Mequon District 1 Aldermanic race

Dan Abendroth

Age: 58

Employer/occupation: retired Operations Manager, Milwaukee Transport Services

Education: B.S. Land Use Planning, Carroll College

Contact: (262) 242-5112; danab5112@aol.com

What would you like to see accomplished in the next three years?

I would like to see Mequon develop a consensus on a vision for the community that respects all stakeholders and the wide variety of land uses that Mequon contains. I would also like to develop a long range financial plan based on economic realities and a conservative approach to spending.

How do you continue to meet the needs of the city with revenue limits set by the state?

I would address government funding needs by continuing to seek high quality development that contributes more to the tax base than it costs, and by focusing on efforts to streamline operations and improve the efficiency of government services.

What sort of development would you like to see in Mequon, if any?

I would like to see development that adds net value to the tax base and that provides the types of uses that residents desire. This could include a broad range of residential and business uses with an emphasis on spacious residential developments, unique local retail, and high tech, high skill business and industry. Specific economic development efforts should be focused on the success of our existing business areas.

Robert Strzelvzyk

Age: 44

Employer/occupation: founder of First Priority Printing

Education: B.A. in Marketing and Business Management

Contact: rob@ourmequon.com; www.ourmequon.com

What would you like to see accomplished in the next three years?

1. Declining enrollment in M-T Schools needs to be slowed and reversed. 2. Work collaboratively with residents wanting new conveniences and residents that desire a rural community to establish a common VISION for Mequon's future. 3. Promote opportunity in struggling TIF districts so the tax implication doesn't affect the residents.

How do you continue to meet the needs of the city with revenue limits set by the state?

Although we need to continually look for ways to run lean and efficiently, spending cuts alone will not support our city's rising expense long term. Mequon needs to limit spending to necessities and opportunities that benefit long-term value of the community. Meanwhile, we need to build our business tax basis with quality companies that will generate community interest and make Mequon more of a destination, further supporting the success of existing businesses.

What sort of development would you like to see in Mequon, if any?

Any development in Mequon needs to be of quality construction, add benefit and long-term value to the community while maintaining our rural feel. That being said, the long-term policies of 5-acre densities have created a surplus of expensive lots that remain undeveloped. Entertaining more of the same before building on existing lots devalues existing large parcel homes based on the simple rules of supply and demand. It would wise to establish a suitable plan for 1-2 developments of new homes in the $350,000+/- to balance our growth, targeting new and realistic housing opportunity for young professionals or families with children.