Shorelines

There are many issues of current concern to the citizens of Shorewood; ie. parking, police building, organic care of public property, smoking ban, selling Shorewood, etc.

Throughout this campaign period for village trustee, I hope that my positions on these and other issues, along with the positions of the other candidates, is made very clear to the voters.

From experience, I know that in upcoming debates and panel discussions, you will learn the positions of the candidates on most of the issues, but due to the limitations of time, you will not learn much about the reasoning each candidate uses in forming their positions.

Thank you for the wonderful world of the Blog --- I had intended to utilize a blog from the time I decided to run for Trustee --- but I confess I wasn't aware of the wonderful format that Shorewood Now offers .... which I think will open the dialogue to an even larger audience, than a stand alone blog will reach.

Through this medium, I hope I can convey to you, the voter, not only my position on the issues, but also the thought process and reasoning that lead to any given position.

Behind each position that I take, I feel it is important that I keep in mind, the following considerations (not an all inclusive list), on both a philosophical and practical basis.

Shorewood

What were we ?
What are we ?
What do we want to be ?

How does Shorewood affect and interact with our neighbors - Milwaukee, Whitefish Bay, UWM, etc.

How does Shorewood affect and interact with the bigger picture - region, county, state, country, the world ?

Is Shorewood a "positive" or a "negative"?

What is the "Added Value" that Shorewood offers to all of the above ?

What is the "Added Value" that Shorewood offers to its citizens ?

How do we balance the needs of the different segments of our community ?

AND --- I am interested in hearing from you --- the residents of Shorewood --- for additional considerations you think should be taken into account.

Many of you are aware that I have declared my candidacy for Shorewood Village Trustee, in the upcoming April 3rd election. During my campaign, I hope that this blog on Community Voices will give me an opportunity to be open about my positions on the issues, and convey my reasoning behind those stances. At the same time, I hope that your feedback and questions will help to bring a wider perspective to those issues, and widen the scope of the campaign process. After the election, whether I am successful or not, I hope to continue Shorelines, as one of the many fine voices offering differing perspectives to the issues of the day. For those who might wonder why I am actively seeking an office which offers very little tangible reward --- I guess the Darwinian Laws of Natural Selection failed to eradicate the "Defective Political Gene" from my DNA ! But seriously, the "nurture" part of my life experience, was and is, of great influence. Growing up in 60's which was a time of national introspection in the ways we live and impact each other and our environment, I learned it was acceptable to "Question Why?". And from the countless nuns, priests and lay teachers of my schooling, I was taught that we each have a "Responsibility" to each other and future generations in continuing to try, each in our own way, to leave what we found, a little bit better than the way we found it. Additionally, I have been fortunate many times in my life, to be inspired by others, including my parents, who had the courage to live their convictions. And to be motivated and humbled by the actions of others, who have led by the example of their courage and commitment. Now before I get too introspective, and chance that you will think I am delusional ..... I am not so naïve as to think that I, or anyone else for that matter, is totally selfless and pure! Our psyches, by definition, are complex to others as well as to ourselves. I know that good intentions do not always lead to good results. Nor is politics an arena for the humble and meek. Good democracy results from open discussion, with many opinions and possibilities being distilled into the best system of government invented to date. As a participant, one must be willing to lose as often as win, and to get on to the next task at hand. A healthy ego, determination and persistence in such an environment are considered attributes and pre-requisites. In my professional life, I have a depth of experience that will help in the office of trustee. I have worked in both the large corporate and small business environments. Currently I am an independent real estate broker and small business owner. Prior experience included business consulting with transportation companies in the design and implementation of integrated management, operation, and marketing systems --- including integration of software systems and components, operations management with Bekins, and vice president of marketing and agency development with National Van Lines. I have lived in Shorewood for about 15 years. I have served on the Shorewood Community Fitness Center advisory board, and I am a current member and past president of the Shorewood Men's Club. I belong to the Elks Club. I have served on numerous church committees and programs. I bring a broad perspective to Shorewood issues as both a commercial and residential property owner, and as both a resident and a small business owner. Past political experience has included managing the Paul Tsongas campaign in Wisconsin, and I was a Tsongas delegate to the 1992 Democratic National Convention in New York City. Although I have served in numerous political party offices on the local and congressional district level, I have not found a comfort level with either of the two major political parties, and consider myself an Independent. Sincerely, David Tatarowicz