Winners of two seats will oversee incorporation effort, relations with village
Four candidates are seeking two seats on the Town of Waterford Board of Supervisors – a panel that is in the midst of seeking incorporation for the township while remaining embroiled in lingering disputes with the Village of Waterford over sharing of services.
Given these contentious issues, the seats, which appear on the ballot for the Tuesday, April 7, election, are not suited for the faint of heart. But all four candidates – incumbents Teri Jendusa Nicolai and Tim Szeklinski, and challengers Scott Burns and David Kwasinski – say they have ideas and are up to addressing the difficult challenges for the benefit of town residents.
As of Friday morning, the April 7 election was still scheduled to proceed despite challenges posed by the spread of coronavirus. For the past three weeks election officials have been urging residents to vote by absentee ballot. The deadline to turn in absentee ballots was extended Thursday by a federal judge until April 13. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Friday, April 3.
Voters may cast in-person absentee ballots at Waterford Town Hall, 415 N. Milwaukee Street, Waterford, until 4 p.m. Friday, April 3. Residents are advised to check with the clerk’s office at 262-534-2350 regarding any potential changes to plans regarding Election Day.
Baring any last-minute changes or postponements, polls for Tuesday’s election will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The candidates were asked the to provide biographical information and answer the same set of questions. The responses of the candidates listed in alphabetical order follow:
Scott C. Burns
Age: 63
Address: Withheld at candidate’s request.
Education: Associate of Business Management degree
Office Sought: Town Board Supervisor
Occupation: Account Executive
Resided in township: 5 years
Family Info: Married to Julie Ann, for 15 years; son Cole
Past political experience: unsuccessfully ran for Town Board in 2018.
Organizations: none listed
Reasons for seeking position?
I have been interested in local politics for a long time, With some of the issues that the town as faced in 2019, I believe could have been better communicated to residents. I believe that better communications between the citizens and town government would really help keep people engaged and encourage valuable feed back for the direction of the town.
What do you believe you bring to the position that sets you apart from the other candidates?
In my job for the last 28 years I have learned to deal all personality types and what I have learned from in that time is, if you listen carefully people will always tell you what they want. Too many folks in my line of work get so wrapped up telling you about themselves and what they can offer that they miss what the other person really needs or wants to talk about. Listening really is the key to understanding those around you.
How do you view the town’s current relationship with the Village of Waterford and in what direction would you take this relationship in the future?
The relationship with the village is strained for the most part. From my chair it’s all about communications or the lack thereof. Even though we have two different communities woven together – and they are very different – there is a lot of misinformation swirling in the air that has divided the communities and created a lot of mistrust. I think if there was a commitment from the two entities to meet openly together, in front of, or with, the public we could clear the air and get back to a productive relationship between the town and village.
What do you see as the major issues facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
To start with, two words – border agreement. If the two parties could sit down at a table, in public, and have open and honest communication on this looming issue I think a border agreement could be worked out that would benefit both parties. The town is currently reviewing Incorporation as a solution. I am concerned about the unintended consciences that course of action might bring over time.
With an aging population things can and will change over time. Careful planning and review are paramount to keep the tax base consistent and Town Board has done a good job in that respect. I’m just of the opinion that it maybe best to keep all options open. Work out a border agreement for five or 10 years and see what the future holds without incorporating.
The next issue is growth in the town. Through this election cycle I have heard residence say loud and clear, “I don’t want change.” Here is what my life’s experience has taught me, you can’t stop change. You either plan for it or you take what you get. None of us knows what change is in our future. Just look at the news about the health crisis we face right now, who could have imagined or planned for this?
Planning for change is a solution to manage and control some of what the future can present. I am not talking about adding hundreds of homes to the town but I think business opportunities might be a great way to keep that tax base secure and provide jobs to local residents. The town has such a small business footprint that I think it’s worth a really good review to see what the pros and cons are and how that fits into the town’s long-range plans.
Teri Jendusa Nicolai, inc.
Age: 54
Address: not listed
Education: three years at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Office sought: Town of Waterford Supervisor
Occupation: Special Education aide, who also serves as an advocate and speaker
Resided in township: 14 years
Family info: Married with 3 children
Previous political experience: Current Town Board Supervisor (2016-present)
Organizations: Racine Civil Service (police commission); previous board member Women’s Resource Center, GAB (Generations Against Bullying) Compassion International, Marsy’s Law for Wisconsin
Reasons for seeking position?
There is a lot of important work to do that we are in the midst of. During my tenure on Town Board, we became debt free and property taxes were lowered three years in a row! We want to keep a conservative approach on the board so our residents can continue to enjoy these accomplishments. I continue to work to maintain low taxes by conservative spending and protecting our borders while planning for future steady, controlled growth to preserve the beauty and uniqueness of our town. I also want to continue work to maintain and improve our public safety responses.
What do you believe you bring to the position that sets you apart from the other candidates?
I bring a unique passion for my town and the residents I serve. I believe in always doing the right thing. I bring honesty and integrity to my position and I take the responsibility of Board Supervisor very seriously. I am very approachable and available.
How do you view the town’s current relationship with the Village of Waterford and in what direction would you take this relationship in the future?
The town’s current relationship with the village is strained. I believe in working with neighboring municipalities when it is in the best interests of town residents. I would like to see trust and integrity restored so we can move in a positive direction. I have reached out to the village on numerous occasions and continue to be available I will always put town residents first.
What do you see as the major issues facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
Major issues facing the town are, protecting our borders to start. We need an acceptable border agreement from the village. Until that is accomplished, we will continue our quest for incorporation.
Public safety is top priority. We are being served by an exceptional fire department. I would like to see, and have been tirelessly working for closest unit dispatch to ensure all town residents receive the best care and the quickest response.
Our schools need to be secure and our children kept safe. I initiated talks regarding a resource officer for WUHS with the school administration. The town had an agreement with the School Board and the village to fund an officer but the village reneged. Later, the village did place an officer in the high school for the remainder of the year as a temporary solution. I pushed for, and we will all vote on, a school referendum to place a Resource Officer in the school as a more sustainable solution. This would also distribute the cost more equally among taxpayers.
David Kwasinski
Age: 31
Address: 30719 Chapman La., Waterford
Education: Associate degree, business-to-business marketing and sales
Occupation: Outside sales representative for electronic security industry
Office sought: Town of Waterford supervisor
Resided in township: since July 2016
Family info: Wife and six-month old daughter
Previous political experience: none
Organizations: none listed
Reason for seeking position?
There have been some major town changes that have taken place and (the town is) currently in process of a major one. I feel that our current board members have not done a proper job of notifying its residents of what has changed and what they are trying to accomplish. Example: Fire/EMS changed Jan. 1 and they never formally notified residents. It went from full-time staffed department 24/7/365 to a volunteer fire company.
I believe the fire/EMS service provider change was done solely because the board was looking to incorporate the Town of Waterford into the Village of Tichigan, which they have already filed for. I believe one of the requirements for a town to file for incorporation is that it must be able to provide its residents with fire and police services well. The Town Board never told us from the beginning that this is why the service provider for fire/EMS was changing – lack of communication to its citizens.
In my opinion, our Town Board failed on open communication to its taxpayers. I am running my campaign on open communication.
What do you believe you bring to the position that sets you apart from the other candidates?
Living in the community for less that five years brings a fresh set of unbiased eyes. I do not know the full history of operations, feelings and tension. I can provide the “outsider” input without bias.
I am very vocal and I stand up for what I believe in. I am a strong leader and can oppose or challenge people from the top down. I will fight to deliver information to our residents to help improve involvement. I am in a younger age group with experience in technology, social media and I can help get town operations up to date. I bring energy and excitement.
How do you view the town’s current relationship with the Village of Waterford and in what direction would you take this relationship in the future?
I feel the relationship is most likely non-existent and right now it’s about to get worse. If elected I will work to get both municipalities together and come up with a fair border agreement. At the end of the day, Town of Waterford is my best interest. So if it doesn’t make sense for the town, we come up with a different strategy. As I see it right now with the town filing for incorporation, we are putting up a serious wall and I believe if this comes to fruition, we won’t have a choice to work with our neighbors, the village. Let’s keep Waterford what it is today – one community. Let’s work together, build bridges (not walls), continue as one community and grow stronger as one community.
What do you see as the major issues facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
I see right now that the town is in great shape. Let’s continue to keep it this way and only work to plan for the future to continue to keep the taxes low. Let’s come up with our own plans for development – whether it be residential or light commercial for long-term growth. Let’s see if we can come up with a plan to fix our roads without raising taxes. If a farmer wants to sell their land let’s offer them a reason to want to keep the land in the town.
Timothy T. Szeklinski, inc.
Age: 49
Address: 29200 N. Lake Dr., Waterford
Office sought: Town of Waterford Supervisor
Education: Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School – electronics; MATC – business; Milwaukee School of Engineering – business and computer systems; Institute of Real Estate Management – accredited residential manager
Occupation: Regional Manager for Wisconsin Management; Licensed real estate broker specializing in multifamily and commercial real estate
Resided in township: 19 years
Family info: Married (Nancy), three children (Nick, Rachel & Josh)
Previous political experience: Member of Town Planning Commission from May 2005 until May 2010; Elected as Waterford Town Supervisor in April 2010 (re-elected in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018); Washington-Caldwell School Board Treasurer, write in candidate, elected in 2012; Washington-Caldwell School Board President (re-elected in 2015, 2018)
Organizations: Member of Tichigan Lake Lions – past president, various board positions and current corporate treasurer; Current Member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and former member of St. Peter’s Memorial and Bequest Fund Committee; Past President Apartment Owners and Managers Association; Member of Institute of Real Estate Management
Reason for seeking position?
I wish to continue to serve the people in the Waterford area. My spouse grew up in Waterford and we decided to establish our family here in the Town of Waterford. The Waterford area has great people in both the town and village, great schools, great waterways and parks and provides great services to its residents. What better way to continue to serve as Town Supervisor of Waterford.
What do you believe you bring to the position that set you apart from the other candidates?
I believe my experience outshines any of the other candidates. I’ve been on the board and know the ins/outs of government. My career in real estate requires me to work with multiple communities throughout the state on all types of issues.
I’m extremely active in the community through Lions, chairing multiple events including bingo and Lions Picnic in the Park. I’ve ran the past Easter Egg Hunts, parades, co-chaired many dances, rummage sales, etc. I enjoy being out in the community with neighbors, friends and family.
My experiences will benefit the board and the citizens of the Town of Waterford by continuing a “common sense” approach. I believe you should always do what is right and treat everyone fairly. My work entitles and requires me to handle major finances (millions), new and existing construction issues, along with resident relations and service. Over the years in Waterford, I’ve met many good people through my church, children’s school and sporting events, and fellow Lions who have voiced their concerns about our community. I enjoy being active in our community and wish to continue to do so as Town of Waterford Supervisor.
How do you view the town’s current relationship with the Village of Waterford and in what direction would you take this relationship in the future?
The current relationship is strained between the town and village due to the insensitive Facebook posts. Everyone knows the strain started with the fire companies and the difference of views. The town and village got along very well until recently.
The town took over policing services several years ago to start building the “One Waterford.” It made perfect sense since the police department is in the village and there are only two ways to get around the river and lakes. The village leadership changed and decided to go with a major reconstruction of Main Street for future modern development removing the old-time village charm. Now we see mostly vacant areas.
The future direction of both the town and the village should be to work together and properly communicate. Stop the insensitive comments. The village has more governmental rights/powers than a township but the town has more land areas, more parks, more population, supplies all the basic services, and is fiscally responsible with no current debt. Being re-elected, I will strive to find common goals with the village and build off of (those). There are great people in both communities. Everyone sees both communities as “One Waterford” but I’m not going to let our town residents get caught up with any expenses or problems the village may have or occur in the future. The common goal should be a benefit to both communities.
What would do you see as the major issues facing the township and how would you go about addressing them?
The focus of today is the current situation (COVID- 19) for the betterment of health for our residents and neighbors in the area by working together. The Town of Waterford is in great shape financially because it has been run efficiently and effectively. The current Town Board has done an exceptional job of maintaining services by balancing the budget.
The town has filed for incorporation to slow the pace of the village and create an attempt to work together for common goals. Whether the town becomes a village will be up to the courts, state and eventually the town residents to decide. The village seems to have a set direction they wish to pursue but circumstance may and can change.
Public Safety has been a forefront issue for both communities. The police contract is set to expire in 2020 for the village but it is currently at a standstill. This needs to be addressed. When the town first started, we covered the village 24/7 for policing but that has not been the case for sometime. In 2018, the Village Board decided to suspend third-shift police services to save costs. Recently the village has allocated some funds for the Sheriffs Office to cover third shift part-time. There are times the village does not have dedicated police coverage. While the Sheriff’s Office does a fine job, they are covering the entire county. The town has always had 24/7 police coverage for its residents and will continue to have it.
I hope the village comes to the table and works with the town. The fire department controversy is in the past and The Tichigan Fire Company has stepped up to the plate and is doing a fine job covering the expanded areas and I will continue to support them. Working together will help all in or community and maybe some day there will be a “One Waterford.”
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