Muskego 2nd District Aldermanic race

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Robert Hammel

Age: 47

Address: W17003 Casey Drive

Years in community: 14

Employer/occupation: TCF Bank, assistant vice president

Education: Bachelor of business degree, major in finance. University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Political history: none

Community involvement : coached MAA baseball, football and basketball; coached Junior Warrior Select baseball; currently treasurer of the Muskego High School Baseball Booster Club

Family: wife, Jennifer; sons, Nate, 17 and Nick, 15

Contact: (414) 550-9561; or email bjhammel@sbcglobal.net

Why are you running for office?

I am an ordinary citizen outside of the political loop and I look to bring new and fresh ideas. I am focused on ensuring that things work efficiently and expeditiously at the best possible cost, eliminating wasteful spending and finding efficiencies in government. I want to reduce the overall residential tax burden and to make sure we encourage smart economic growth, helping to keep Muskego a great place to live, work and raise a family without destroying the rural charm of Muskego. The second district deserves representation that believes in prudent spending.

What is the number one issue in this race?

The biggest issue from the people I have talked to has been spending and taxes. We need to reduce the overall residential tax burden, eliminate waste and find efficiencies in government. We need to identify and prioritize our needs, then use our resources accordingly. Growth is an important part to expanding the tax base and increasing revenue, which will help reduce the overall tax burden. All over the country people and communities are experiencing tough economic times. Muskego is not immune from this. If the citizens of Muskego can live within their means, so can the city of Muskego.

William "Butch" LeDoux

Age: 59

Address: W14593 Janesville Road

Years in community: 23

Employer/occupation: owner of family business LeDoux Leather, operating since 1929

Education: studied at Waukesha Area Technical College and Milwaukee Area Technical College; graduated from Pulaski High School

Political history: appointed to the Board of Appeals three times; vice president of the Parks and Recreation Board; formerly on the Board of Review; served two terms as alderman from 1999 to 2003 for the 2nd district

Community involvement : honorary retirement last year from the Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department after more than 20 years as an emergency medical technician and firefighter

Family: married to Kathy; two children, Henry, 26 and Katie, 20

Contact: (414) 422-9575

Why are you running for office?

As a local business owner, I have always enjoyed working with the public. Stepping away last year from some of the volunteer organizations I had belonged to has given me the time to become more involved with the issues that face all of us in the city of Muskego. I believe I offer a level, fair-minded, common-sense approach to answering questions and offering creative solutions. My qualifications will help me represent the citizens of the 2nd District and work hard to provide us all with a well-balanced community.

What is the number one issue in this race?

With respect to the 2nd District, there don't appear to be any pressing or main issues at present. This area has had some recent changes on road work and recreation trails that were in the comprehensive plan for Muskego. On a city level, the number-one issue is the Janesville Road construction project. Part of the 2nd District borders that project. We can be creative in providing opportunities for present and future businesses to grow while preserving the privacy and rural flavor of the community. If anyone has questions for me, please feel free to call the number provided.