City of West Bend Alderperson District 5 Choose 1
Watch the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum recorded on March 20 via the West Bend Community Television on demand website at:tinyurl.com/mrx34xn3 In the City of West Bend there are 8 districts, each represented by an elected alderperson for a 2 year term. The 8 alderpersons make up the Common Council, and each person is assigned to work on various committees, of which there are currently 26. The job of the Common Council is to decide and approve city issues and expenditures. For instance, the County Engineer will bring choices about construction and expenditures. Bids are presented with recommendations, after which the Council will vote its preference. A specific example of this involves the Riverwalk improvements where the Council voted to spend $2 million of ARPA funds on the Riverwalk. The Council also approves or disapproves establishments getting licenses to serve alcohol, they make decisions on controlling the deer in the city, and whether or not people are allowed to have chickens. (We are allowed as long as neighbors are okay with it.) Other committees include downtown business improvements, zoning, housing authority, library board, and tourism, to name a few.
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
2623061720
Mailing Address
WEST BEND, WI 53095
Why do you want to be a City of West Bend Alderperson, and what qualifications and experience make you the best candidate?
I am running for Alderman, District 5, West Bend Common Council to give a voice to the “regular joe” tax-paying citizens of the district. I decided to run when my research showed me that while West Bend's population from 2010 to now by 3%, West Bend's City Government grew by 6%. I am best the best candidate since not only do I have experience with local government (former West Bend School Board member) but have held leadership positions in several areas (military, manufacturing, wholesale/retail distribution, and non-profit).
What are the most important issues facing West Bend and how will you address them?
The vast majority of West Bend citizens in Disctrict 5 have expressed the desire to get " the !#$$%#%! roads fixed!' West Bend revenues have grown but we still have bad roads. Small cuts in the various departments can add up to enough $$ that can fix the roads. The second area would be the growth of West Bend's government. Why has the growth of government doubled the population's growth? I would examine what government is doing i.e. are these services really necessary?
How will you keep your constituents informed of the issues and actions of the City Council?
I plan to address local community groups at various events (breakfast, forums, etc). Additionally I would like to publish a newsletter, either hard copy or electronic.
Biographical Information
Mailing Address
702 Eastern Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
West Bend, WI 53095
campaign email
mbseiser@gmail.com
Why do you want to be a City of West Bend Alderperson, and what qualifications and experience make you the best candidate?
I was born and raised in West Bend, raised my family here and worked as a financial advisor at a downtown firm for my entire career. I've always believed in "Service Above Self" and have served in various leadership positions as a Rotary club president, a Rotary District Governor, and as a Foundation chair at the local and state levels. But now it is time to serve the city I know and love! I want to represent the residents of District 5 and be their voice at City Hall.
What are the most important issues facing West Bend and how will you address them?
We all want the same things - a safe environment, a strong school system, a thriving economy and job market, and a beautiful city full of parks, recreation areas, restaurants, and entertainment. We are blessed with strong leaders who have helped this city grow and prosper. As we grow, there is always room for improvement. How do we make sure our fire and police departments are supported? How do we maintain our aging school buildings and support the education of our children? How do we promote our city and ensure that we are a safe, welcoming and vibrant community? And most importantly, how can we do that in a fiscally responsible manner? I am ready to work with other city leaders to address these issues, consider the needs of our community, and make our decisions based on what will be fair and beneficial to our citizens.
How will you keep your constituents informed of the issues and actions of the City Council?
By being active in the community, utilizing social media, writing letters to the editor, participating in open meetings at the local library, and generally being open to constituents, I plan to keep citizens informed of the issues facing the city and the actions of the Common Council.