MUSKEGO — Incumbent Muskego Alderman Kevin Kubacki hopes to retain his District 6 seat against challenger Tom Duelge. The Freeman asked both candidates questions ahead of the April election. Here are their responses:
Freeman: Why are you running for this position? If elected, what will be your priorities?
Duelge: My wife and I have lived in Muskego for our entire lives. We have seen every change that has occurred in this city in the last 44 years, good and bad. We raised 5 children in this community. We love it here, but sometimes it seems as if the essential services that we pay taxes for and expect to receive get deprioritized in favor of unnecessary high-dollar projects that lack wide public support. My goals for this community are simple. I want to keep property taxes low, spend taxpayer money responsibly, and invest in community safety.
Kubacki: I am running for re-election to continue my service to Muskego. Over the past years my focus has been and will continue to be: maintaining a safe community by supporting our wonderful police department, keeping real estate taxes as low as possible by strong fiscal management and keeping government small and not an impediment to growth and freedom of our citizens.
The Freeman: What is your approach to handling controversial and complicated issues?
Duelge: I consider myself to be a critical thinker. I listen carefully, research and gather information, ask questions, weigh pros and cons, and then formulate an opinion — and an argument to back it up. On controversial issues, you may not like where I stand, but I will come to that position carefully and will be honest about where I stand and why.
Kubacki: Listen and understand the problem. Develop solutions relying on the expertise of staff members and others knowledgeable of the issue at hand. Negotiating and acceptable result to the satisfaction of all parties.
The Freeman: How would you deal with the need to improve/grow the area (developments, beautification efforts, etc.) with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden?
Duelge: Truthfully, improving/growing the area is not my immediate concern. There has been plenty of that over the last many years. I am much more concerned about why we can’t keep up a decent road repair schedule or afford enough fire/police/EMS workers to keep up with the growth we’ve already experienced. In my opinion, it might be time to slow down on the growth and get our current house in order.
Kubacki: Our Comprehensive Plan provides the framework for growth and development in Muskego. As new developments are introduced, relying on the well thought out plan provides the basis for thoughtful growth. Maintenance and beautification are items budgeted each year as proposed by staff. Budget proposals are critically reviewed annually to assure that needs are met and wants are addressed.
The Freeman: Funding and budgets are ongoing issues. What should this municipality do?
Duelge: Focus on what matters to most people. I’ve been talking to residents and repeatedly hear the same concerns. I have door knocked in areas where the roads are crumbling. I have talked to volunteer firefighters concerned about keeping up with the increased calls. I have talked with police officers about keeping up with the safety needs of this growing community. Generally, with growth, comes greater tax revenue. My concern is we haven’t put that increased tax revenue into public safety. Until we get those important issues solved, high-priced development or growth opportunities at increased burden on taxpayers seems unnecessary to talk about.
Kubacki: Again, budget proposals are staff driven. We spend, literally, months analyzing each and every proposal to make sure our budget is balanced, taxpayer needs are addressed and taxes are maintained at the lowest possible level.
The Freeman: Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that?
Duelge: As I said earlier, I have lived in Muskego a long time. Our main street/downtown has come a long way over the years. For at least the last 10-15 years, I have felt that we have a nice mix of businesses in our downtown area. We are blessed with plenty of restaurant options, grocery stores, banks, dentist/doctor offices, auto repair, pharmacy, boutiques, and small businesses. I feel like the residents of Muskego can find anything they need without leaving town.
Kubacki: Muskego has several development corridors that staff and city officials concentrate on. Our Janesville Road corridor is our main downtown area. Janesville Road stretches from Hales Corners to Big Bend and holds many shopping and service opportunities. Two new adult care facilities grace the area. We are continuing to grow that area to include additional restaurant and higher-end shopping options. The Moorland Road corridor has grown with major businesses, pubs, health care facilities and diverse shopping options. Loomis Road corridor has seen a new high-end condominium development abutting the golf course. The Racine Avenue area now features a new Fleet Farm.
