Two trustees face challenge in April election

Two incumbents and one challenger will compete for two seats on the Greendale Village Board in the general election Tuesday, April 7.

The candidates differ in some respects, but all agree that keeping taxes in check without sacrificing village services should remain a top priority for the board.

Trustees serve three-year terms and earn an annual salary of $5,240.

Chadwick

For the past several years, tax increases in the village have been small and manageable, Chadwick said, and she hopes to further that trend.

In order to prevent increases, she suggests the village possibly consider sharing more services with the Greendale School District.

Chadwick also would like to maintain a focus on redeveloping vacant areas, such as the former U.S. Bowling Congress and Leath Furniture buildings on 76th Street, but added that it will be difficult to do much until the economy improves.

Roads are also important, she said. As Grange Avenue is reconstructed this spring and summer, the board must ensure the project stays on schedule and budget. The board also is keeping an eye on other road reconstruction projects that could be eligible for federal stimulus funding, she said.

She lists her experience on the board and involvement in the community as assets.

Sikorski

Weighing necessary services and their expenses with the village's shrinking revenue is a constant balancing act, Sikorski said, and the village must take precautions to keep a steady footing.

Ensuring that departments are working as effectively and efficiently as possible is the best way to control expenses and taxes, he said.

As the board plans for the future of Southridge, Sikorski said forging a stronger connection between the mall and 76th Street and the rest of the village will be essential. Developing the outer areas of the mall also should be considered, he said.

In developing a comprehensive plan to address the future of Greendale as a whole, the village must be careful to preserve its history, he said.

"Until things become clear on what can happen, we'd be better advised to put our attention to things we know we can do," he added.

Genz

With tax increases likely coming from the county, state and federal levels, Genz would like to local taxes to provide a safe haven for Greendale residents.

While he said it is important to maintain high-quality services, it is equally important for departments to seek out greater cost efficiencies.

"I'd like to spend their money as if it was my own; not like somebody else's money," Genz said.

As the village develops its comprehensive plan, Genz believes the industrial park, just off of Loomis Road on Industrial Loop, should be prioritized, with a focus on filling vacant buildings and better displaying and marketing the area.

His experience in the construction industry would be helpful to the board, he said, and his role as a project manager would aid him in seeing all sides of an issue and bringing people together to reach a common goal.

Julie Becker can be reached at (262) 446-6606.

Sally Chadwick (i)

AGE: 62

ADDRESS: 5321 Morningside Drive

RESIDENCY IN VILLAGE: 32 years

OCCUPATION: retired; formerly worked part time at the Reiman Visitor Center

EDUCATION: bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison

GOVERNMENT SERVICE: village trustee since 1998

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: past president and current member of the Greendale Historical Society; member of the Greendale Public Library Foundation; member of St. Stephen the Martyr Evangelical Lutheran Church

CONTACT: (414) 421-8163

Allan Sikorski (i)

AGE: 61

ADDRESS: 6726 Radburn Lane

RESIDENCY IN VILLAGE: has resided here for 50 years, including the last 27 years

OCCUPATION: international sales manager for Bradley Corp.

EDUCATION: bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

GOVERNMENT SERVICE: village trustee since 2000

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: treasurer for the Greendale Village Club; member of the Greendale Panther Athletic Booster Club; member of the Greendale Park & Recreation Committee; manages and organizes the village's summer Open Markets and the Hay Days craft fair

CONTACT: (414) 421-7269; asikorski@greendale.org

Carl Genz

AGE: 52

ADDRESS: 4504 Skylark Lane

RESIDENCY IN VILLAGE: about 20 years

OCCUPATION: construction superintendent for Rupel Construction

EDUCATION: bachelor's degree in graphic communication from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

GOVERNMENT SERVICE: former member of the Greendale High School Citizen Facilities and Facilities Oversight committees

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: committee member for Boy Scout Troop 506; member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; president of the Dutch New American Club (Milwaukee)

CONTACT: (414) 421-4444; carlgenz@hotmail.com

WEB SITE: votecarlgenz.com