Mayoral candidates: Getting to know you …
From favorite movies to hobbies, mayoral candidates shed some light on themselves
March 17, 2010 | 0 comments
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.
So this week, we decided to do things a little differently.
We asked incumbent Mayor Jeff Speaker and Alderman Steve Ponto, who will face off April 6, to let residents get to know them a little better by answering a few questions via e-mail about their hobbies, favorite movies and favorite places to visit around the city.
We'll get back to the serious stuff next week with our Voters Guides, but for now, enjoy this lighter look at the two candidates.
Steve Ponto
Time in Brookfield: 20 years. My wife and I started construction of our home in the Glen Kerry Subdivision of Brookfield in November 1989 and moved into our home in June 1990.
Family: married to Mary for 28 years; two daughters: Stephanie, 24, and Elizabeth, 23
What is the best book you have ever read?
William Manchester's "The Last Lion," which is the biography of Winston Churchill. I find the life of Churchill particularly inspiring with his many successes (and a few failures) on a grand scale and with his unforgettable eloquence.
What is your favorite movie?
I enjoy lots of movies, but probably my favorite movie is "Grease." It is an excellent musical, and John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John did a superb job.
What are some of your favorite leisure-time activities?
I love photography. I have a Nikon digital camera and an iMac computer. I enjoy taking digital photos, "developing" them with the iPhoto program on my iMac, and creating slide shows, with music, that I can show on our television.
What are some of your favorite Brookfield attractions and events?
I love the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center and attending high school musicals. I also love Brookfield's Fourth of July festivities. I have participated in the Fourth of July parade as an alderman every year for the last 12 years.
Who is your favorite musician?
I love music and have a wide variety of music on my iPod. I probably listen to John Denver's songs the most.
What are some of the civic, church or other groups you're involved with?
I am involved in our church, St. John Vianney. I am also involved in the Waukesha County Republican Party and was chairman of the East Central (Elmbrook) Branch of the party for four years.
Why did you decide to get into politics in the first place?
I have had a long-term interest in politics and decided to run for alderman in 1998 because my family really loves Brookfield and I wanted to be more involved in the city and make it an even better place to live.
Jeff Speaker
Time in Brookfield: Approximately 12 years, but I have been a part of this community for 25 years (Editor's note: Speaker was a city of Brookfield police officer before becoming mayor.)
Family: married; four children
What is the best book you have ever read?
My favorite subject matter is history, and I have read many good books. I just can't pick out my favorite.
What is your favorite movie?
"Miracle," about our gold medal Olympic hockey team.
What are some of your favorite leisure-time activities?
I like to be physically active, so weight lifting, walking or working around our home.
What are some of your favorite Brookfield attractions and events?
I enjoy the Fourth of July activities, including the ice cream social. Also I enjoy (the) Starry Nights (concert series) at the Wilson Center.
Who is your favorite musician?
I like all kinds of music and artists, but if I had to pick, it would be Boston or Fleetwood Mac.
What are some of the civic, church or other groups you're involved with?
I belong to St. Dominic's, and I do enjoy helping out at the St. John's Festival when asked. I am in charge of burning the hot dogs (inside joke among us fry masters).
Why did you decide to get into politics in the first place?
A lot of citizens asked me to run, and they continue to ask me to keep running.
E-mail Newsletter
Your link to the biggest stories in the suburbs delivered Thursday mornings.
Enter your e-mail address above and click "Sign Up Now!" to begin receiving your e-mail newsletter
Get the Newsletter!
More from News and Features
- Business Calendar: Feb. 16-March 28
- Healthy choices topic of Heartfelt Sunday
- Ask NOW: Traffic light rumor laid to rest
- Full appeals court to hear Elmbrook graduation arguments
- Gala for cancer research
- Business Calendar: Feb. 15-25
- Grab a Bite: One Way Cafe: A Tosa Village melting pot
- New zoning district eyed for 124th Street neighborhood
- Government Meetings: Feb. 9-16
- Musician shares hope, faith
.jpg)
0 COMMENTS