Voter's have rare chance to consider council size

How would you like to be represented in your local government? Most of you likely have given little thought to this question, unless you have a complaint or need some assistance.

How are you represented today in your local Wauwatosa government? Many of you may not be aware that Wauwatosa is divided into eight districts, each district consisting of three voting wards and slightly fewer than 6,000 people. Each district is represented by two aldermen, who are elected to terms of four years, creating a Common Council with 16 members. The Common Council elects one of its members as president. The city administrator reports to the Common Council.

This quick civics lesson is important because you will be asked in an advisory (non-binding) referendum April 3 whether you think your representation should be 16 aldermen or if that number should be reduced. It is a question introduced by Alderman Dennis McBride, and it has been debated by the Common Council this month and several other times over the past 20 years. It is also a question that should not be taken lightly because it is actually asking how you want to be represented.

How efficient is a level of representation of 16? To the city administrator, it means he has 16 bosses who may call him on a weekly basis. At a Common Council meeting, 16 people may feel compelled to speak on an issue, often redundantly. Developers may field questions from 16 people. If you know who your two aldermen are, which one do you call - or do you call both and do they coordinate responses?

Let's look at the level of representation in suburban Milwaukee. In reviewing the 23 communities that surround Milwaukee, I learned that Wauwatosa, with 16, has the highest number of elected aldermen or trustees. The average is eight. Only four other municipalities have two representatives per district.

But let's also consider the legislative work required by the members of the Wauwatosa Common Council. Each member sits on two standing committees, such as Budget and Finance and Employee Relations, along with being a liaison to a city board or commission. What is the appropriate number of aldermen to review the city budget or perform diligence on alternatives for the Burleigh Triangle or maintain our AAA bond rating? Suburban Milwaukee tackles these same issues with an average of eight representatives. Can we learn a more efficient, yet equally effective process from them? Will a smaller number create undesired concentrations of power?

Your voice will help us answer these questions, because everything we do is as a representative of you. It is, however, one variable in the equation. Using your answer to the referendum question, we must then take the proper time to debate, redefine and transition our electoral process and our committee structure, all the while providing a level of service you expect and pay for. I believe as a community and as a council, we are up to that challenge.

On April 3, you will be allowed a rare opportunity to weigh in on the size of your government. Take advantage of it and take it seriously by telling us how us you want to be represented.

Alderman Jeff Roznowski represents Wauwatosa's 6th District.