My research show that formal local government in the Brookfield area started in 1846 when Waukesha County was split off from Milwaukee County, and the Town of Brookfield was created. Prior to this time Brookfield was referred to as the "Milwaukee Woods".
After 1853 , when the first railroad depot was built, Brookfield was often referred to as "Brookfield Junction." In 1867, a second and larger depot was built at the present site. At that time Brookfield consisted of many small farms, and beautiful green fields criss-crossed by many brooks and streams were served by dirt roads. The area was joined by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, which also connected the area to points west, such as Waukesha and Watertown.
Brookfield remained primarily a quiet farm community, although there were some subdivions of lands in the 1930s and 1940s. After World War II there was a rapid growth in population and in 1954 the City of Brookfield was created with the incorporation of 16 square miles of town land. The Mayor-Council form of government was chosen because it was thought to be the most democratic and closer to the people. Franklin Wirth was elected the first Mayor.
The City was divided into 5 wards , now called districts with two Aldermen elected to represent each ward, forming a 10 person Council. In 1960 the City was redistricted and 7 districts were created resulting in the 14 person Council.
The vision of our forefathers was that the City of Brookfield would be governed by ELECTED officials who are chosen by the people, the city residents. Should a city-manager or similar type of government be formed it has to be done by the electorate in a referendum vote with a reasonable time before the vote for public debate and written notice to the residents explaining both the pros and cons of such a drastic change in our government
The City of Brookfield residents deserve "Open Government" because it is their tax dollars that finance our government and its employees.
By the way, what ever happened to the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, who sponsored public debate for public office and were a great service to our community ?
