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.
I only know Jeff Speaker and Steve Ponto from the newspapers and city TV. They seem to talk the same and vote the same. What do think distinguishes you from your opponent?
Jeff Speaker: I have spent the last eight years walking doors and being in the community talking to people. This has given me the opportunity to know what is important to Brookfield families. I believe that the mayors' job is not to be isolated in the office, but out among the citizens working with them and for them.
There are doers and there are talkers. I'm a doer. Examples are the remodeling of Brookfield Square, improving fire services by tearing down the dilapidated buildings and moving the locations to improve our response times for the whole city.
Steve Ponto: What distinguishes me from my opponent is my education, experience and demonstrated ability to lead. In terms of education, I have a bachelor of arts degree in economics, a master's degree in public affairs and a law degree. In terms of experience, I have 31 years of professional experience as a corporate attorney in the private sector.
In contrast to the incumbent, I have consistently demonstrated leadership during my 12 years on the Common Council, including two terms as president. I will be a full-time "hands-on" mayor who will lead on difficult issues and rely less on staff than the incumbent.
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