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Community Corner

Local Resident of District 97: Why she Supports Alderman Perry

This letter is an example of how I currently serve as an Alderman, and how I will serve as an Assemblymen. I will always listen to all sides and always make the time to ensure local voices are heard. Great ideas are almost always collaborative and my commitment to local control sets me apart in this race.

Letter begins below:

Much has been written recently about the great divide between the red and the blue lines.  From a state level to the local level it seems there are no independent voters left in the electoral pool.  I remain an independent voter and since both parties have expressed angst over those of us who “split our ticket” I believe there are quite a few more of us out there than are reported.  We are the voters who in that grey area can represent victory or defeat for a candidate. 

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We all witnessed the recent debacle with our current elected official for the 97th District. With that in mind, as a voter, personal and professional integrity would be a primary consideration in who I would vote for.  Today’s headlines of the unemployment numbers with the somber comment of, “numbers for the city of Waukesha were not as encouraging,” would be the other driver for my choice to represent the 97th District.  

I had the opportunity to meet Alderman Perry at a local event.  We discussed briefly some of the key challenges facing the 97th District and I requested a meeting so as to discuss in depth.  Alderman Perry and I met for 2 hours and discussed at length many issues.  #1 on my list was economic and sustainable growth for the 97th District.  Jobs are turning into part time or being lost all together.  Paychecks are stagnant and declining.  Our future, the Millennials, are leaving the state and the area taking with them their forward thinking, problem solving, educated, techno skill set.  Local manufacturing is desperate for skilled, trained and educated employees.   We all are trying to balance paying the energy bill, the mortgage and feeding our families.  There is much rhetoric on both sides but the bottom line is people need jobs.

What I expected and what transpired during my meeting with Alderman Perry were significantly different.  What really took me aback was the fact that Alderman Perry actually has a well thought out plan to address job and economic growth in the 97th District.  Some of Alderman Perry’s ideas are still in the incubator stage but good solid ideas with a plan of action of how to make them work.  Before I addressed my concerns about the loss of Millennials, Alderman Perry brought the subject up sharing his innovative ideas on what the 97th District can be doing not only to retain them in the area but to attract Millennials to the area. I was not subject to rhetoric during our meeting but logical and constructive solutions to the economic challenges we face.  Alderman Perry has a young family with both parents working.  He is up close and personal with the same challenges we all face on a daily basis.

Alderman Perry and I did not agree on every issue but Alderman Perry made every attempt to find common ground on key social issues.  As an elected official I strongly feel you represent and listen to all your constituents, even those you may not agree with.   I believe that ties into one’s professional and personal integrity. Alderman Perry listened carefully to my thoughts and took notes. 

District 97 needs a representative who is accustomed to working across different teams, bringing together people of all backgrounds and getting the job done. District 97 needs a representative who is committed to good governance, is fiscally conservative but will find a way to do it if it needs to be done. District 97 needs a representative of personal and professional integrity.   

District 97 needs Alderman Aaron Perry to be elected to represent this key electoral area. If you have questions or need clarification on Alderman Perry’s position you may send him an email (aaron@perryforassembly.com) or comment on either of these sites (Twitter / Facebook).  As a voter, do your homework and then be sure to vote.  It is my hope that you will find Alderman Perry worthy of your vote, just as I did.

Lisa Peterson

District 97, Waukesha, WI

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