Waukesha aldermanic candidates discuss the parade tragedy, their agendas and issues facing the city
WAUKESHA - It's an uncommon scenario, with Waukesha city voters going to to the polls in February for a primary election, despite an incumbent alderman still in the mix.
Waukesha's 11th aldermanic district has three candidates: incumbent Leonard Miller and challengers Alicia Halvensleben and Aaron Spencer. The Feb. 15 primary will determine which two advance to the spring election on April 5.
Both challengers say they are motivated by what they feel the Waukesha Common Council is not doing well, particularly when it comes to communicating issues of public importance. Miller said his focus remains on responsible spending in the face of limited growth for the city.
This election is the first since the Waukesha Christmas Parade tragedy on Nov. 21, and the candidates took the time to reflect on that incident and the city's role. And despite their decision to seek Miller's seat, both challengers say that are not bringing partisan politics into the mix.
Here are candidate responses three questions focusing on those issues. Candidates were limited to 100-word responses per question. The answers were subject to editing for length and clarity.
The parade tragedy shocked everyone. What's your takeaway from the incident and the city's role?
Alicia Halvensleben: My takeaway from the parade tragedy is how quickly our community came together to support each other. In the wake of this horrific event, we have become an even stronger community. I would like to see the city continue as a resource for healing and growth. I hope that the support that has come from this tragedy is not quickly abandoned. I am seeing such a strong community in the wake of this tragedy, and I want to see that community well-represented and voices heard on the Common Council.
Leonard Miller: This was indeed a tragedy. The morning after, my family and I visited with downtown businesses to give out hugs, shed tears and hand out flyers and Waukesha Strong posters. We gave out blue light bulbs. Seeing the preparedness of the administration, police and fire department and how they immediately responded to this crisis was remarkable. The role of the city is to provide a safe and secure environment for events like this. While this tragedy did happen, we will learn from it and look for ways to increase safety and security at events so it cannot happen again.
Aaron Spencer: That was an awful day for our community. Many friends and family were there with me that day, and our community has been deeply affected. The first thought that comes to mind, as a parent and a resident of this community, is that I will do everything to ensure this does not happen again and will continue to assist those affected in our community in any way I can.
Local races have become increasingly politicized. How much is that a concern for you?
Halvensleben: I think it’s unfortunate that local races have become so politicized. Local races are non-partisan because the issues that face the city are not partisan. Wanting to live in a vibrant and safe community is not partisan and should not become partisan. The best person to serve on the Common Council is not a political party, but a person who is truly passionate about their community. I know that my passion and love for the City of Waukesha is what is truly important, and that is what I am talking to voters about.
Miller: This is a non-partisan position; our neighbors expect it that way and I intend to keep it that way.
Spencer: We are all neighbors first and foremost and the increasing politicizing concerns me. My campaign is non-partisan. Each polarized side has an opinion, for which I keep an open mind and will keep open lines of communication. We are Waukesha. All in this together. I will lead to set an example that no matter the party, decisions will be made with the best interests of our community in mind, after listening to all our residents, instead of being led by a partisan political agenda.
What's the single biggest issue for you that you would prioritize as an alderman?
Halvensleben: My biggest priority as alderman will be transparency and accessibility. I would like to see our community members more engaged with their local government. I want to hear input from constituents before decisions are made at council meetings. I also want to make sure that as items pass through the council, that residents truly feel their voices were heard. As a public official, I want to be a resource of information and help within the community.
Miller: Managing your tax dollars efficiently. Everything is getting more expensive these days. From the cost of maintaining streets and sidewalks to updating or expanding buildings, it is just more expensive. Since the Town of Waukesha is now the Village of Waukesha, the city cannot expand its borders. The only way for the city to grow its tax base is redevelop spaces we have within our borders. I will continue to support upscale developments as well as other affordable developments that will see in increase in tax revenues. This, I believe, will help keep property tax increases to a minimum.
Spencer: As my experiences are growing, I’ve noticed a lot of rubber stamping on the council's agendas to pass motions through. I believe more transparency and options to the public is in order. As a single alderman, amongst a larger group, I would like to question and discuss motions in depth a little more before voting. To ensure the best options for the people of the community are considered.
Candidate profiles
Alicia Halvensleben
ADDRESS: 315 N. West Ave., Unit 201, Waukesha
AGE: 32
PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Some past volunteer experience with campaigns, first time running for office
OCCUPATION: Sales team lead
CONTACT INFO: ahalvensleben@gmail.com
Leonard Miller
ADDRESS: 126 Central Ave., Waukesha
AGE: 64
PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: District 11 alderman since 2019
OCCUPATION: Sales
CONTACT INFO: lenny4alderman@gmail.com
Aaron Spencer
ADDRESS: 630 W College Ave., Waukesha
AGE: 37
PAST POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None, with no political agenda
OCCUPATION: Carpenter
CONTACT INFO: aaronforwaukesha@yahoo.com
Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 or james.riccioli@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jariccioli.
Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Waukesha alderman seat features 3 candidates, including incumbent
