Candidate Profile: Mike Toman For Oak Creek 4th District Alderman

OAK CREEK, WI— The 2022 election is heating up in Wisconsin and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Voters will decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats, plus local government and school boards.

Patch asked the candidates for the Oak Creek 4th Alderperson District, which will have a primary vote on Feb. 15, to answer questions about their campaigns.

Mike Toman (incumbent)

Age (as of Election Day)

69

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Oak Creek 4th District Alderman

Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Family

Forty-nine years married to my high school sweetheart, Pat. Two successful daughters, Erica and Michelle, four grandchildren.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

High School Grad-Bay View High School. Associate degree from MATC, state sponsored apprenticeship as a journeyman meat cutter

Occupation

Self employed businessman of 50 years. Previous owner of Butcher Block Meat Market

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Oak Creek Alderman since 2003. Nineteen years on the Oak Creek Common Council

Campaign website

N/A

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office to continue my work on important city wide issues. My focus will be on residential housing and expansion of Lake Vista Park on our lakefront.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing District 4 in Oak Creek is expanding general public access to our lakefront. I envision an entertainment venue coupled with restaurants and recreational opportunities. I will continue to funnel park impact fees toward the goals previously mentioned.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical differences between myself and the other candidates seeking this post is my vast experience and knowledge of the cities issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My platform is public record and I can honestly say that my decisions in the last nineteen years on the council have made me very proud of the direction this city has taken.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Our city taxes over my nineteen years in office have been among the lowest in all of Milwaukee county. That coupled with our stellar fire, police, and DPW services makes this city one of the best places to live.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You have two ears and one mouth so it’s wiser to listen than to speak. (Advice from past Mayor Dick Bolender)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a conservative. Fiscal responsibility and making sure department heads are functioning properly in their full time jobs is the main duty I have as an elected official.