Public Forum:
I ran for mayor of Brookfield to ensure the community had a choice of good candidates to lead the city into the future. The run-off election for mayor, aldermen and School Board will provide the community an opportunity to add talent to our pool of elected officials. I personally like and enjoy the company of both Jeff Speaker and Steve Ponto. I am endorsing Steve Ponto for mayor, however. Steve has the educational background and the pertinent experience in local government to bring needed leadership to this important position.
As a candidate I had the opportunity to listen to many residents. One resident stood out when he said, "Elected officials should move up or move out." In order to bring new talent into leadership positions we must be willing to embrace good candidates when they present themselves for service. I agree with this philosophy. I practiced it as an elected official by twice not seeking re-election. I am encouraging residents to vote to promote Steve Ponto to the position of mayor.
Ponto has the experience and mental capacity to assume many of the duties currently performed for the mayor by the director of administration. Steve can delegate the balance of tasks to other staff. The director of administration position was a newly created position that resulted when Jeff Speaker was newly elected mayor. The Common Council recognized the new mayor had no pertinent job experience. Dan Waffenschmidt was hired for the position but resigned shortly thereafter. Dean Marquardt was then given the responsibility for the day-to-day administration of the city by the Common Council and the mayor. Dean has done an admirable job in this unique position over the last two mayoral terms.
Residents cannot hope to reduce the rate of increase in property taxes without cutting costs. Increased productivity and reduced employment are essential elements to keeping Brookfield affordable. Dean Marquardt has made it known that he intends to retire in the future regardless of who is elected mayor.
I urge my supporters and the residents of Brookfield to vote for Steve Ponto for mayor of Brookfield.
David Marcello
Brookfield
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