Scaffidi Will Run For Open Assembly Seat

On the heels of Mark Honadel's announcement Tuesday that he will resign his state Assembly seat, Oak Creek Mayor Steve Scaffidi told Patch he will run for the seat in a special election.


Scaffidi, who will run as a Republican, said he would continue to serve as Oak Creek mayor if elected. His term expires in April 2015.

"I have no intention of leaving Oak Creek," Scaffidi said. "I will do both jobs if I'm lucky enough to get the opportunity to serve."

The mayor of Oak Creek is a part-time position with a salary of $18,100.

Scaffidi said his experience as mayor gives him a good handle on the area's needs and concerns, and would also allow him to give the district good representation in Madison. 

The Assembly district includes Oak Creek, South Milwaukee and a small portion of Franklin. 

Scaffidi knew of Honadel's plans to resign prior to his announcement Tuesday and had time to think about running for the seat.

He praised Honadel's 10 years of service in the Legislature. 

"He's done a great job for our area, and at some point you want to turn the page and do something else," Scaffidi said. "He's accomplished a lot in his career."

Gov. Scott Walker will order a special election after Honadel officially leaves office in mid-September, said Reid Magney, spokesman for the Government Accountability Board. 

Included in that order will be the date of the election, which must be held between 62 and 77 days after Honadel's last day, Magney said. 

That would put a 21st Assembly district special election sometime in late November or early December. 

A primary, if necessary, would likely be held four weeks before the general election, Magney said.