Politics & Government
Election Preview: Waukesha Common Council (15th District)
Cory Payne and Russel Stewart are running in the April 2 election to represent the 15th District on the Waukesha Common Council.
Newcomers Cory Payne and Russel Stewart are running for the 15th District seat on the Waukesha Common Council. (Click on link for biographical information on each candidate).
See map of 15th Aldermanic District
To provide residents with the most information about the election, Patch asked candidates for their positions on key issues facing the city. Here, in their own words, are the candidates' answers to those questions.
Find out what's happening in Waukeshawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Stewart
To offer my experience and leadership to the Common Council, and particularly to the 15th Aldermanic District. I have been a leader in the 15th Aldermanic District, even having given names to many of the streets in the district, such as Jay's Lane, Mabel Court, Yvonne St., JoEllen St., Erin Lane, and Stewart Hill.
What is the biggest issue facing Waukesha, and how would you address it, if elected? PayneI believe we face many big issues as a city, not one is larger than the other by working together and advancing these issues we can move the city forward.
Find out what's happening in Waukeshawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The biggest issue right now is the need to continue to develop our downtown by supporting Freeman Friday Night Live, the Farmer's Market, and other activities which bring people downtown. I would both vote for these programs and volunteer to help.
Do you support the Waukesha West bypass route moving forward and why?Payne I love nature and the expansion of the city reduces it more and more everyday. If we can find a way to minimized and maintain the rural atmosphere of this portion of the city and all citizens can agree to such plans we should consider it. Stewart
Yes, because it is 30 years overdue.
Payne
I believe that government is not always the answer. We have many other issues that are in our direct control as an elected body.Free market and capitalism need to be promoted and supported through great ideas and understanding. An unelected board should not be able to have a self-progressing voice over a designated business zone, which the members have no choice to be in or out of such zone! I am sure that we as professional people can come to a common understanding that best progresses the interests of the city as a whole.
StewartThe Common Council must approve only those appointments to the BID Board who represent the property owners who pay the BID tax assessment.
Payne While Great Lakes water would not be my first choice, We need to consider the best long-term solution for Waukesha.
Stewart
I attended a (Waukesha Water Utility General Manager) Dan Duchniak-led seminar on the water issue and learned a great deal. Water from Lake Michigan will prepare Waukesha for economic growth.
With city budgets being extremely tight each year, what are your top budget priorities? Payne Fiscal responsibility and accountability is the responsibility of all elected officials entrusted by the people of the city!Stewart
Our police department, street maintenance, and park maintenance, particularly Woodfield Park on Dopp St., which I dedicated to the city when I created the 300 homesites on the 140 acres of Woodfield Subdivision.
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