Letter to the Editor: Thieme Seeks Re-Election in District 1

Editor's Note: The following letter to the editor was submitted by District 1 Alderman Terry Thieme, who faces challengers Mark Myers and John Holst in the Feb. 19 primary election.

Dear Neighbors and Citizens of Waukesha,

It has been my pleasure to serve as District 1's Alderman for the last five years. In that time I have learned a lot from the district's residents and the job.

One thing I know is that letting people speak about me without my responding risks people believing what others say about me. I would rather they hear directly from me and know what I am all about. Therefore

I am writing to the voters of District 1 through this Letter to the Editor.

I strongly believe that an Alderman's responsibility is to represent their district to the best of their ability, know their district's needs and see to it that the city delivers the services needed in the district. I have worked hard to fulfill these responsibilities.

Represent the District: Members of District 1 opposed the moving of Fire Station No. 2 ; I agreed and loudly opposed its movement through my comments and votes. The majority of the council voted otherwise. A new Fire Station No. 2 was built and the old station was vacated.

Some people publicly suggested that the old building could be used as a homeless shelter. After thinking through what this really meant, I concluded that while this may be admirable, it would just serve to add year-round utility costs to the city and add to the taxpayer burden.

Know the district's need and see that the city delivers service: next the land where the old station stood was proposed by our consultants and city staff for a Storm Water Retention Pond use some time in the future. Some opposed this use, obviously not understanding all of the facts. Since the city already "owned" the land I saw this as a very fiscally conservative way of establishing the needed pond.

I investigated further and found that this proposal would be of great benefit to those flooded in both districts 1 and 3. Flooding affects residents on Oscar Street, Highland Avenue and Greenway Terrace. I examined this use and the facts and they proved to me that it is the right use of the land.

I am not a "career politician" as some have suggested. I am a neighbor, a Waukesha citizen who believes in community service. For the past 25 years I have served the communities in which I and my family lived. I've been a police officer, a coach and a volunteer. Now I am an alderman which has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. My family has a history of serving their country/community. My father served in World War II and my son currently is on deployment to Afghanistan.

If you want to know what I think, just call or e-mail me so I can give you the true answer on who Terry Thieme is and what he thinks. I ask for your support.

Please vote in the Primary Feb. 19, 2012 and let your voice be heard.

Thank you,

Terry Thieme
Alderman District 1
Phone: 262-524-1627
tthieme@sbcglobal.net