District 11 Forum

After attending the forum for the 5 candidates for Alderman in District 11 today I thought I'd post a somewhat less formal blog about the experience.

First, thank you to Sarah Millard of Patch.com for moderating and Victoria Hekkers for organizing the forum. Simply as an observer I found this event to be very interesting and with 5 candidates to pick from, very needed. I of course do not have a vote in this District but as a candidate myself in District 12 one of these gentleman I would work closely with if I am elected. I think it is important to be aware of what is on the minds of residents of any District since decisions I would make and votes I would cast also affect other areas of the city. I found it surprising and disappointing that there were not other candidates there. I will also be attending the forum tomorrow night and hope I am not the only one there again.

Lots of questions were asked and issues discussed. Here were just a few...

Grocery store for down town
Crime & safety
Clarke hotel
Crimes related to drugs
Code enforcement
BID committee
Water issue
Re branding the city as "Guitar Town"
City taxes vs. BID taxes
Shared dispatch services with Waukesha County

The candidates shared some good ideas and I'm sure we'll hear more tomorrow night. I hope to see each person given the opportunity to explain what sets them apart from the other 4 candidates. There are differences between them and I believe it serves the people well when those are pointed out and discussed.

For those on Twitter feel free to follow the campaign at @perry4alderman. Like I did today I will live tweet from the forum tomorrow evening. The forum is at Avalon Square 222 Park Place in Waukesha. This forum to be moderated by Sarah Pryor.

Enjoy the week!