Monday, February 6, 2012

Debate showed, Witkowiak And Sánchez Most Experience For Milwaukee 12th Aldermanic District

(L-R) Alderman James "Jim" Witkowiak, José G. Pérez and former Alderman Angel Sánchez.

Photo: HNG

Both Alderman Witkowiak and former Alderman Sánchez showed the most experience during Monday night Walker's Point candidate debate in the predominately Hispanic district.

By H. Nelson Goodson
February 6, 2012

Milwaukee - On Monday, a three candidate debate in the 12th Aldermanic District was held at the Next Act Theatre, 255 S. Water St. The two hour debate by Alderman James "Jim" Witkowiak (Incumbent), José G. Pérez and former Alderman Angel Sánchez drew about 100 people to the theatre.
Alderman Witkowiak and former Alderman Sánchez seemed to be the most experienced candidates at the debate, which Pérez was seen as a freshman trying to convince those at the debate that he would be the best choice for alderman. Since, Pérez first registered to campaign for the position, his campaign jumped started to post Pérez campaign signs before the December allowed time to post them. Pérez believes he will get elected as alderman for the south side district.
But first, Pérez needs to survive the February 21st, Primary Election to stay in the race. Most political analysts and voters in the district say that most likely Witkowiak and Sánchez will faceoff in the General election on April 3.
Both Witkowiak and Sánchez have been rigorously knocking on doors since they began their campaigns. Pérez is not far behind at knocking on doors, but which ever candidate gets their supporters to the polls will survive the primary election.
During the debate, Witkowiak said, that the city has adequate services to provide the area, but that residents need to contact the service departments and supervisors to get the needed services out. If people have problems with city services, they need to call him because he considers himself very accessible to the community. He has been instrumental in creating a safer neighborhood by establishing slow traffic lanes on S. Second Street to avoid accidents and has pushed for more police presence in the district.
Has a good working relationship with the Second District Captain Rebecca L. Pixley, who is user friendly to the community and strives to provide a better police service in the area.
Witkowiak supports economic development in the district and assures that every resident rights are protected and are not discriminated.
Witkowiak credits his accomplishments as a solid leader in more than 17 years of service by helping to built a safer community, economic development and working with everyone in solving issues affecting the district. He also voted to increase the Hispanic voting age population in the 12th District.
Sánchez would like to see a 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. speed limit in Walker's Point to help police spot violators after leaving the nightclub scene on the weekends. He also would protect everyone's rights in the district. He believes voters should re-elect him, because he believes in the neighborhood, economic development and a safer community to raise children.
Pérez would like to see more police presence at Walker's Point and believes in preserving historic buildings in the area as do Witkowiak and Sánchez. But, Pérez as a freshman candidate values his education as an asset to getting elected and also supports economic development, case by case. Pérez says, he brings private sector working relationship experience and will push for a positive move forward for the district.
Witkowiak has been in office for 17 years and was first elect in 1992. Sánchez unseated Witkowiak after two terms in office once in 2000 and then in 2004, Witkowiak regained his seat once more. Witkowiak is the current alderman for the district.
In July, the Common Council approved a redistricting map for 2012. The new 12th Aldermanic District was composed with 67.8% of Hispanic voting age population.
There are two other scheduled events remaining before the Primary election for the 12th and 8th Aldermanic candidates. The Southside Organizing Committee (SOC) and seven other groups are organizing several job session interviews for the 12th and 8th Districts Aldermanic candidates, where members of the community can attend and question candidates accomplishments, qualifications, their experience and contributions to the community.
The first SOC event will take place on February 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the Council for the Speaking Murguia Campus, 1645 S. 36th St.
8th District Aldermanic candidates, Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan, Jennifer Morales, Chez Ordoñez and Benjamin Juarez have been invited to participate.
The second SOC event will take place on February 16, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Keyser Hall, 1730 S. 9th St.
12th Aldermanic candidates, Alderman James "Jim" Witkowiak, Angel Sánchez and José G. Pérez have been invited to attend.

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