The 5 Candidates For Franklin's Vacant Alderperson Seat

FRANKLIN, WI — Five people submitted letters of interest to the 1st District Alderperson Seat in Franklin. On Wednesday, those people will have a chance to give a presentation to the Common Council.

The 1st District Alderperson seat became vacant when Mark Dandrea resigned in July. A week before applications were due, one person had conveyed interest to the city. Since then, four others have submitted a letter of interest: Edward H. Holpfer, Scott E. Szalanski, Clarke W. Johnson, James R. Ziegenhagen and Katie Walczak.

The applicants are all seeking a temporary appointment to the 1st District seat. Their position would expire early next year on April 5 as a public election would then fill the position. At that point, anyone would be able to run as a candidate.

The presentations will be held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Franklin Common Council, located at 9229 West Loomis Road in Franklin. Common Council meetings are streamed here.

Here's what each person who has submitted a letter of interest has said:

Scott Szalanzki

Szalanski has been a resident of Franklin for 15 years, he said. According to his letter of interest, Szalanski has had multiple U.S. patents registered and he was previously a member of the Oak Creek Civil Service Commission.

In the letter to the city clerk Szalanski cites communication skills, trend forecasting, profit and loss responsibility and management work in business as some of his qualifications. Szalanski's letter also describes employment history in the construction and mining industries.

"With my extensive ability to learn, I know I can quickly close any knowledge gaps required to become an asset to the Common Council and represent District 1. It would be a pleasure to speak with the Common Council to discuss this opportunity within the City of Franklin," Szalanski wrote.

Clarke W. Johnson

Johnson is a retired park superintendent from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, he said. According to his letter of interest, Johnson was the superintendent of Lake Shore Park and a manager for the Hank Aaron Trail.

"I have an unyielding commitment to public service and would like to contribute meaningfully to
the Franklin community," Johnson wrote. "As an Executive Director of several major park departments, I have been responsible for the planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating of a variety of projects, policies, procedures, and programs."

"My strengths lie in my abilities to develop and maintain partnerships and coordinate collaborative efforts with stakeholders, special interest groups, and organizations, to work towards a common outcome, and manage multiple projects at any given time," Johnson said.

James "Jim" R. Ziegenhagen

Ziegenhagen has been a resident of Franklin for 30 years and a resident of the 1st Alderperson district for over 20 years, he wrote in his letter of interest.

"I am seeking this appointment because I believe I can represent the residents of the First District and the citizens of Franklin and the City of Franklin in an honorable, intelligent, respectful, professional and trust worthy manner," Ziegenhagen said. "Carrying out the responsibilities of the Alderperson representing the First District would allow me the opportunity to guide the future of the First District and the City of Franklin."

Katie Walczak

Walczak, a Franklin resident, has also submitted a letter of interest.

"Please accept this letter as signifying my interest mn the posrtion of Alderperson for the 1st Aldermantc District," Walczak wrote. Walczak did not immediately respond to Patch's request for further comment.

Edward Holpfer

Holpfer was one of the first people to officially apply.

"I haven't typically put my self in the forefront," Holpfer told Patch. "When the seat became available, I thought, 'Well, let me try it and see what happens.'"