Mequon District 5 Aldermanic race

John Leszczynski

Age: 49

Employer/occupation: owner and operator of Rustic Retreats Log Homes Incorporated, doing business as Pioneer Log Homes Midwest

Education: University of Wisconsin Stevens Point class of 1986

Contact: (262) 242-2802; John@PioneerloghomesMidwest.com

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

In general, I'd like to help people become engaged and informed about city happenings and policies. Only 14 percent voted in the primary. That's too low for a developing city looking for input. I'd rather put us in an offensive mode offering solutions at the beginning than defensively addressing complaints.

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

Healthy business growth. We need to help, not hinder, small businesses who either want to relocate here or do business in our city. We need to market and brand our city as the best in the area and make it a viable option for qualified industry looking for a place to grow, do business and raise families. We need housing diversity so empty-nesters and new homeowners have options.

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

I would like to see a "Go To" area. Right now, we have no heart to the city for the community and outsiders to gather. I'd like to stay on top of the Town Center's potential. If done right, this would be a healthy development for both the tax base and for the community. My friends and family have enjoyed the new developments in our parks and I continue to support those improvements as I find this to be a healthy use of city resources. I want to explore residential development options to slow the declining enrollment issues.

Jeff Hansher

Age: 49

Employer/occupation: teacher at Jefferson Elementary School in Wauwatosa

Education: master's degree in School of Administration at UW-Milwaukee (1994) and Bachelor of Science in Regular and Special Education at UW-Whitewater

Contact: (262) 242-4463; hansher5@sbcglobal.net

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

In the next three years, I would like to see more business development take place on Cedarburg Road. Having the Town Center as the catalyst, I would like to see more small business growth along Cedarburg and Mequon roads heading west. This will increase our tax base.

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

With responsible land development, the city can increase its tax base to have funds available to provide for city services. In addition, as the local and state economy expands and the state's financial situation improves, I think it is important that city leaders meet with our state representatives to ensure Mequon is getting their fair share of state tax revenue and make it more flexible so that municipalities do not lose vital services.

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

I'd love to see Mequon have a shopping area that not only serves a need for those who live in Mequon, but also provides a draw to others living outside of the area. The Town Center must give the city an identity. The river walk extension in addition to the Town Center combine the best assets this city has to offer. These changes will provide the necessary business growth, while maintaining the desired small-town feel. Mequon needs this type of development to not only increase the tax base but to enhance the city with new places to dine or shop.