'Politics fanatic' hopes to keep Brookfield safe, fiscally sound

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C.T. Kruger

Thomas Schellinger, mayoral candidate.

C.T. Kruger

Thomas Schellinger, mayoral candidate.

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Waukesha County Supervisor Thomas Schellinger certainly has an affinity for politics.

Schellinger, who is in his second two-year term on the County Board, is making his third run for Brookfield's mayoral seat this spring. A 25-year Brookfield resident with a degree in political science, Schellinger also served six years on the city's Common Council, representing the 7th District from 2000 to 2006.

"I'm kind of a politics fanatic," he said. "I enjoy the governing process and analyzing how people vote."

Schellinger will square off against three other candidates, including incumbent Mayor Jeff Speaker, in next month's primary.

"I believe that I'm ready for the next step," he said.

Resident participation is key

Schellinger, who has a wife and two children, said his experience as an alderman and a county supervisor has given him not only a political perspective but "a thorough understanding of local government from the citizens' point of view."

Schellinger, a former volunteer and board member with the Elmbrook Historical Society, said he plans to reach out to Brookfield residents when he's mayor. Schellinger held several districtwide meetings when he was an alderman, and he said he wants to continue that trend if he's elected, perhaps by working Saturday mornings and having office hours where residents can come and share comments or ask questions.

"You need feedback from the citizens to get the right decisions," he said.

Continuing a 'tradition' in city

County Board Chairman Jim Dwyer, who has worked closely with city leaders, said Brookfield has several good candidates for mayor, including Schellinger.

When Schellinger's current term started in 2008, Dwyer appointed him to be chairman of the county's Personnel Committee.

"Tom's done a good job," Dwyer said. "He's been a fine representative for Elm Grove and portions of Brookfield that he represents."

Schellinger has his eyes on Brookfield issues, too, from intergovernmental cooperation with other municipalities to the water supply, and he said two of the big issues he's focusing on affect all Brookfield residents.

"The reason I moved here 25 years ago was strong, safe neighborhoods and reasonable financial spending, and that's the tradition I want to continue as mayor of Brookfield," he said.

AT A GLANCE

Thomas Schellinger

AGE: 57

ADDRESS: 240 Leanore Lane

EDUCATION: Marquette University, 1976; bachelor's in political science

PREVIOUS ELECTED OFFICE: Brookfield Common Council, 2000-06; Waukesha County Board, 2006-present

PHONE: (414) 698-5499

E-mail: thomasschellinge@aol.com

WEB SITE: schellingerformayor.com