Voters say Tosa should have fewer aldermen referendum

More than 72 percent of Wauwatosa voters want to see a smaller Common Council.

Residents were questioned Tuesday in the form of an advisory referendum if they would be in favor of reducing the size of the council.

No specific alternative numbers of representatives or aldermanic districts were mentioned in the referendum. Rather a "yes" vote simply indicated the size should be smaller, while a "no" meant the council should continue to operate at its existing size.

The vote total, according to unofficial results Tuesday:

Yes 8,145

No 3,127

Election results remain unofficial until they are certified by the board of canvassers, which Wednesday, after press deadline.

The council - which now has two aldermen for each of eight districts - will begin discussions on how to reduce its size in coming weeks. Any changes wouldn't take effect until 2016 allowing all the newly elected aldermen to serve their full four-year terms.

The Common Council has also determined that any reductions - even if it means a larger constituency and more work for remaining aldermen - would not result in raises. Aldermanic pay would remain at $4,200 per year.