Larry Wolf says he will be an advocate for preserving the town of Waukesha's water source and land. Ryan Licht — Wolf's challenger in the April 7 general election — says his priority is to keep the town's taxes low.
Wolf, who owns a local home repair and maintenance business, earned his spot on the board two years ago when he defeated Everett German. Licht, an attorney with the Internal Revenue Service, is looking to win his first elected position.
The supervisor's position, a two-year term, includes an annual salary of $6,858.
Waukesha Now asked each candidate four questions in advance of the general election. Candidates were given a 75-word limit for each response.
What do you see as the most important issue in the town and how would you help solve it?
LW: Besides the water, the attempted taking of 288 acres of our town land by the town of Brookfield. That fight is not over. It is going to end up back in court, and I believe we should do whatever is necessary to keep our town together and those 288 acres in our community. This situation not only directly affects town residents living in (that area), but the entire town with the potential loss of tax base.
RL: The most immediate thing that impacts individuals and families in the town of Waukesha are taxes and government spending. We can all agree that we are taxed too much. That's why I will work with other town board members to lower taxes in future budgets. My main catalyst in running for the town board was my opponent voting against the tax and spending decrease in the last budget.
How would you help spur development in the town while also maintaining the town's rural nature?
LW: I believe we need to firmly balance preserving the benefits of our open space natural setting with growth. We need to achieve controlled development in the town while we ensure we maintain our semirural community and preserve our quality of life. That goal includes a commitment to protecting our wetlands and conservancy areas. I fully support development within these guidelines. First and foremost, I want to protect homeowner interests.
RL: We need smart growth that adheres to the town's zoning ordinances and land-use plan. Obstructionism is not the answer, however. Local government should not be a roadblock to business and development, but should shape future development that will be an asset to the town and future generations.
What's your take on if the city of Waukesha is not successful in its quest for Great Lakes water and uses land purchased in the town to develop wells?
LW: In my opinion, the city will not get Lake Michigan water and we need to be prepared. If I am right, they will be coming for our water because that is what they have said they will do. We will have to fight to preserve our water rights. What are our homes worth without water? I did not build in the town to have to pay the city to get my own water back.
RL: I'm opposed to the city of Waukesha drilling wells in the town of Waukesha. It's easy just to say no and leave it at that but I think this issue is avoidable in the future. The town of Waukesha should be supporting the city of Waukesha in its attempt to obtain water from the Great Lakes. If the city is successful in its application, then we don't have to worry about these wells.
Why should you be elected to the supervisor's position?
LW: I feel that I should be re-elected to the town board because I have the town's best interest at heart. I have lived here for the last 26 years and have no interest in going anywhere soon. My life is here. My wife has lived here her entire life and we have raised two children here. The town is a wonderful place to live and I feel I can help keep it that way.
RL: I'm committed to making your voice heard on the Waukesha Town Board. Like you, I want to play an active role in making Waukesha a safer, better place to raise children, run a business and forge a future filled with promise. I pledge to fight for property tax reductions, eliminate needless and wasteful spending and serve town residents in a professional and dignified manner.
THE CANDIDATES:
Ryan Licht
Age: 31
Address: S30 W27845 Meadowridge Court
Employer, occupation: Internal Revenue Service, attorney
Years of residency in the town: 3
Education: Juris Doctor law degree, Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg, Virginia; Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities, Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown
Previous political experience or other related experience/community involvement: Interned with former Rep. Tom Petri and the Jefferson County District Attorney's office; member of the Waukesha County Republican Party and Lakewood Baptist Church
Family: Wife, Rachel
Contact info (phone, email): (920) 246-3779, ryanlicht@gmail.com
Larry Wolf
Age: 59
Address: S51 W25447 Glendale Road
Employer, occupation: Wolfs Handyman Services, home repair and maintenance business
Years of residency in the town: 26
Education: Arrowhead High School, Waukesha County Technical College, Real Estate School
Previous political experience or other related experience/community involvement: Town of Waukesha supervisor, 2013-present; past town of Waukesha Fire Department member; former treasurer for Rose Glen Elementary School PTO Board; positions on church council; former den leader, cub master and scout master for local Boy Scout troop; serve as truck dad for Waukesha West Marching Band
Family: Married, two adult children
Contact info (phone, email): (414) 333-8274 (cell), (262) 548-3956 (home), wolfshandyman@att.net