Port Council 3rd District Candidates Shift Focus to Business Downtown

Two candidates for Port Washington Common Council's 3rd District spot tout business development in the downtown area as a strong focus of their role in the city.

"Port's a wonderful city, its picturesque — the water, the school system ... all things that businesses would look for, we just don’t seem to be getting anywhere with that," said newcomer Peter A. Oglevie. "We need to look at places where they are having success downtown and get a list of what businesses should be here and then publish it."

Incumbent Jim Vollmar, who has held the 3rd District position for two, two-year terms, said his main focus is the area's economy, something he said parallels success in the downtown area.

"The condition of our economy, I believe, is reflected in the downtown," he said. "Revitalizing downtown, I think, goes hand-in-hand with revitalizing the community as a whole.

Four aldmerman spots are up for election in Port Washington; Oglevie faces Vollmar in one of two contested races. The general election is Tuesday. for more information about the races.

The key to getting businesses downtown is finding the right type of shops, Vollmar said, adding that the city should embrace its growing role as a tourist stop.

"What can we do to stimulate tourism, and how can shops keep tourists downtown?" he said.

But, he said, it's equally important to find shops that will offer people living in Port the ability to buy their needs and wants downtown, too.

“I run into all my neighbors at Walmart, I’d rather run into them downtown," he said. "That’s the challenge … how do we get shops downtown that people would go to?"

Oglevie said he's also running for alderman because he'd like to see Port become a "kinder, gentler" city, citing a ticket he received because his dog ran out of his yard, unleashed, late at night — nearly colliding with a cop car.

He has no problem with laws being enforced, but believes there needs to be a level of consistency.

"If they are going to enforce something, they should enforce everything," he said, "and what’s wrong with giving a warning?"

He also hopes he can work with the city to help find a place or time to allow dog owners to run their pets.

"This issue came up last year in Port and may need to be revisited to allow dog owners to enjoy this town again," he said.

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

Peter A. Oglevie
"I fall somewhere in the middle (politically), and I think the majority of people are actually there, it's just the way it's been going — I tend to be a fiscal conservative, and that goes a long with my wants and needs. (The city should do) a wants and needs test on everything (when looking to add business downtown). Do we want it, or do we need it? They are two different things."
Professional/educational background: Graduated from high school in Rockford, IL, attended Southern Illinois Unveristy and the University of Wisconsin system, semi-retired but worked in the industrial lubricants business and still writes articles for trade magazine
Political experience: None prior
Community involvement: Port Washington resident since 1992
Family: Divorced with three children — one college graduate, one still in college and one at the Port Washington High School
Age: 56
Address: 225 E. Jackson St., Port Washington

Jim Vollmar
"I’m upbeat for the city, I think it's going to go in the right direction. ... I think the downtown is a key, it's in my district I think it's important — some of my constituents have told me that, 'There's nothing downtown for me to go to,' — but that’s the point — there should be."
Professional/educational background: Graduated from high school in Milwaukee, attended Marquette Business College and Marquette Law School, currently works as an attorney, served as a U.S. army captatin, also was assistant city attorney in Milwaukee and assistant district attorney in Waukesha
Political experience: Two terms as alderman for Port Washington Common Council, also serves on the Board of Public Works and Personnel Committee
Community involvement:  Affiliated with the Wisconsin Bar Association, American Bar Association, Wisconsin and Ozaukeerealtors associations, Port Washington Main Street program resource committee, Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, Port Washington Historical Society, secretary of Future Olympians Boxing Association
Family: Married for 44 years, 2 children and 3 grandchildren
Age: 68
Address:  1342 Noridge Trail, 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.