Politics & Government

Candidates for Port Washington's 7th District Alderman Spot Highlight Goals for Council

Ald. Dan Becker will face newcomer John Sigwart in April 5 election.

While Ald. Dan Becker looks forward to a second term on the Port Washington Common Council to continue with such endeavors as the relocation of the senior center and the development of downtown business, newcomer John Sigwart said he's hoping it will be his turn to have a say.

"I’m 66, I've got a small window — I’d like to get in, do my piece and get out," he said.

Four aldmerman spots are up for election; Sigwart faces Becker in one of two contested races. The general election is Tuesday. Check this article for more information about the races.

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Sigwart said a big part of his interest in joining the Common Council now was sparked by his involvement in the hunt for a new location for the that left him frustrated.

Members of the Common Council had commissioned a study to see if it would interest residents to see a community center developed on the coal docks area, Sigwart said.

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The coal dock areas once were part of We Energies' regular operations, acting as a place for the company to store mountains of coal that would eventually be used in the operation of its power plant.

Though the study brought positive feedback for such an idea, Sigwart said aldermen ultimately voted against it.

"I was angry because they did the study when none of them wanted it," he said. "I spoke out and said I wanted to chair a commission to look for a location."

So he did — but just as the group finished researching the more than 50 locations, city officials explained to Sigwart that a deal had been made to keep Franklin Energy in Port Washington; the senior center would rent its old location at 403 W. Foster St.

This new location is not ideal for seniors, Sigwart said. It's a multi-level building, with little close-by parking and difficult access.

"I never really objected to leasing the (former Franklin) building short term, but I do object long term," he said. " One of the problems is the senior center, over the next five to 10 years, is going to define what it needs to be and what it wants to be.”

Sigwart said his vision of the center would include a facility offering a great room, study or office rooms and a kitchen, as well as the ability to coordinate activities that could then be hosted at other locations in the community.

Becker said he looks forward to continuing with ; both candidates also look forward to the development of the coal dock, viewing the area as a postive for the community.

"Seeing that project () through will enhance our downtown greatly … I think it could be a real asset," Becker said, adding it would hep both tourism and downtown businesses.

But an important part of all these projects will come down to funding, and with cuts coming from Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill — challenges may pop up as the council moves forward.

"I think the biggest things affecting the council are going to be dealing with the cuts in shared revenue that are coming through the governor's budget," Becker said, adding that he is in support of what the budget repair bill does.

"(The bill is) going to give the fiscal tools we will need in dealing with the budget," Becker said. "Keep employment where it's at and maintain all the services that we currently offer — that’s primarily my reasoning behind supporting the budget repair bill: I don’t want to look at layoffs and I don’t want to cut services."

Sigwart said while he voted for Gov. Walker and supports what the budget repair bill will do, the agressiveness of his actions comes as a surprise.

"The whole collective bargaining thing, I think, came to a lot of us out of the blue a little bit," he said. "I knew that he wanted to reform unions, but I didn’t know that he was going to be aggressive as he was."

Sigwart said he tends to be more moderate in his political views, and feels relatively disappointed in the way things are happening in the government.

"You can still respect each other, and have a differing opinion" he said. "That’s what I'm really disappointed in at the state and federal level right now.

“Good, healthy, political discussions don’t take place anymore,” he continued, adding that issues should not be black and white, but rather everything has some gray area.

Sigwart said he doesn't support recalls against state senators because he doesn't "believe in recalls for people that are doing their job."

Recall efforts have been ongoing against several Democratic and Republican senators since the beginning of the protests against Gov. Scott Walker's bill, which eliminates most collective bargaining rights for many public unions.

Becker had told Patch when the recall efforts first started he didn't see them taking hold in the area.

"My initial reaction is, well .. 'good luck' … I don’t think that it’ll work," he said. I think if it actually goes to an election (Sen. Glenn Grothman will) retain his seat."

Sigwart said he believes Becker is doing a good job, but really wants a chance to participate in the board; the two face each other because they live in the same district.

More about these candidates
Port Washington alderman serve two-year terms and make $3,750 annually.

Dan Becker
"Seeing that project () through will enhance our downtown greatly … I think it could be a real asset," both for tourism and downtown businesses.
Professional/educational background: Graduated from Port Washington High School in 1987, Graduated with a BBA in finance with an emphasis in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1991, worked in various banks including as an assistant vice president loan officer and manager of the retail banking area, currently president of X-Cel Tooling Inc.
Political experience: One term as alderman for Port Washington Common Council, Ozaukee County Supervisor since 2004, part of the Planning Commission, used to be on the board for the Committee of Public Works
Community involvement: Was an active member of the Port Washington Lions Club for at least 15 years, involved in coaching over the years for  youth baseball and youth basketball, part of the Port Washington soccer club on and off over the years, and a member of the Knights of Columbus
Family: Married with three kids, all still in the Port Washington-Saukville School District
Age: 42
Address: 916 North Grant Street, Port Washington

John Sigwart
My main reasons to run include to "continue to pursue the logical final location for a senior center (and the) development of the coal dock — I would like to participate in (that) decision making. (Also), I want to make sure the tax rate in Port Washington stays stable."
Professional/educational background: Worked as the city engineer and public works director in Port Washington in the 1970s; then left in 1978 to work with Miller Engineers & Scientists in Sheboygan.
Community involvement: Chair of Resource Committee for Port Washington's Main Street Program, as well as president of the Main Street Alliance
Family: Married with 6 children as well as grandchildren
Age: 66
Address: 230 W. Theis St., Port Washington

Patch will have more coverage on candidates leading up to the elections. to find out more information about who will be on the ballot, and check the site daily for detailed candidate information.


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