2024 Candidate Profiles: South Milwaukee Second District Alderman

I am excited to present the following information on candidates for South Milwaukee alderman, in the contested Second District.

Each candidate was asked to answer the same questions, and their responses are shared here verbatim. Thanks to each of the candidates for responding — and for stepping up to serve the community!

Please share this information far and wide … and use it to make informed choices at the ballot box.

In-person absentee voting starts Tuesday, March 19, and Election Day is Tuesday, April 2. Get more information, including voting locations and sample ballots, here. You can vote for up to two candidates in each aldermanic race.

Second District candidates listed in alphabetical order …

Tim Backes

• Name: Tim Backes
• Age: 35
• Address: 627 Marquette Ave 
• URLs: www.facebook.com/backesforsm, @aldermanbackes on instagram
• How long have you lived in South Milwaukee? I grew up in South Milwaukee and graduated from the high school in 2006. I went away for college and lived elsewhere around Milwaukee in most of my 20s. My wife and I purchased our house here in 2016 and have lived here since. 
• Family: I’m married and have three kids: a five year old at Lakeview, and three-year-old twin boys!
• Occupation: I’m an English teacher at South Milwaukee High School, and have a variety of other gigs, including directing the SMHS theatre program, serving as Artistic Director for Greendale Community Theatre, and writing freelance for a popular Green Bay Packers website.

Why are you running?

In 2020 I decided to run for alderperson because I felt compelled to put myself out there as a younger person putting down roots in my community. The national and international events of that year inspired me to get more involved and try to make an impact at whatever level I could. Now that I’ve had one term serving district two, I have a good feel for what local government is all about and some of the biggest issues facing our community. I feel like I’m just hitting my stride, and I want to continue the momentum and serve my community for a little while longer before I pass the baton on to another new energetic person who is excited about the possibilities of our city.

Why should voters vote for you?

I think I contribute a lot to our common council!

During the last election cycle I heard over and over again how people felt like they were not heard, or that they knew nothing about the people representing them. As such, I have made it a point over the last several years to be proactive in connecting with people in my district to help them with their questions and issues. I’ve maintained public social profiles, the only person on the council to do so, and have frequently shared via these platforms where I stand on issues affecting our city. It hasn’t always been overwhelmingly popular, but I have always been completely transparent and open with everything I believe in and care about. I have written regular updates for this South Milwaukee Blog website as a way to give people an inside look at what happens within our city council meetings, as the meeting minutes only tell you so much, and the internet telephone game can otherwise produce some inaccurate information.

I have helped a large number of my District Two neighbors with their issues, whether it be noise complaints, traffic issues, dog ordinances, signage, ordinance changes to allow for new fence and patio construction, the list goes on. I respond to every email and phone call, and I actively get out into the community when I know a potential issue is arising. For example, on multiple occasions I’ve gone and provided updates (complete with printouts) to neighbors in the Everbrite neighborhood to share the latest news about that property and to collect feedback from the property owners bordering it. While it’s currently quiet on that front, I intend to get back at that as soon as we get wind of any potential buyer. 

Finally, I provide an entirely different perspective that I think is valuable for our city. I’m easily the youngest person on the council, the only one with young children, and the only one who is a newbie to elected office. As such, I am able to see issues affecting our city from a fresh, outside perspective, as well as from the perspective of a quickly growing demographic in our city: young families. I’m here in SM for the long haul and have a lot of skin in the game, so to speak. I am motivated and excited to be a part of this city’s evolution in a variety of methods of serving the community (as an elected official, as a school teacher, as a volunteer) and have been grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to serve in this capacity.

What is the most important issue in your race?

For district two, easily the biggest issue is the future of the former Everbrite campus. Whether something happens there next year, in five years, or in 10, whatever does happen is going to represent a pretty fundamental transformation of our neighborhood. It will likely be residential development, and it must be done right, because that property represents a massive opportunity for development that will likely never come around again for our city. We’re talking about a pretty large piece of lakefront property. I’ve talked to many residents about their concerns regarding traffic, about density, and about home values, and it’s going to be critical that we keep the public informed and involved in the process of attracting and approving projects in that spot. District Two residents often report feeling like they’re in the “forgotten” part of the city. This project would change that in a hurry.

From a broader perspective, this question overlaps a bit with the next couple (challenges and opportunities). But I will say that from my experience so far, people just want to know that the people they’re putting into these roles are actually going to help them out. Who is going to put in the effort that goes beyond sitting in meetings on a Tuesday night and be an active part of continuing to push this city forward? The best alderperson is an engaged alderperson. There are going to be disagreements on policy, but ultimately, I know people care most about having people represent them who genuinely care about helping people out.

What is the biggest challenge facing the city?

Is it cheating to pick more than one?

Number one has to be funding challenges. Right now, local communities and school districts are cash strapped. Inflation combined with decreased or plateaued state funding is going to result in the city needing to make some very difficult and unpleasant decisions in the next few years. We have been very fortunate to have city administration, staff, and officials that have been generally very responsible financially and creative with finding funding sources for needed projects and services. Unfortunately, as our former city administrator Tami Mayzik liked to say, there are no more magic tricks. Basically all the fat has been trimmed, and unless something changes significantly at levels of government above ours, it’s going to fall on our council to make some very difficult choices regarding city services in the not too distant future. 

There are some more specific big issues on the horizon as well. The lead pipe replacement process is going to be kicking off in earnest soon, and we are very fortunate that it’s being led by an incredibly capable Water/Wastewater Superintendent in Ben Huffman. It’s going to continue to be important that we navigate through this process in such a way that we are able to get as much outside funding as possible, including the remaining ARPA money, DNR grants and more. 

It’s also going to continue to be critical that we keep on the path we’re on with rebuilding and reenergizing our downtown. We have fewer vacancies downtown than I can remember in my adult years, and several anchor projects have had great responses (Bucyrus Commons, Bucyrus Club). I love the public art that’s popping up in various places along Milwaukee Avenue, and we’re seeing more new businesses come here and stay here, thanks in large part to incredible work by our city staff. The grant money received from the Bucyrus Foundation will continue to spur on new developments and investments, and the council must properly manage that money to get the absolute most out of that incredible gift. And the old Bucyrus campus still has some vacancies left. With the proposal to repurpose several of those buildings into apartments now off the table, the council’s role in determining the future of that property (should it be redeveloped) will be yet another crucial task and an important hurdle to overcome in our downtown revitalization endeavors.

There are a whole lot of challenges — I could keep going, but those are a few that come to mind immediately.

What is the biggest opportunity in front of the city?

Well, some of what I already mentioned are big opportunities. The Everbrite campus. The Bucyrus campus. More things happening downtown. There are a lot of challenges that pose great opportunities for our city.

On a more abstract level, I think the thing that stands out to me the most is that it really feels like we’re building a community of people who are invested fully in what we’re doing as a city. There are new faces becoming leaders in our business community, in local organizations, in our schools, you name it. We’ve got more new people running for elected offices than I can remember in a while (three in my district, one in district four, some new faces in the school board elections). People CARE. You can’t understate how huge that is. Despite some of the very significant challenges facing us, the vibes are still so positive. I can go have a drink at, like, Moran’s or something and run into several people who are actually excited about things happening within the city. 

There have been so many great steps forward in recent years, and it feels like the momentum continues to grow. Even if we’ve got major challenges to overcome, there’s a palpable energy around here right now that makes me think we can take anything coming our way. Whether I’m re-elected or not, it excites me to know that I am going to continue to have some sort of part to play in shaping the future of our city simply by virtue of living and working here at the time I do.

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Scott Baitinger

• Name: Scott Baitinger
• Age: 50
• Address: 3604 3 rd Avenue
• Campaign website/social media URL(s): scott-baitinger.com
• How long have you lived in South Milwaukee? 12 years
• Family: Long time girlfriend.
• Occupation: Innovation Lead at Disrupt Idea Company, an ad agency in Milwaukee and Founder and Partner at Street-Za, a popular pizza food truck.

Why are you running for office? 

I hope to bring fresh perspectives to the role, unburdened by the politics and precedents that can sometimes stifle innovation in local government. My background would allow me to approach problems with a creative and results-oriented mindset. This could invigorate council discussions with new ideas and approaches, particularly in areas needing digital transformation or community engagement improvements.

Why should voters vote for you?

My experience in entrepreneurship and community projects like showcase my strong ability to connect with people and build networks. These skills will be crucial in navigating the complexities of local government and advocating for effective policies. I hope to increase community involvement in decision-making, and strengthen the bond between the South Milwaukee government and its citizens.

What is the most important issue in your race? What is the biggest challenge facing the city? What is the biggest opportunity in front of the city?

Change is needed to further the development in our district. Influencing economic development for specific properties like the Everbrite property and Sunrise Shopping Center requires a multi-faceted approach that leverages local strengths, addresses community needs, and capitalizes on market opportunities. Here’s how I will approach it:

• Community Engagement and Market Research: First, conducting thorough market research and community engagement initiatives to understand the needs, desires, and concerns of the local population and business community. This could involve surveys, town hall meetings, and workshops to gather input on what types of businesses and services residents and neighboring areas would support.
• Vision and Strategic Planning: Developing a clear vision and strategic plan for each property that aligns with broader community goals. This might involve envisioning the Everbrite property as a mixed-use development with housing, green spaces, and retail, while the Sunrise Shopping Center could be reimagined as a lifestyle center with a mix of local retailers, entertainment options, and dining experiences.
• Partnerships and Investment: Seeking partnerships with developers, investors, and local businesses interested in contributing to the revitalization of these areas. This includes leveraging any available local, state, or federal grants or incentives designed to stimulate economic development and encourage investment in underutilized properties.
• Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements: Investing in infrastructure improvements to make the areas more accessible and attractive to both businesses and consumers. This could include enhancements to parking, public transportation access, pedestrian walkways, and landscaping.
• Marketing and Promotion: Implementing a strong marketing and promotion strategy to attract businesses and shoppers. This could involve creating a brand identity for each location, digital marketing campaigns, and hosting special events to draw attention to the developments.
• Sustainable Practices and Innovations: Incorporating sustainable practices and technological innovations that not only appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses but also contribute to the long-term viability and resilience of the developments.
• Flexible Zoning and Regulations: Working with local government to ensure zoning regulations and permitting processes are flexible and supportive of the envisioned redevelopment efforts. This might include streamlining processes for new businesses, offering incentives for sustainable development, or allowing for a mix of uses that might not have been previously permitted.
• Monitoring and Adjustment: Regularly monitoring the progress of redevelopment efforts and being prepared to adjust strategies in response to market changes, community feedback, or unforeseen challenges. This ensures that the development remains relevant and beneficial to the community.

By addressing these areas thoughtfully and strategically, it’s possible to transform the Everbrite property and Sunrise Shopping Center into thriving hubs of economic activity.

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Michal Olechowski

• Name: Michal Olechowski
• Age: 44
• Campaign website/social media URL(s): michalolechowski.com
• How long have you lived in South Milwaukee? Nearly 15 years.
• Family: My wife and I have been happily married for over 16 years. She’s an outstanding high school teacher, and we share a common hobby of visiting national parks. We’ve been fortunate enough to explore around 50 of them and can’t wait to discover more.
• Occupation: I am a Senior Design Engineer with 16 years of experience, including over a decade of working at Bucyrus/Caterpillar locally. I have led and successfully completed projects of various scopes and budgets. I graduated from MSOE and had previously held jobs assembling bicycles and handling airplane baggage.

Why are you running for office? 

My goal is to bring a fresh perspective to the council and represent the residents’ voices while keeping the city’s best interests in mind. I have observed that the current council may sometimes show deference towards large developers while small business owners face challenges. I strongly believe in treating all parties equitably.

To promote greater transparency, the government should go beyond the bare minimum, especially in areas lacking local news coverage. I will prioritize expanding transparency and communication with the community.

Why should voters vote for you?

I have been actively introducing myself to as many people as possible in the district by knocking on doors. I will continue to walk the blocks until the day of the election. My commitment to connecting with the district will continue even after I am elected. Only a handful of voices are often heard in council meetings.

As a council member, I believe it is the board’s responsibility to reach out to the community and not wait for someone else to do so. I am fully committed to being an independent voice for District 2, and I am confident that my professional background makes me the ideal candidate to serve as their council member. The district’s residents can count on me to be a strong and effective advocate for their needs and concerns.

What is the most important issue in your race?

Choice. Residents of District 2 are fortunate to have the freedom to choose who will represent them for the next three years. At least one new alderperson will be elected, and voters can replace both current alderpeople. Two other districts in South Milwaukee have no options for candidates to vote for. Without anyone running in those districts, residents in those areas will not have a real voice in the government. I hope to earn the vote of every District 2 resident, as I intend to represent every resident.

What is the biggest challenge facing the city?

Although progress has been made to enhance the appearance of vacant storefronts, an excessive number still exist. The efforts of the current economic development team must continue, but all stakeholders must work together proactively to bring development and vitality to South Milwaukee.

What is the biggest opportunity in front of the city?

The Everbrite site is an exceptional 29-acre property with 1000ft of frontage on Lake Michigan. Very few properties in Milwaukee County can match its unique features. The city must seize this opportunity to transform the property into a true gem that will benefit the community for future generations.

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Erin Seel

I am a near life-long resident of South Milwaukee Growing up in district 3 close to Blakewood Elementary. I graduated from SMHS and am currently a homeowner in South Milwaukee. Over the years my husband and I have been active members in various areas of our community. I have spent years volunteering on the Divine Mercy School board and Athletic board where my son attended grade school and middle school. As well as volunteering with the Lions Club where my husband and Father are members. My son has had the pleasure of growing up in South Milwaukee and is currently attending South Milwaukee High School. As a homeowner and resident, I am interested in the future of the community, the viability of the area, and the costs associated with such interests. I hope to help keep moving SM forward.Feel free to look at my face-book page Erin for Alderperson.