An Elmbrook School Board member has announced his intention to challenge Mayor Jeff Speaker in the city's mayoral race in spring.
David Marcello, who was elected to the School Board in April 2008, filed his notice of candidacy and campaign registration statement with the city clerk's office this week. He can start collecting signatures to get his name on the ballot Dec. 1.
Marcello, who served as an alderman in the 2nd District from 1992-98, said he would bring a new voice to City Hall.
"I think that the community really needs a leader that's able to articulate a vision of what the future of this community needs to be," said Marcello, who works as a real estate agent.
Resident participation sought
Marcello outlined several areas he would like to address as mayor, including getting more residents involved in city government and keeping an eye on future growth and redevelopment in Brookfield, a community that is almost built out.
"I think the residents want to have an open process, a process they're invited to participate in," he said.
If the economy continues to stagnate, the city also will face pressure "to provide basic services and keep taxes relatively low" in the future, Marcello said.
Before Marcello's uncontested election last spring, questions arose about a 2002 incident in which he was charged with battery to a 14-year-old boy. Marcello complied with the terms of a deferred prosecution agreement, and the charges were dismissed in 2004.
Speaker plans to run again
Speaker said he will run again but has not yet filed any paperwork.
"I've had too many people come up to tell me they need me to run again," he said.
Speaker was first elected in 2002 and has served two four-year terms. He said he is happy with what he's accomplished in his time in office and thinks Brookfield is positioned well for the future.
He pointed to the successes he has had as mayor, including establishing sound financial policies that have set the city up for long-term fiscal success.
The mayor, who is elected to a four-year term, will make $99,149 a year through 2012, with 2 percent increases scheduled in 2013 and 2014.
The general election is April 6.
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