Oak Creek mayoral race voters guide

Tom Michalski

Age: 58

Address: 8720 S. 13th St.

Employer/occupation: retired from Rockwell Automation after more than 38 years of service as a journeyman machine repair mechanic

Education: graduated from Cudahy High School; MATC/Rockwell Automation Journeyman Machine Repair Mechanic in 1996

Years in community: owned a home in Oak Creek since 2000

Family: married to Connie, with two adult children, Sarah and Adam

Related experience: Milwaukee Area Technical College Board of Directors since 2008; past chief steward of UE Local 1111 at Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation

Political experience: 6th District alderman since 2006; served as a member of the St. Francis School District from 1992 to 2000

Contact: thosmic@gmail.com

Why are you running for office?

I am running for mayor to better serve the city. As the 6th District alderman, I have studied many of the issues facing the city and will rely on a common-sense approach to tackling them. As a retiree, I recognize the need to control costs but also see the need for Oak Creek to continue to grow at a pace that continues to attract families and business. I am ready to help make Oak Creek even better than it is today. I would promote the city as the place to be on the south side of Milwaukee County.

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

Working within the cost controls imposed by the state will be a challenge that can be met by having quality development in the city. As one example, with Delphi's closing and resulting loss of tax base and jobs, 85 acres are available that should be developed to higher standards than previously seen. While the city has many fine businesses and developments, this area has the potential for being a step above the norm. More restaurants, shops and businesses anchored by a new library/city hall complex would create a true multiuse area that will increase our overall tax base and value.

What's the first thing you will do if elected?

I would certainly move things forward along the lakefront. Relying on the recommendations of the Lakefront Redevelopment Committee comprised of various stakeholders and residents from the city, it makes sense to move forward with the recommendations now, rather than 10 years from now. Making the area accessible to all and family friendly would be a good place to start. I would also work with surrounding communities to consolidate services as a way to keep costs in check and provide the same levels of service.

Stephen Scaffidi

Age: 53

Address: 8422 S. Griffin Ave.

Employer/occupation: field manager in special projects/Nielsen Company

Education: Bachelor's degree in mass communication (broadcast journalism) from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Years in community: 25

Family: married to Kathy, with two adult daughters, Katie and Chrissy

Related experience: manages TV and PC research employees across United States

Political experience: two-term 3rd District alderman, current Common Council president (elected unanimously)

Contact: ocscaffidi@gmail.com; (414) 234-0635

Why are you running for office?

I'm running for mayor because I want to make sure residents have a voice in the future of our city. As Common Council president, I've made it a priority to improve the communication between elected officials and residents by leading the efforts for live TV broadcasts of city meetings and holding listening sessions with residents on a variety of issues. With significant development opportunities at the lakefront and former Delphi site, a continued focus on fiscal responsibility in a tough economy, and a commitment to increasing the efficiency of local government, the next three years are critical for Oak Creek.

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

Development is the most critical issue facing our city. We have the potential to bring new businesses to Oak Creek with the construction of an interchange at I-94 and Drexel Avenue, easy access to the airport, and significant parcels of land for development. With that ability to add to our tax base, new development should be different and exciting, emphasizing job growth. Many residents want upscale restaurants and shops similar to what you see at Bayshore or Southridge. At the same time, we need to make sure we're balancing that growth without impacting the quality of life we enjoy.

What's the first thing you will do if elected?

As elected officials, we need to continue to find ways to be more efficient while reducing costs and saving tax dollars. One of the first things I would do would be to ask city staff to reassign the space that currently serves as the mayor's office to the Health Department. That department's extremely cramped and, given the critical work it does, could use the additional space to serve our residents' health needs. The mayor's office should be moved to a smaller space in city hall where I could still meet residents and handle other duties of the office.

Mark Verhalen

Age: 56

Address: 1200 E. Ryan Road

Employer/occupation: self-employed at Verhalen Excavating LLC and Verhalen Farms LLC

Education: graduated Oak Creek High School 1974

Years in community: lifelong resident

Family: married 30 years, with four grown children and four grandchildren

Related experience: served on numerous committees and planning groups in Oak Creek

Political experience: served as 3rd District alderman and held various committee appointments such as License, Capital Improvement and Personnel; current member of Oak Creek School Board

Contact: tverhalen55@yahoo.com; (414) 322-0337

Why are you running for office?

Attracting businesses and jobs to Oak Creek, along with promoting our city, are two of my top priorities that lead me to want to serve as mayor. I am very concerned about Oak Creek's financial stability. Revenues from We Energies should be incorporated for use in the improvement of the community and to attract business to Oak Creek. It is my business background and council experience that will enable us to move the city in the right direction. This type of commitment should expand the tax base, create jobs and keep our individual tax burden low.

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

The library and city hall stand out as the No. 1 issue. Moving these facilities or leaving them at their present location will continue to be of great concern for our residents. The library should stay at its current site. It complements the Community Center and is close to shopping and schools. City hall is a lesser priority. The Delphi site presents numerous challenges, including site preparation, infrastructure, engineering and planning. These challenges create higher costs and delays with completing any project. A premier development at the Delphi site can be achieved by working closely with WisPark and developers.

What's the first thing you will do if elected?

A top priority would be to work with the residents and council to achieve a consensus on how we need to move forward with future development. In recent years, the city has taken on many projects simultaneously with good intentions. We must concentrate on development that will bring the most benefit to the city first. All other projects must be prioritized and given a timeline to ensure their completion. Oak Creek has great potential. As mayor,