Mequon mayoral voter's guide

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

Why are you the right person for the job?

For 27 years, I helped plan and maintain the residents' vision of Mequon, which has created a beautiful, successful community. I have a record of supporting low tax rates and controlled spending. I am committed to representing all residents, and have the time and experience to focus on city issues.

Gov. Walker has proposed a continuation of the tax levy freeze. With that restriction in place, how should the city balance future budgets?

The Common Council has had its own self-imposed levy freeze in place for years, balancing the budget while keeping tax rates low. Going forward, the city should pursue quality development that contributes more than it costs and continue to work to streamline operations and improve efficiencies.

Explain the reasoning behind your stance on development in Mequon.

Mequon's long established development vision is the product of many years of planning and consensus building among residents. It features carefully located low impact development, the protection of open space, and the maintenance of high and consistent standards. This vision has proved successful, producing measurable attributes such as the lowest tax rates, highest property values, best school system, lowest crime rates and a recognized quality of life.

Curt Gielow (i)

Age: 68

Employer/occupation: executive dean and assistant professor of pharmacy administration at the School of Pharmacy at Concordia University Wisconsin

Education: master's in Healthcare Administration from Washington University School of Medicine, B.S. Pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy

Contact: (262) 242-3591, curtis.gielow@cuw.edu

Why are you the right person for the job?

My experience as mayor for the past three years plus my 30 years of senior level management and business development experience, coupled with seasoned people skills, broad vision and strategic planning experiences in both the private and public sector have prepared me for leadership of complex organizations during difficult times.

Gov. Walker has proposed a continuation of the tax levy freeze. With that restriction in place, how should the city balance future budgets?

In my opinion, with ever increasing city operational expenses and a continued state tax levy freeze only prudent management of city expenses and human resources costs, plus a focus on expanding the taxpayer base will suffice.

Explain the reasoning behind your stance on development in Mequon.

The average age of our citizens is rising and growth in the city over the past 10 years has been minimal. During 2003-2008 new construction averaged $100 million/year. When I came to office it had plummeted to $9 million/year. We rebounded to $34 million last year. Our school system has lost 550 children. A community that is aging, not growing and contains a school that is dramatically shrinking is destined to be a declining community. That does not need to happen. Prudent management of resources and a focus on expanding the tax base is required to assure continued city vibrancy.