Brown Deer Village Board Voter's Guide

Jeff Baker (i)

Age: 46

Employer/occupation: quality engineer, Customer Service Manager, Sales Manager at STRATTEC Security Corporation

Education: B.S. business and computer systems from Milwaukee School of Engineering

Contact: (414) 355-7119; jaabaker@juno.com

Why are you the right person for the job?

I am committed to making our community a better place to live overall. I believe I am right for the position because I consider all residents and stakeholders an extension of my family. I make my decisions based on this premise and want what is best for the community.

What would you prioritize as a trustee?

There are three priorities I am focusing on. The Original Village streetscaping and infrastructure improvements need to be completed. The area that ties into that is the enhanced identity that differentiates us from surrounding communities while still working with them. The third is redevelopment along Brown Deer and Bradley roads.

How should the village balance budgets in the coming years, given the restraints from Madison?

Levy limits and shared revenue cuts have certainly affected our ability to provide "extra" services. That said, I believe our residents and business owners are pleased overall with the level of service. This has been due largely in part to a dedicated staff. We have always had a strong process in place that challenges department heads, treasurer and village manager to propose budgets at or below previous years levels. Using this in addition to fiscally responsible borrowing and a well thought-out, five-year capital planning process allows us to continue to provide current service levels and basic quality of life enhancements.

Otto Bunge

Age: 63

Employer/occupation: currently retired and working part-time at Krueger Construction; previously a branch manger at a local bank, insurance underwriter, and sales director at a technology company

Education: bachelor's in business administration with a focus on finance

Contact: (414) 460-6635; obunge@wi.rr.com

Why are you the right person for the job?

I hold a degree in business with emphasis in finance. My work experience in management has been in banking, insurance, marketing and finance. My education, with vast experiences in management, and willingness to keep an open mind on ideas would hope to be a benefit for the Brown Deer community.

What would you prioritize as a trustee?

Look through the current list of ideas; drill down on what would bring most value to the community; remember the importance of considering the impact our decisions would have; and favor those items that have a positive outlook for our residents. I really appreciate this opportunity to serve the community.

How should the village balance budgets in the coming years, given the restraints from Madison?

Due to our nation's financial crisis, federal and state funding is becoming scarce. The coming years will be difficult in many ways. Our revenue is stagnant. We're challenged to find ways of creating new revenue resources, while maintaining taxes flat. Our expenditures are high in certain areas and we need to rethink some reductions. It can be done effectively, making it as painless as possible. The truth is, in order to keep a balanced budget, if there is no increase in revenue, expenses would then be closely looked at. An increase in revenue, through taxes, would like to be avoided.

Gary Springman (i)

Age: 60

Employer/occupation: dispatcher at Commerce Industrial Chemicals

Education: B.A. in mass communications from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

Contact: (414) 354-4062; gspringman@wi.rr.com

Why are you the right person for the job?

My experience as a three-term trustee. The ability to form a conclusion after reviewing all pertinent information and listening to the opinions of the public, staff and my fellow board members.

What would you prioritize as a trustee?

My first priority would be the economic development and redevelopment of the village. Secondly, I would look at the costs for the services provided and work to make sure that citizens are receiving the best possible services for the costs incurred.

How should the village balance budgets in the coming years, given the restraints from Madison?

Village staff and the elected representatives will have to look at ways to maximize the use of all the resources available for the betterment of the village and its citizens. Strong annual budgeting and a five-year capital plan will help to guide the stability and the growth of the village and the residents and businesses who call Brown Deer home.