Every year, we have a bunch of people who step forward to give their time to our county, city and school district. These people are not looking for jobs. Most have full-time jobs or are retired. Unless they are delusional, and I know most are not, they are not looking for power, money or fame. These positions give the officeholders none of those things.
Instead, they are offering their time and talent as a public service. Our institutions would not work without them.
Yet, in order to give their time and talent, they spend money and many hours campaigning. They also subject themselves to the electorate, a process that can be humbling and nerve-racking. Moreover, and often worse, they subject themselves to accusation and mud thrown their way (again, all for the opportunity to serve others). Most do it honorably.
Tonight, the following 17 Mequonites (and one Thiensvillian) had their names on a ballot. Win or lose, each made a contribution by running. Please join me in thanking them (names of the people who will take office are italicized):
Ozaukee County Supervisor District 19 Bruce Ross and LeRoy Haeuser
Ozaukee County Supervisor District 20 Patrick Marchese and Noel Williams
Ozaukee County Supervisor District 21 Justin Strom and Bob Walerstein
Ozaukee County Supervisor District 23 David Henrichs
Ozaukee County Supervisor District 24 Janette Braverman
Ozaukee County Supervisor District 26 Jennifer Rothstein
Mequon Alderman District 6 Brian Schneider and Lewis Chamoy
Mequon Alderman District 7 Kathleen Schneider and Chris Schelble
Mequon Alderman District 8 Andrew Nerbun and Kim Steinbrenner
Mequon-Thiensville School Board John Daniels, Paula Taebel and Shelley Burns
I look forward to serving with Brian, Kathleen and Andrew, and hope to have opportunities to build relationships with the other bodies through the other officeholders.
John. We received your letter and I left phone message for you supporting your candidacy for mayor. We cannot think of anyone better suited in our city. Of course we like that you are from west side of Mequon where the growth will be taking place during the years that you are in office. The fact of where you live will be a plus …in case a problem or two arise you will be within walking distance of the situation. I say that with a smile. No problems expected.
Good luck to you. You can count on two votes here. Barb