Third candidate emerges in Tosa mayor race

Wauwatosa has its third candidate for mayor. Lifelong Wauwatosa resident Jim Moldenhauer has entered the race with a six-point campaign platform ranging from economic development to parks and open spaces.

"Wauwatosa is at a crossroads," he said. "I want to be a leader for economic growth and development."

To continue the level of city services Tosa residents have become accustomed to, the tax base needs to grow through development. With the upcoming University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Innovation Park, Milwaukee County Research Park and Milwaukee Regional Medical Center there's plenty of opportunity to attract start-up and innovative businesses to the community, he said.

As mayor of Wauwatosa, Moldenhauer would work to sell the city, he said.

"This will make us the epicenter of economic development in southeastern Wisconsin," he said. "We're at a point to build on, and market and share that vision on a large scale."

He said his background in business - he's information technology manager for Germantown plastics manufacturer Hampel Corp. - and master's in business administration qualify him to be mayor.

Moldenhauer, 48, has never held an elected office. He said involvement in others' political campaigns, winning the Wauwatosa Beautification Committee's Yards of Distinction award and his lifelong residency show his commitment to the community.

Beyond economic development, Moldenhauer's platform calls for:

Continuing the zero-percent levy increase. "I will not raise property taxes until property values increase," he said. He supports the organizational changes that eliminated positions and cut costs during Mayor Jill Didier's administration.

Fully funding the Police Department to fight crime and public safety.

Demanding a solution and a timetable for fixing sewer problems.

Enhancing parks and green space by pursuing public-private partnerships like the one that built the Tosa Pool at Hoyt Park and working with Milwaukee County.

Working for civility in government. "We need a new level of decorum and sincerity in Wauwatosa governance."

Didier is leaving her post early so she can take a job with Milwaukee County. Her last day is Dec. 15, and the position will be filled in the April election. Alderman Peter Donegan and newcomer John Pokrandt also have announced their candidacy for the post.

Interested candidates can contact the Wauwatosa Clerk's Office throughout this month to get information and needed paperwork.