Oak Creek Council Appoints New Member

Oak Creek resident Jim Ruetz has been appointed to fill the term of Steve Scaffidi as alderman of the city's 3rd District.

Ruetz, president and general manager of Franksville-based All Fasteners, won the appointment over four other candidates who applied and interviewed before the Oak Creek Common Council Monday night.

Ruetz is a 26-year Oak Creek resident who has served on the Community Development Authority for the past nine years, as well as city task forces related to marketing and the 27th Street corridor. He has previously run for county supervisor and state Assembly.

He said in his work at All Fasteners, where he is also a part-owner, he has helped handle a multi-million dollar budget. He has served on a number of boards and associations in which he gained more budgetary experience, he said.

He told the council in the interview that attracting and maintaining good businesses, keeping Oak Creek affordable and making good use of the city's resources are his priorities.

"I want to see the city grow and prosper and I want it to be a place where my children can raise their family some day," he said.

Former alderman and Delphi worker Fred Siepert, attorney Amy Burger, letter carrier Richard Muza and Menomonee Falls fire lieutenant Kevin Rokenbrodt also applied for the seat.

Ruetz fills the term of Scaffidi, who vacated the seat when he was elected mayor. The term expires in the April 2013 elections.

In an interview with Patch afterward, Ruetz said the 11-month term doesn't leave time for a lofty agenda, but he hopes he can connect with residents of the district.

"I want to make sure that the constituents know they're represented, and really reach out to as many of the constituents as I can," he said.

"Because of the projects we have going on, like Drexel Town Square, I'm very excited."