Thiensville Village Trustee voters guide

Kim C. Beck

Age : 56

Employer/occupation: director, Arts, Humanities and Science at the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education

Education: B.A. philosophy, St. John's University, Minn.; M.A. humanities, UW-Oshkosh

M.A. theater and drama, UW-Madison

Contact: (262) 573-4449; kimcbeck@gmail.com

Why are you running for office?

My family enjoys living in Thiensville. It is a very nice community to raise a family. I am running because I want to help preserve Thiensville's rich history while helping create a vision for the village's future. Specifically, it would be my top priority to reinvigorate our town center.

What skills can you offer to the Village Board if elected?

I believe I am able to put the priorities of the village above my own personal ambitions. I am committed to building consensus and will make decisions that are in the village's best interests. I am organized, passionate about making a difference and able to see the "big picture."

Tell us what vacant area in the village should be redeveloped first and why.

I would like to see the former M&I Bank on Green Bay Road redeveloped first. It has a nice location, ample parking and pleasant surroundings. Having a new occupant in that location would have an immediate positive impact on the village both financially and aesthetically.

Toni L. Ihler

Age : 52

Employer/occupation: program educator, Columbia-St. Mary's

Education: BA Political Science/ Psychology, Marquette University; MPA Public Administration/Marketing, Texas A & M University

Contact: ihlertoni@yahoo.com

Why are you running for office?

To continue to apply my political acumen, experience and common sense to maintain Thiensville's quality of life. Ensure independent fire and police services, increasing the tax base while keeping levies low, stimulating economic development, meeting post-TID challenges, improving communication and transparency, and meeting resident needs by being their voice.

What skills can you offer to the Village Board if elected?

Over 25 years of public service experience and volunteerism. Established effective relationships with residents, business leaders and government officials in the delivery of services and sustainability of the community. A proven ability to meet the short- and long-term needs of the residents with cost-effectiveness.

Tell us what vacant area in the village should be redeveloped first and why.

Main Street north of Buntrock - a road that provides visibility and opportunity to improve our identity and value. Development will improve our tax base and business sustainability by strengthening civic pride and support of the community we love that provides small-town values and big-city amenities.

Kenneth Kucharski

Age : 55

Employer/occupation: owner, Skippy's Sport Pub

Education: associate degree in management/ marketing from Milwaukee Area Technical College

Contact: (262) 242-9022 or sportsgosu@wi.rr.com

Why are you running for office?

I am running for village trustee because I love Thiensville. My parents taught me to always give back to the community. While being respectful of the past, I will be progressive about our future. I'll be open minded and also introduce fresh ideas. I am dedicated to Thiensville.

What skills can you offer to the Village Board if elected?

The viewpoint of a local business owner is valuable and needed on the Village Board. My experience with budgets and payroll along with management skills will be a plus. My promise is to be sincere, loyal and honest. I will work very hard for our community.

Tell us what vacant area in the village should be redeveloped first and why.

The Bonniwell property by Walgreens needs first attention. The site is in the middle of our Main Street business district and has been vacant for more than 12 years. It needs to become an eye-catching development, such as an indoor public farmers market. Attracting new business is needed.

Donald A. Molyneux

Age : 92

Employer/occupation: retired from NCR Corp. Zone Manager

Education: attended Capital City Commercial College, Des Moines, Iowa

Contact: (262) 242-1548; dmolyneux@wi.rr.com

Why are you running for office?

I continue to run for office as I have some control of finalizing the budget and control of expenses. I desire to maintain the current level of our fine services.

What skills can you offer to the Village Board if elected?

My basic skill is finance. I continue to run for office as I have some control of finalizing the budget and control of expenses. I desire to maintain the current level of our fine services.

Tell us what vacant area in the village should be redeveloped first and why.

We have two areas that have space for some type of redevelopment. The area around the Walgreens store and the former bowling alley lot on North Main Street.

William R. Read

Age : 60

Employer/occupation: retired/property management executive

Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lakeland College in Sheboygan

Contact: wread@wi.rr.com or (262) 242-5852

Why are you running for office?

I would bring a fresh set of eyes and background in commercial property management, retail, office, industrial and residential experience, and running a part of a company business would be a great asset for the village. Also, I have no special interest group and I have never been in politics.

What skills can you offer to the Village Board if elected?

Because I am great listener and would communicate to constituents to let them know what's going on in the village. I have over 28 years in executive level of property management dealing with development, construction, maintenance and leasing. Also, I have a great financial background developing budgets and negotiating contracts.

Tell us what vacant area in the village should be redeveloped first and why.

There are four vacant areas but the first one redeveloped should be the Bonniewell Village where the old Kohl's food site and behind Walgreens, because it is located in the downtown area. This would be a great location for condos, apartments or senior living.