue change with better representation as District 1 Alderman in Muskego.
My commitment is to do everything possible to make our community a better place to live.
I will listen to the citizens of Muskego and I will not be afraid to speak out for what is important to them.
My knowledge and experience will benefit Muskego with a realistic vision for the future. As a honest, dependable, hard working family man I think that it is time for the voter to be heard. I will be watchful and look out for the well being of Muskego.
As Alderman you will have a voice.
There are many issues facing Muskego right now.
#1 is Tax Dollar Spending.
I believe elected officials have a responsibility to completely inform the voters/tax payers .
continued....
Denise Konkol
12:13 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
More of Robert Wolfe's comments:
If the government would like to spend tax dollars on a project then the elected officials should be obligated to provide all the information before moving forward.
Take the Bring Back The Lake Project, with all the people who took their time to attend the common counsel meeting and asked for a referendum then I believe that the voters/tax payers should have a right to a referendum. Right now Muskego should be looking at Lowering and Controlling Taxes Not Over Spending Them. Another issue facing Muskego is small business growth and of course the old Parkland Mall / Tree Farm on Janesville Road. Maybe it is time for Muskego to look at where they are trying to spend Our Money and focus on where we should be spending Our Money. My plan is simple, review all the facts, listen to the community and make common sense decisions based on what is right for you. Your vote will make the difference for Muskego.
Robert J. Wolfe
10:50 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Denise thank you for posting my response to your email,
Rob Wolfe
The Anti-Alinsky
1:38 pm on Monday, February 20, 2012
Mr Wolfe,
The city has several projects going on at the same time. Are you saying you would go to the taxpayers with a referendum on every one of them? We have Janesville Rd, Pioneer Drive, Woods Road bike trail, the Borst property and other going on right now. The city just redid Durham Road last year. Do you want a referendum for each of these?
If you do, you should not be running for public office. We elect our city leaders to collect information, listen to constituents and opinions, and then vote on what is best for Muskego and their district.
The city currently has guidelines for when they HAVE to go to referendum. The current lake proposal (Bring Back the Lake was the large plan that was abandoned two years ago) fits well within those guidelines.
TheRealMuskegoPatch_UnBiased
7:23 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
So Denise, first you said that you posted all the comments, then, you later posted the whole email?? The bios also seem BIASED. I do not want someone who lies about emails to edit our communities news! But, overall, what goes around comes around we shall find out in the results tonight.
Robert J. Wolfe
12:43 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I just want to personally say Thank You!
Again I am asking for your vote on April 3rd so together we can make a difference in Muskego.
Thank You,
Rob Wolfe.