Senior Viewpoint
Dick Steinberg has resided in the city of Brookfield for 35 years. He served 34 years as municipal judge and has been an attorney for 50 years. He enjoys tennis, golf, biking and creative writing, which includes legal issues, sports, government and people.
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ALDERMAN ELECTIONS 2012
ALDERMAN ELECTIONS 2012.
Yes it will be Alderman until further notice from the city.
As of December 1 candidates can take out nomination papers and turn in the required number of signatures by January 3, 2012.
This is easy to do because you only need 20 valid signatures to be on the ballot.
This is inexpensive because with all the x-mas mail political mailings are a waste and personal contact is the best way to go.
For all the technical details go to city hall and see the city clerk for the information and paperwork.
Each district has their own particular issues. Some of the issuess over the years that i have heard discussed are listed herein.
1. better contact with constituents. people tell me they have never seen their Alderman and do not even know who it is. the only time they come around is at election time. this is easily cured by having social gatherings and listening sessions in the neighborhood away from the formality of city hall. some do this.
2. need to focus on neighborhood problems. that means to create a method whereby the neighbors in the district can submit written suggestions that require a written response. some do this. create a simple form and have them available in your district.
3. need to watch the taxpayers' pocketbook. this is critical to being a good Alderman. most issues to vote on at the common council meetings are city wide and do not reflect the total interests of a particular district. Aldermen rely largely on paid staff to make recommendations on spending and maintenance. find a way to get your own neighborhood on the agenda for more attention.
4. a candidate with foresight should propose the reduction of Aldermen in the city. there is no good reason to have 2 Aldermen for each district in a community of around 35,000 people. conservatives want smaller government and now is the chance to have it.
5. we now have a strong mayor who can make decisions without the burden of getting the consent of additional Aldermen.
in general, to be an Alderman a person must have the extra time to be available and be open for suggestions, while being able to make prudent decisions.
with this being said i am sure my readers will have more to say.
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