Politics & Government

1st District Alderman Candidates: On The Issues

Read what each candidate has to say on the lakefront, Delphi and more.

On Monday, , featuring incumbent Dan Jakubczyk and challenger Kathryn Michuda.

Today, we go a little deeper with each candidate and get their take on the top issues facing Oak Creek. The following is a condensed version of what each candidate said in telephone interviews with Oak Creek Patch last week.

What is the No. 1 issue facing Oak Creek?

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Dan Jakubczyk: Expansion, especially with the Delphi site. While campaigning, I did an informal survey on what people thought and it seemed like people were in favor of building a City Hall and library there by about a 2-to-1 margin.

Besides Delphi, the lakefront, Drexel Interchange and the development of 27th Street. I'd like to remain a participant and be fully involved with all of these issues. 

Find out what's happening in Oak Creekwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kathryn Michuda: Oak Creek is an ever-evolving community. A lot of major development will happen within the next few years. The Drexel Interchange, redevelopment of Delphi, the lakefront - they are all pretty major projects.

Residents need to be informed. I think the current politicians in place do what they can, but I intend to do a bit more. 

What would you like to see happen at the former Delphi property?

DJ: The No. 1 thought is that I would have liked to see another manufacturing plant and have 5,000 employees there. The reality is that is not going to happen. Going in with and developing a City Hall/library, stores, office complex - that’s about the best we can do.

KM: I would like to see something that benefits the people of Oak Creek. In reality, it’s not about what I would like to see. It’s about what the residents would like to see there.

What do you see for the future of the lakefront?

DJ: Given the past history of those sites and the type of manufacturing over there, I would like to make sure there’s nothing over there (environmentally) that's going to cause harm to any residents over there. That’s one of my top priorities. 

KM: The city of Oak Creek has held an open house and presentation and has two more planned this year. Like Delphi, the future of the lakefront should be shaped by the input residents are giving. 

As you've been campaigning, what's the top issue on the minds of residents you have spoken to?

DJ: The last time I ran (in 2009) it was mostly the Drexel Interchange, but that has died down. (Editor's Note: an interchange will be built in 2012)

The No. 1 issue now is the governor’s proposal and how it will affect the people of Oak Creek. We don't have an answer to that yet.

KM: A lot of people are still not happy about the post office issue, which is on hold right now.


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