There are two ways to become an alderman in Wauwatosa-The hard way, and the harder way. I have gone through both processes and successfully navigated one of them-The hard way. Last night I watched the process for the harder way and was taken back to January of 2007 when I gave it a shot. There has been a vacancy in the 6th District since the resignation of Tom Herzog and last night a committee of alderman met to interview the candidates that applied to fill that vacancy. In the hot seat last night were Jeff Roznowski and Paul Daut, and watching them both answer the interviewers questions was an affirmation of why I choose to do what I do, serve.

The shame of last night was that both candidates could not be picked. They were both articulate, intelligent and above all passionate about both their neighborhoods and their city. This last trait is the most important quality an alderman can have. I have reached the end of my “honeymoon” stage as an alderman and it is this trait that gets me through a meeting, a phone call, and even writing my blog. What has surprised me the most about being an alderman is that while all 16 of us come from different backgrounds and ideologies we all share the common trait of passion. It is this passion that allows us to get our work done, to compromise, and to agree to disagree.

Next week I won’t be the newest alderman anymore, though I guess I am tied with 2 others for that title. Our newest alderman, Alderman Roznowski of the 6th district will join a group he deserves to be in and one he will make a difference in as well. Let’s get some work done.

Well my Sunday morning blogging routine hasn’t been going well as of late. I’ll be really honest, I have zero time right now. The new hospital opens in 2 weeks and I have about 2 months of work to do between now and then. When I am not at the hospital, I am thinking about the hospital. I have dreams and even nightmares about the hospital. When this is all over I will need a vacation or I am at risk of being admitted to a mental hospital…I’m not kidding.

This week I voted for the UWM TIF. I went both ways on this since the Plan Commission meeting in August. What it finally came down to the fact that Wauwatosa’s track record with TIFS has been very successful. I have also gotten to know the UWM folks as they get ready to by the old Columbia Hospital campus this December. I think they have the right stuff and deserve a shot. Lets give it too them, carefully.

This week we have a few items of interest before the Community Development Committee. If you would like to weigh in please call or email me or better yet show up speak and be heard!

A short blog is better than none.

  I apologize for shirking my blogging duties, it got crazy that last couple weeks. I tried to squeeze in as much family time as possible before school started back up. On top of that at work the department I manage began moving into the new hospital. It will be interesting to try and balance all this over the next few weeks. I am really glad I decided to take this semester off from school. I would have ended up in the loony bin.

First, I weighed in on having the train station that probably won’t exist ever in Tosa. I am pro business, pro development and this makes a lot of sense to me. Go ahead and attack, but if this takes off, increases the tax base, and benefits everyone I will be right.

There is a buzz that the Wauwatosa budget isn’t looking too good. It should be released later this month. It is a shame I have had to find out through channels and a vague reference in the newspaper. I guess being a rookie alderman doesn’t carry too much clout.

I also need to apologize. I am going to miss this week’s council meeting. I feel bad about this but my department has to be operational at 5am on Wednesday morning and Tuesday will be a long day. I have my packet and I will watch the video during the week. I will be ready to go on September 14th.

Thank you for all the calls and emails this week, some great spirited debate. Debate sparks ideas and ideas make the world go.