Politics & Government
Aldermanic Election: Wolfla Promises Greater Input; Jurken Touts Record
Before Tuesday's election for the 4th aldermanic district, incumbent Ald. Buck Jurken and challenger Cathy Wolfla discuss their views on development, communication and a proposed mosque.
Challenging incumbent Ald. to represent the city's 4th district, said she wants to facilitate more communication with residents, while Jurken said he's already effectively representing his constituents with his 1 1/2 years on the Common Council.
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"I just want to do a good job for my constituents; I’m very in touch with them and I listen to them," Jurken said. "I tell them what’s going on and get their input."
Wolfla said she would use more social media options to facilitate communication, possibly including a blog about issues concerning the 4th district, or expanding an email list she's already begun for her campaign. She said she's heard complaints that the information available on the city website is hard to access and incomplete.
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"We need something more proactive," she said. "With better communication we can bring the public into decision making processes better. I think our city has great people and great ideas; unfortunately, we haven’t had the ability to hear those thoughts."
Wofla, a comumunity volunteer and mother of two, said she thinks she could bring a "fresh perspective" to the council and support thoughtful development.
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"I'm a conservative person," she said. "I think we need safe, community-friendly development."
Develop western gateway
Jurken also stressed the importance of development. He said he thinks the city should stick to its 2035 comprehensive plan, promote Brookfield's place as a retail center, and more fully develop the west gateway to the city and empty storefronts on Bluemound Road.
"Retail brings people to Brookfield," Jurken said. "We’ve been known as a retail center so something in that same vein that keeps that feel of Brookfield is good. It takes a vigilant council and the city staff has to stay on their toes."
Jurken said his experience as senior vice president of PSA North America with 35 years of doing international business, as well as eight years on the Police and Fire Commission and 1 1/2 years on the council help him make smart decisions as an alderman.
"I’ve been a businessman my whole life, and I talk to the members on the Plan Commission and if I think a development or business is right for the city, I’ll tell them and I’ll tell them why," Jurken said.
Views on mosque
One development issue the board will likely face soon is whether to allow the Islamic Society of Milwaukee to at 16650 and 16730 W. Pheasant Dr., northeast of the Calhoun Road-North Avenue intersection.
Wolfla said she hasn't seen enough information, such as traffic studies, to determine whether she supports the development.
"I think it's a very emotional issue and we need to look at the facts," Wolfla said. "This is an issue where I would vote what my constituents want."
Jurken also said he needed more information.
"There’s a lot to be learned about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it," Jurken said. "But my feeling is I’m a strong believer of freedom of all religion and once all the information has been presented we’ll have to make a wise decision."
Jurka and Wolfla and will be on the ballot Tuesday. The top vote-getters serve four-year terms with annual salaries of about $10,000.