Meet Richard Hastings: The New District 12 Alderman

Shortly after taking the Oath of Office on Tuesday, incoming Alderman Richard Hastings told the other members of the Common Council he was "honored" they selected him to replace former Alderman Charles Lichtie, who resigned from the three-year term because of health reasons.

Hastings will have to run for election in April 2012 if he wants to remain on the Common Council. The term for the District 12 seat is up in April 2013.

"I was compelled to serve the community," Hastings told Waukesha Patch. "I feel that Waukesha has provided for me so much in the last 14 years and there comes a time in your life when you come to the realization that it is time to give back and that is the way I feel now."

Hastings first moved to Waukesha in 1997 and spent 11 years working as an engineer for Waukesha Engine. Hastings currently works for Harley-Davidson and has three children, according to his cover letter that was submitted to the Common Council.

Hastings currently is seeking a master's degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in addition to being employed as a development engineer for Harley-Davidson. Hastings graduated in 1994 from Mliwaukee School of Engineering.

Hastings said after the meeting he contacted the Common Council members to learn more about what the job would entail.

"Although I have not taken an active role in city politics (until) this point, I have always kept up to date with the issues that affect Waukesha, and I would be honored to represent the people of the 12th district," Hastings said in his cover letter. "I feel it is a critical time for the city as several important issues are upon us that will affect the quality of life of the taxpayer for years to come.

"I believe my experience as an engineer and project manager provide a unique set of skills to make factual-based decisions about the future of Waukesha while managing the many commitments that the position will bring."