Oak Creek mayoral candidates share a civic debate

Oak Creek - The three mayoral candidates each have a different vision of how to develop the former Delphi Automotive site, the most controversial issue.

The candidates seeking the three-year term are current aldermen Tom Michalski and Stephen Scaffidi and former alderman Mark Verhalen, who now serves on the Oak Creek-Franklin School Board.

The three will face off in the Feb. 21 primary, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general spring election on April 3. Current Mayor Al Foeckler, appointed after the unexpected death Dec. 10 of Mayor Dick Bolender, will serve through April 16.

The Delphi debate

Each candidate has an entirely different opinion on how the Delphi site should be used, and whether the current civic center with library should be relocated there.

Michalski, 58, favors having both the city hall and library relocated to the 85-acre site, 7929 S. Howell Ave., and his reasoning is simple: It would cost less to build on a new site than having to work around existing buildings.

"It's $4 to $5 million cheaper building new on a blank slate as opposed to building around existing buildings," Michalski said.

"You don't have the disruption of work for city employees," he added. Nor would library services be interrupted.

Scaffidi, 53, said he wants the Delphi development to be "unique" and a "destination," and he's not sure moving both the city hall and library would be the draw that would attract business to the site.

"I would not move the library unless it was public-private partnership," he said.

He envisions kiosks, coffee shops and more a town center-style shopping plaza, and city hall might not be a good fit. "It's a much harder argument for city hall," he said. "City hall traffic is minimal."

Verhalen, 56, thinks the library should remain on its current site, as he thinks it complements the neighboring Oak Creek Community Center. Also, a new library where it stands could be built more quickly, given the remediation work that's needed at the Delphi site.

And he suggested that there were other, preferable sites for a new city hall, not as pressing a need as creating more space for library users.

"As far as the Delphi site, I'd like to see that be a premier development," he said.

Verhalen and Scaffidi are not opposed to a nonbinding referendum on the issue; Verhalen said he would want one limited to the cost of the development and Scaffidi would want it to be very specific and timed during a regular election. Michalski, however, was not in favor of one, because the city has a representative form of government that allows residents' input.

Costly issues, too

While the Delphi development is the central issue this election year, Scaffidi said containing costs is as important. "I think the public's really concerned we're efficient in how we do things," he said.

The Common Council has taken steps to rein in health care costs by modifying employees' contributions to those benefits, and he said there are ways to further streamline the workflow at city hall. For instance, he said each department has support staff, which he believes could be cross-trained to share responsibilities.

"Those are some of the things my company does," said Scaffidi, a field manager in special projects for the Nielsen Co.

Verhalen, who operates Verhalen Excavating LLC and Verhalen Farms LLC, said he is concerned about attracting business to Oak Creek that will create jobs.

"Oak Creek has lost a lot of jobs," he said. "I think there's a big problem with marketing the city and getting companies and jobs here."

Michalski, who is retired, said maintaining services and keeping a line on taxes amid state budgetary restraints is as important and ties into the Delphi site development.

"There is no way out there to raise revenue to run the city unless we have development," he said.

Who is best?

Michalski, whose aldermanic seat is up for re-election this spring too, said he is best mayoral candidate partly because he is retired. "I'm accessible to the citizens of the community." He has indicated he would serve as mayor if elected and give up the aldermanic post.

Michalski also said he's a good communicator and "looking out for the best interests of the city overall."

Verhalen said his long standing in the community running two businesses makes him the most qualified.

"I've been involved behind the scenes before I was on the School Board and Common Council," he said. "I have a lot of experience making my own way and getting things done."

Scaffidi said he listens with an open mind and has the leadership skills needed to guide the city.

"I've worked up to this position," he said. "I've been involved in the community, and I've demonstrated a commitment to the community."