Increase 8th District's desirability, candidates say

With incumbent Robert Dennik stepping down, two new candidates are competing for a four-year term representing the 8th District on the Wauwatosa Common Council.

Robert Brunow and Craig Wilson were the top vote-getters in February's primary, and now they are campaigning to be elected alderman April 6.

Wilson wants to be a part of planning and decisions made that have an eye to the city's success in the long term, especially when it comes to the development.

"The economy is an area that we do not have direct control over, but we can work now to position ourselves for when things do get better," he said, adding Wauwatosa should be a first choice for businesses considering moving to or within the Milwaukee area.

Brunow, too, is worried about the local economy, specifically the blighted and vacant Burleigh Triangle and former car dealership along Mayfair Road.

"It doesn't give a good, professional look for Wauwatosa," he said.

Along the lines of appearances, Brunow said, there is a problem with pot holes now that the snow and ice have disappeared and a lack of tree-trimming throughout his district. Those issues must be addressed, he said.

Wilson wants to see residential property owners - including the companies handling foreclosed properties - maintain their yards and home exteriors so appearance doesn't negatively impact their neighborhoods.

"We need to keep it a place that people want to raise their families," Wilson said.

Brunow sees changes to employee benefits as a priority.

"(City) employees need to pay more for health insurance," he said, comparing Wauwatosa's staff to private sector workers. "It's not unfair and not uncommon."

Brunow has run for a seat on the council in prior elections, and said his passion for Wauwatosa motivates him to continue.

"My theme is 'For the love of Tosa,' " he said. "I (have) lived here all my life, and I want to do more."

Wilson said he believes his job as an attorney has prepared him to scrutinize issues and come up with solutions.

"I'm very much prepared to take time to look at issues and learn," he said. "I'll put in the legwork and not just be a Tuesday night alderman."

ROBERT BRUNOW

AGE: 61

ADDRESS: 10401 W. Vienna Ave.

JOB: owner of mketours.com

EDUCATION: bachelor's in business management, Spencerian College

CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Civic Celebration Commission, Wauwatosa Crimestoppers, Wauwatosa's building Design Review Board, Wauwatosa Police Reserves

CONTACT: (414) 462-6663

CRAIG WILSON

AGE: 34

ADDRESS: 4172 Menomonee River Parkway

JOB: attorney, GE Healthcare

EDUCATION: juris doctorate, Marquette University

CIVIC EXPERIENCE: Wauwatosa Citizens Advisory Capital Improvements Committee, volunteer poll worker

CONTACT: (414) 745-5188, craig@electwilson.com; ElectWilson.com