Newspaper Q and A | Dennis Decker for Alderperson, District 3, Muskego

Waukesha Freeman Questionnaire

Name: Dennis Decker

Age: 72

Occupation: Trustee for family farmland trust

Years lived in the district/city/town/village: Almost 6 years (since Sept. 2018)

Previous elected office (if any): None

1.Why are you running for this position?

My family has had some civic engagement over the years. My father served on our local school board, a bank board, and a community college advisory board; and my second cousin played a major role in developing Cary, IL, which is only 33 miles southeast of Lake Geneva. My own political involvement began years ago when I worked as a Congressional Intern for an Illinois congressman. At that job, I learned the value of good constituent service, and one of my goals is to bring that same type of service and advocacy to the citizens of District 3.

2. What is the most pressing issue facing this municipality?

As with many communities of our size, Muskego is trying to find the right balance in our development. However, as evidenced by our history with recalls and feedback I received while collecting nominating signatures, the citizens have not always felt heard. Much of this feeling ties into city planning. I believe the present structure of the Plan Commission, a largely appointed body, can give rise to a dangerous developer/municipal alliance with the potential of becoming a shadow government and rivaling the power of the Common Council. This situation needs reform.

3. What are your thoughts on housing challenges faced by people who want to live here?

Recent census figures show our community having a median household income of about $104,000/year. I don’t see that our housing challenges are any greater than other communities of our size. Muskego offers housing options for different income levels. Construction of additional housing units expands the tax base, but some of that revenue gain is offset by increased demand for city services. Ultimately, citizen consensus is needed to determine the type and location of any new housing. Whether renting or buying a house or condo, we are all impacted by the national policies that are pushing rents and mortgage rates higher.

4. What do you think about developments coming to the area?

Well again, we need to do a better job of determining consensus on how, we, the citizens, want to see our community develop. Reforming the structure of the Plan Commission is a step in the right direction.

On another note, I would like to see the city explore the building of a publicly-owned broadband service to compete with Spectrum. $41 billion of federal money is available to develop city-run broadband service throughout the U.S. A quality, well-run, and competitively-priced broadband service could provide new revenue for the city and help attract new industry.