Wauwatosa alderman says he'll seek full term

John Dubinski, alderman of the 2nd District, said this week he will be a candidate in the April election. Appointed in June to replace Alderman Eric Meaux, who moved out of state, Dubinski is the only alderman whose term ends this election cycle.

Dubinski said he is unaware of a challenger. Candidates have until Jan. 2 to file.

A former Wauwatosa police officer and detective for more than 31 years, Dubinski said he is "new to the position but now new the process."

"I got to see the city through the eyes of the Police Department, but also through the eyes of a resident and citizen, and also as a parent," he said. "I can see the other side of the coin and see how it all ties together."

Dubinski and his wife have four grown children. He is an Army veteran from the post-Vietnam era.

Before being appointed to the council, Dubinski said he and his wife were active in getting the speed limit reduced on their street and were instrumental in the placement of signage marking school zones at Wauwatosa East High School and Whitman Middle School.

Serving on the council has been a learning experience, he said.

"I never realized how much work went on behind the scenes," he said.

Dubinski is enjoying the interaction with the community in the phone calls he fields and in meetings on the street. He said he is proud of the council's work in approving the Meijer project, and in the forthcoming Mayfair Collections development.

"This is just simply huge in making us a destination," he said.

If elected to a full term, Dubinski said he would work to maintain public safety services and quality of life while keeping taxes from going up higher.

"I think that's real important, especially in our current economic situation," he said.