Editor's note: Brookfield-Elm Grove NOW is asking each mayoral candidate to answer a question from one of our readers about an issue facing the city. To submit a question for the candidates, visit BrookfieldNOW.com.
Brookfield has been cited by many as not being "business friendly" because the city's regulations are too restrictive and sometimes arbitrary. That seems in conflict with the desire to attract more businesses. What is your feeling about that perception and what would you do about it?
- Glen Allgaier
Thomas Schellinger: I would establish a business advisory board consisting of volunteer business owners to examine whether we are business friendly or too restrictive. The board would study and identify all city policies, actions and ordinances that hinder the spirit of smart business, compare surrounding communities business ordinances to Brookfield's and survey business that failed to locate in Brookfield.
I would have the board report the findings to the Common Council for further committee study or legislative action.
Jeff Speaker: The vast majority of businesses feel my administration is very business friendly. Even those who might want a loosening of regulations acknowledge those rules are being enforced equally and fairly.
The city's positive atmosphere and commitment is reflected in the results of our yearly business survey, in a recent market report prepared by Gruen and Gruen relative to commercial areas in southeastern Wisconsin, and through the work of the city's economic development coordinator.
The Journal Sentinel on Sunday reported on one of my business-friendly initiatives involving legislation that allows U-turns at lighted intersections for safe access to businesses on Bluemound Road.
David Marcello: Brookfield leadership has been snobbish about businesses deemed acceptable during the expansion years. High-tech businesses, national retailers/restaurants, and office users generally were welcomed. Small home-grown service businesses with trucks or vans are not welcome in Brookfield.
Periodically it is necessary to take up the difficult work to reconfirm or recommend modifications to our zoning code. Zoning codes have so many mechanisms to ensure order.
City bureaucrats often mistrust businesses and residents and recommend laws that are tyrannical in nature. It is logical to review zoning laws to consider eliminating, modifying, and on rare occasion, adding rules.
Steve Ponto: The perception is not accurate as to businesses that share our vision of Brookfield as a premier community. For them, Brookfield is business friendly.
Our high standards for construction and architectural design of commercial buildings ultimately benefit the entire community. Our staff and Plan Commission are generally respectful and friendly to business applicants. Overall, they make a real effort to help a business meet Brookfield's requirements.
Where there are difficulties with a business, it tends to be over smaller matters, like signage. The city should show some flexibility on smaller matters as long as the business meet our standards of quality.
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