Oak Creek city clerk race voters guide

LeAnn Launstein

Age: 57

Address: 900 E. Puetz Road

Employer/ occupation: homemaker

Education: high school graduate, with honors; attended University of Michigan-Flint and attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, mathematics major

Years in community: 34

Family: married to Howard for 36 years, three adult children, Lisa, Lindsay and Laura

Related experience: director, Interfaith Older Adult Programs-Neighborhood Outreach Director 2004-2010; as Milwaukee County supervisor, worked with city, county, state and federal officials, involved in statewide voter system for 10 years, participated in dozens of Oak Creek Common Council meetings; appointed by former Mayor Dale Richards to be chairman of the Oak Creek Airport Advisory Committee; appointed by former Mayor Richard Bolender to represent Oak Creek on the Milwaukee County Airport Study Advisory Committee.

Political experience: Milwaukee County supervisor (1992-2002), representing Oak Creek, Franklin and Milwaukee

Contact: llaunstein@aol.com, (414) 762-4922

Why are you running for office?

I believe in public service, and I would be honored to help residents conduct their city business. Pam Bauer called me to ask me to run for the position. Both believe that I have the right combination of government and management experience and skills for the job. I agreed to run for the position because I love the city of Oak Creek and its people.

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

Due to Oak Creek's expected growth, it is important to maintain the administrative support and public access to information during any transitions to new office space and with newly elected officials. Maintaining the integrity of the election process and accomplishing more without any cost increase will also be essential as the city continues to grow.

Catherine A. Roeske

Age: 44

Address: 9025 S. Nicholson Road

Employer/ occupation: self-employed, farmhouse, orchard and gardens

Education: studied at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., College of DuPage (Ill.), with focus on communications and radio/TV, broadcast journalism

Years in community: resident of Oak Creek since 2003

Family: married to husband Steve, with four children, Christopher, Molly, Maxwell and Jacquelyn

Related experience: served as an election commission official in Illinois for more than eight years; work experience includes 18 years at American Express Company; experience in a professional role as a business analyst, technical, project, and people manager

Political experience: She opted not to list as political experience, stating "As the city clerk position is nonpartisan, this serves me well."

Contact: catherine.roeske@yahoo.com

Why are you running for office?

Although I appreciate the experience that I have gained working for a global company most of my life, I have a strong desire to share my abilities and give back to my community. As an Oak Creek resident, I have a vested interest in helping the city move forward to meet future challenges. I have strong organizational, leadership and customer-facing skills. I will focus on continuous process improvement, design and implementation of strict quality control measures, and maximization of productivity within the clerk's office.

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

The city is interested in the best qualified employee to retain the standards of the city clerk responsibilities. I will strive to exceed expectations required of me, through cost efficiency, technological advancement and dedication to process improvement. I have an exceptional work ethic and am committed to serve Oak Creek residents with an unwavering respect.

Suzette Emmer

Age: 56

Address: 9649 S. Jasper St.

Employer/ occupation: deputy administrator, Milwaukee County Election Commission

Education: Bachelor of business administration degree

Years in community: homeowner in Oak Creek for five years

Family: Two sons, Xander and Raymie

Related experience: 15 years of government service in Milwaukee County, most recently five years with the Milwaukee County Election Commission; private sector experience mostly as a small-business owner

Political experience: Working with the elected officials and candidates for office in Milwaukee County

Contact: Suzette@VoteEmmer.com

Why are you running for office?

I enjoy serving the public. I have dedicated 15 years to public service in Milwaukee County. I would like to "come home" and work for the residents of Oak Creek. Oak Creek is at a pivotal point in its history. The actions we take today will have a profound effect on our city's future. This is an exciting time to become involved in our city's government, to have an active part in Oak Creek's growth into a modern, sprawling metropolis while maintaining services to Oak Creek's citizens and that sense of community that smaller municipalities experience.

What's the No. 1 issue in this race?

The city clerk has an administrative role in government. Therefore, the most important issue in this race is experience. I have five years of experience with the Milwaukee County Election Commission. Election laws have undergone huge changes recently. Our state has experienced recalls and recounts this past year. My experience in election administration would benefit this office as elections have become a larger part of the clerk's duties. Through my memberships in three clerks' associations, I have developed a network that I can turn to when I have questions regarding the non-election responsibilities of the office.