Ponto tops Speaker in a squeaker

Brookfield Alderman Steve Ponto defeated incumbent Jeff Speaker by 205 votes Tuesday night to become the next mayor of Brookfield and the fifth in the city's history. Speaker, a former city police officer, was seeking a third four-year term. Ponto will be sworn in April 20.(1)

Ponto outpaces Speaker in campaign spending

Alderman Steve Ponto had outspent his opponent in the city's mayoral race, incumbent Jeff Speaker, by $2,884 for campaign efforts as of March 22, according to finance reports filed this week.(2)

Polls will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday

Races for the city of Brookfield mayor's office, seven city aldermanic seats, two town supervisor seats and three Elmbrook School Board posts will be in voters' hands during Tuesday's general election.

Mayoral candidates: Getting to know you …

You've heard the two mayoral candidates' positions on high-speed rail, property taxes, redevelopment and a host of other issues over the last three months, either though candidate forums, face-to-face visits or Brookfield-Elm Grove NOW's extensive coverage of this spring's race.

Ponto, Speaker say city on right development path

Along with high-speed rail, taxes and a possible Interstate 94 interchange, one of the most frequent questions that has come up during this spring's mayoral race has been the candidates' approach to commercial development and redevelopment.

Town's days may be numbered, mayoral candidates say

The two remaining candidates in the city of Brookfield's mayoral race said they think the town of Brookfield - or at least some parts of it - will become part of the city sooner rather than later.

How do mayoral candidates differ?

Editor's note: Every week this month, Brookfield-Elm Grove NOW is asking the two mayoral candidates to answer a question from one of our readers about an issuing facing the city. To submit a question to one of the candidates, visit BrookfieldNOW.com.

Speaker, Ponto tackle flooding questions

Torrential rains that pounded Brookfield in June 2008 and June 2009 caused millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. They also sparked a citywide effort to educate homeowners about how the city's water systems work and what homeowners can do to mitigate the risk of flooding or sanitary sewer backups.

Does the city need a high-speed rail station?

Editor's note: Every week this month, Brookfield-Elm Grove NOW will ask the two mayoral candidates to answer a question from one of our readers about an issuing facing the city. To submit a question to one of the candidates, visit BrookfieldNOW.com.

Ponto wins former opponent's endorsement in mayoral race

Former mayoral candidate David Marcello has endorsed Alderman Steve Ponto in the race to be Brookfield's next mayor.

Speaker, Ponto survive mayoral primary

Mayor Jeff Speaker will square off against Alderman Steve Ponto in the April election after the two beat out a couple of challengers in Tuesday's primary.

Marcello leading way in campaign contributions

The four men running for Brookfield mayor have raised nearly $30,000 for their campaigns since July, according to campaign finance reports filed this week.

City's housing mix, population growth issues raised

Brookfield's final pre-primary mayoral forum Feb. 4 covered a lot of familiar territory, from high-speed rail to city spending, but the four men vying for the mayor's seat had the opportunity to share their thoughts on some other topics, too.

Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday for primary

Races for Elmbrook School Board and Brookfield mayor will be put in voters' hands Tuesday during the primary election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Candidates see ways to cut costs, control taxes

Residents have identified taxes and city spending as major issues in this election, and the four men vying to be Brookfield's next mayor agree.

Should city ban burning of yard waste?

Editor's note: Brookfield-Elm Grove NOW is asking each mayoral candidate to answer a question a week from one of our readers about an issue facing the city.

Residents press mayoral candidates for positions

Residents grilled Brookfield mayoral candidates David Marcello, Steve Ponto and Jeff Speaker about their stances on everything from city spending to roundabouts and freeway interchanges during candidate forums held in the past week.

Candidates balance business, neighbors

Brookfield will face a number of development issues over the next four years - from dealing with vacant storefronts to attracting businesses and expanding the city's tax base.

Does city need to be more 'business friendly'?

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

Roads, rail on mayoral agenda

Brookfield's next mayor will have a number of transportation-related issues to face during his term. NOW finds out where the candidates stand on road projects, sidewalks and high-speed rail.

Mayoral forum set for Tuesday

A candidates forum will be held Tuesday night at the Brookfield Public Safety Building. NOW reporter Alan Hamari will be there blogging live and questions will be taken in advance and from audience members.

Speaker points to tax rate, communication as successes

Incumbent mayor Jeff Speaker highlighted the city's tax rate and development around Brookfield Square as primary reasons why he should be elected to a third term.

Broad community service part of candidate Marcello's resume

Former alderman and Elmbrook School Board member David Marcello cites his legislative experience as a primary reason he can lead Brookfield for the next four years.

As mayor, Ponto says he would keep government in its bounds

Steve Ponto, who has served for 12 years as an alderman, feels he has the right mix of experience and qualifications to be Brookfield's next mayor after spending 30 years as a corporate attorney.

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

Waukesha County Supervisor Thomas Schellinger, a 25-year resident of Brookfield and former Common Council member with a love of politics, says the time is right to make the next step.

Newspaper, chamber to sponsor mayoral forum

Voters will have the chance to quiz the mayoral candidates on the key issues facing the city at a forum set for Jan. 26 at the Brookfield Public Safety Building, 21000 N. Calhoun Road.

Four vying for mayor's post in first heat of race

Incumbent Brookfield Mayor Jeff Speaker will face three opponents in his race for a third term, including a long-serving alderman and a Waukesha County supervisor.

Brookfield

County supervisor joins race for mayor

Waukesha County Supervisor Thomas Schellinger, a former Brookfield alderman, is the latest resident to announce his candidacy for mayor. That's brings the total number of candidates to six.

Field of mayoral candidates grows

Alderman Steve Ponto and former municipal judge Richard Steinberg are the latest entries in the race for mayor - bringing the total number of candidates to five.

Second challenger steps into mayoral race

A longtime Brookfield resident has announced his intention to join the race for the mayor's office this spring.(1)

Marcello challenges Speaker for mayor post

An Elmbrook School Board member has announced his intention to challenge Mayor Jeff Speaker in the city's mayoral race in spring.