Wauwatosa, WI
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Government » Elections / Voting
Candidates for Office
Below are the candidates for alderperson and municipal judge for the April 2026 Election in Wauwatosa. We asked each candidate to provide contact information and answer a few questions.
Brad Foley
Contact Information
- foleyforalderman@gmail.com
- (414) 477-9132
Derek Collins
Contact Information
- Phone: 414-793-5733
- Email: DerekForTosa@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Local small business owner focused on recreation, tourism, and waterfront experiences in the Milwaukee area
- Employer of local residents, providing seasonal and year-round jobs
- Experienced working directly with various city departments on permits, operations, and neighborhood concerns
- Advocate for small businesses navigating city processes
- 30+ year resident of Wauwatosa and 11 year resident of what is now District 2
- Volunteer supporter of local events and community initiatives
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for office because I care about Wauwatosa and the people who live here. As a small business owner and a parent, I see firsthand how city decisions affect families, neighborhoods, and local employers. I’ve spent years wworking with various city departments, community groups, and neighbors, and I believe we can do better by listening more and making government easier to understand and work with.
This is my first crack at a political position and I don’t consider myself to be a politician at all. What I will do is show up, listen to your concerns, ask questions, and find practical solutions. I’m all for an approachable, transparent Wauwatosa and I want to be that guy. If you see me in a store or on the streets, feel free to say hi.
And lastly, I want Wauwatosa to be a great place to live for future generations and I’ll do everything that I can to make that possible.
If elected, my focus would be on keeping our neighborhoods strong while supporting responsible growth. I want city services and infrastructure that work the way they should, and policies that support small businesses rather than creating unnecessary barriers.
I’m also passionate about making better use of our public spaces, improving access to recreation, and supporting family-friendly amenities. In layman's terms, “We always need more cool stuff!” I love how Wauwatosa is evolving and growing in a positive way.
Above all, I believe local government should work with residents and businesses, not against them, and I would work to bring people together to find common-sense solutions.
Ernst Franzen
Contact Information
- franzenfortosa@gmail.com
- (414) 510-5575
Mark Peters
Contact Information
- Peters4tosa@gmail.com
- 414-630-0420
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Retired
- Work history, volunteer positions and community involvement can be found on the "About" page of my website, which can't be posted here but contact me above and I will send you the link.
Why are you running for office?
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I tried to withdraw my name from the ballot, but WI election law doesn't allow that once it's approved, so my name will still be on the ballot. I'm asking people NOT to vote for me, but to look at the issues I was running on at my website and, if they agree with my positions, to communicate your support for them to the incumbent Alder, Ernie Franzen. Again, contact me and I will send the link.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
Greater government transparency, more resident input sooner in the process, a smarter approach to development, and concerns about fiscal challenges facing Wauwatosa. More on this at my website.
Amanda Saso
Contact Information
- Phone: 414-312-1159
- Email: Sasoforcouncil@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Executive Director, Wauwatosa Historical Society, overseeing historic properties, archives, exhibits, and citywide programming
- Co-owner, Red Jacket Adjusting, an independent property adjusting firm • Co-owner, Linden & Company, a design-build and historic renovation consultancy
- Former operations and business owner experience in hospitality and small business development
- Vice President, Wauwatosa Village Neighborhood Association; Board Member, Neighborhood Association Council; Lincoln Elementary PTO Board Leadership
- Served on and collaborated with city and community bodies including the Historic Preservation Commission, Village BID, and multiple local committees
Why are you running for office?
Wauwatosa is my home. I grew up here, attended Wauwatosa schools, and now raise my family here. Over the years, my professional and volunteer work has given me a deep understanding of how city decisions affect neighborhoods, local businesses, and long-term community resilience.
Through my leadership at the Wauwatosa Historical Society and extensive neighborhood involvement, I have worked closely with residents, city staff, and elected officials to solve real problems, especially during challenging moments like the historic flooding that threatened the Little Red Store. Those experiences showed me how important steady, transparent, and practical leadership is at the city level.
I am running for Common Council because I care deeply about preserving what makes Wauwatosa special while ensuring the city remains safe, financially responsible, and forward-thinking. I want to bring hands-on experience, a collaborative approach, and a strong neighborhood voice to the Council.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
- Infrastructure resilience, including flood mitigation and long-term planning based on real recovery experience
- Smart, responsible development that respects neighborhood character and delivers clear community benefits• Fiscal stewardship informed by real-world budget management, project oversight, and accountability
- Preservation done right—balancing historic integrity with modern needs and economic vitality
- Support for local businesses and walkable, vibrant commercial districts
- Transparent, approachable governance that listens to residents and keeps neighbors and neighborhoods informed
Sean Hurley
Contact Information
- Phone: 414-367-9804
- Email: Hurley4tosa@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Current Position: Inventory Management, Milwaukee VA Medical Center
- United States Army 1999-2010, deployments include Afghanistan and Iraq
- Local Business owner: Tosa Bike Doctor
- Licensed Soccer coach through FIFA and US Soccer, coaches U9/U10 girls' soccer with the Tosa Kickers
- Member of St. Jude Parrish
Why are you running for office?
Wauwatosa has always been home for me — it’s where I grew up, and now it’s where my wife and I are raising our daughter. Like many neighbors, we work full time, stay involved in our community, and want to see Wauwatosa remain a place where residents can put down roots and seniors can stay in the homes they love.
I’m running for Common Council because I believe city decisions should reflect the everyday experiences of residents. Rising costs and taxes are putting real pressure on residents, and I want to be a voice that brings common sense, accountability, and transparency to City Hall.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
- My focus will be on keeping Wauwatosa affordable, transparent, and thoughtfully developed. That means being careful with city spending, asking tough questions about development incentives, and making sure tax burdens don’t keep rising for families, seniors, and residents
- I want growth that supports local businesses, respects neighborhood character, and benefits residents — not just developers. I also believe residents deserve clear communication from city leadership, with easy access to information and real opportunities to be heard.
- Above all, I want to help maintain safe neighborhoods, strong city services, and infrastructure that serves today’s residents while planning responsibly for the future
Rob Gustafson
Contact Information
- rob4tosa@gmail.com
- (414) 522-1238
Sean Lowe
Contact Information
- aldermanlowe@gmail.com
- (414) 459-9948
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Alderman, Wauwatosa Common Council (elected 2022; now representing District 6 under the new council map)
- Senior Internal Sales Consultant, Northwestern Mutual (over 21 years of experience in financial services)
- Former Chair, Wauwatosa Equity and Inclusion Commission
- Lead author of Wauwatosa’s first comprehensive antidiscrimination ordinance (prohibits discrimination in employment or in public places based on one’s age, disability, race, sexuality, gender, religion, appearance, or criminal record)
- Former President, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals (2014–2017)
- Executive leadership roles with the National Urban League Young Professionals
- Community volunteer and mentor focused on leadership development and civic engagement
Why are you running for office?
Sean Lowe is running to continue serving his neighbors in the newly configured District 6 and to help Wauwatosa remain a welcoming, forward-looking city. Since first being elected in 2022, he has focused on practical, people-centered work: listening to residents, responding to concerns, and advancing policies that make daily life safer and more equitable.
He believes local government works best when residents can easily reach their alderperson, get clear information, and see follow-through on issues like traffic safety, housing, and neighborhood quality of life. With the new council structure and district boundaries, Sean wants to provide steady, experienced leadership during a period of change.
He is running to build on the progress already made—particularly around civil rights, fairness, and inclusion—and to make sure District 6 residents continue to have an accessible representative who knows the community, understands city processes, and is committed to transparent, accountable decision-making.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
- Safe, welcoming neighborhoods: Strengthening trust and collaboration between residents, law enforcement, and city staff to address public safety, traffic calming, and neighborhood concerns.
- Fairness and inclusion: Ensuring Wauwatosa’s antidiscrimination ordinance is implemented effectively and that city policies reflect the needs of all residents.
- Housing and affordability: Supporting policies that encourage a range of housing options so people who work in Wauwatosa can afford to live here.
- Support for local businesses: Working to make it easier for small, creative, and diverse businesses and inspiring leaders to start, stay, and grow in the city.
- Parks, streets, and infrastructure: Maintaining and improving greenspaces, including parks, sidewalks, and streets, so neighborhoods remain safe, walkable, and attractive.
Across these issues, Sean’s approach is to listen carefully, use data and community input to guide decisions, and communicate clearly with residents about what is happening and why.
Joe Phillips
Contact Information
- Phone: 414.215.9191
- Email: joefortosa@gmail.com
Occupation, Work History, and Volunteer Positions
- Chief Advancement Officer, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)
- Elected Alderperson, 2022
- Board and committee service including Community Development Authority, Financial Affairs, Government Affairs, Transportation Affairs, and Plan Commission
- Over 20 years experience in Non Profit Leadership
- Community Volunteer: Tosa Baseball, Tosa Kickers and many other organizations
Why are you running for office?
I am running to continue serving Wauwatosa with steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep commitment to the common good. Local government works best when it is transparent, fiscally responsible, and grounded in listening to residents with different perspectives.
My work in nonprofit leadership and community development has taught me how to bring people together, ask hard questions, and make decisions that balance long-term stability with immediate needs. As an alderperson, I have focused on practical solutions that strengthen neighborhoods, protect taxpayers, and ensure Wauwatosa remains a welcoming place for all people.
I am motivated by a belief that public service is about stewardship, caring for what we have today while building responsibly for future generations.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
If elected, I will focus on four priorities that are essential to Wauwatosa’s long-term health.
First, I am committed to advancing the MidTown Business District Master Plan in coordination with the upcoming reconstruction of North Avenue. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve safety, support local businesses, enhance walkability, and align street design with long-term economic development and neighborhood needs.
Second, I want to help guide the long-term development of the Wauwatosa Library as it prepares for a future capital campaign. The library is a vital civic institution, and its next chapter must be shaped by strong community engagement and thoughtful long-term planning.
Third, I will prioritize continued investment in bike and pedestrian infrastructure to keep our city walkable and safe, especially for children and families.
Finally, I will remain focused on financial stability and affordability through disciplined budgeting, careful use of public incentives, and responsible long-term planning that protects taxpayers.
Michael Indy Stluka
Contact Information
- Phone Number: 1-414-295-9922
- Email: Stluka4Tosa@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Current Occupation: Senior risk analyst at American Family Insurance
- Work History
- Data and reporting analyst at Associated Bank
- Senior program manager at Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin
- Employment and training specialist at Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Volunteer Information
- Girls lacrosse coach at Wauwatosa High School
- Girls lacrosse director at Wisconsin Lacrosse Federation
- Girls lacrosse coach at Madison Westside Lacrosse Club
- Legislative intern for State Senator Julie Lassa (D)
- Committee member for City of Madison Affordable Housing and Tennant and Landlord Relations Committee
Why are you running for office?
I believe city government works best when it is transparent, accountable, and focused on the people who call our community home. Residents deserve clear information about how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent, and will help ensure City Hall operates in a way that earns public trust.
I am motivated to advocate for policies that improve the day-to-day lives of average residents, not just well-connected interests. That means directing resources toward neighborhoods, families, and small businesses, while promoting diverse housing options that meet the needs of people at different stages of life and income levels. A healthy city is one where teachers, service workers, seniors, and young families can all afford to live and thrive.
Wauwatosa faces real budget challenges and I am committed to working collaboratively to find innovative, fiscally responsible solutions that protect essential services while minimizing impacts on taxpayers.
I bring a data-driven mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and a genuine commitment to collaboration. I listen, I connect, and I work to build solutions that reflect our shared priorities.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
If elected, I will focus on practical issues that reflect what residents consistently ask for: fairness, transparency, safety, and growth that truly benefits our community.
One priority is reforming how we use Tax Increment Financing. TIF should be a targeted tool, not a routine subsidy for luxury apartment developments that do little to address affordable or senior housing needs. I will advocate for a wider range of housing options, including owner-occupied homes, missing-middle housing, and housing that allows seniors to age in place.
Transparency in city government is essential to earning public trust. I support guaranteed public comment at all meetings, clear and publicly available conflict-of-interest policies, recording and posting all meetings, and a single, easy-to-use webpage for city data, reports, committee updates, and goal tracking.
I am also committed to responsible budgeting that limits impacts on residents. This includes pursuing grants by hiring a dedicated grant writer and exploring fair revenue options such as overnight parking permits. Finally, I will work to improve safety along school routes and other high-pedestrian areas.
Contact Information
- 414-367-9678
- WickerTosa@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Current (Oct 2020-present): VP of Sales at Waterloo Sparkling Water Company
- (June 2006 - Oct 2020): Director/Division Manager at Amy's Kitchen organic food company
- (June 2004 - June 2006): Region Manager at The Spice Hunter organic spice company
- Current member of the Wauwatosa Civics Celebration Commission
- 2025 Graduate of the Wauwatosa Citizens Police Academy
- Just started volunteering in December 2025 with Wreaths Across America (seasonal)
Why are you running for office?
I'm running for Alderman in Wauwatosa to bring common sense leadership and help with fiscal responsibility in our city government.
Key Reasons
- Common Sense Approach: Drawing from 20+ years in sales leadership at companies like Waterloo Sparkling Water, Amy's Kitchen, and The Spice Hunter, I'll cut through bureaucracy with practical, results-driven decisions that prioritize residents over politics.
- Fiscal Responsibility: As a mid-career executive managing budgets, pricing, and margins in the competitive beverage and organic foods sectors, I understand sound financial stewardship—ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely without waste or overreach.
- Proven Civic Commitment: My service on the Wauwatosa Civics Celebration Commission, graduation from the Citizens Police Academy, and volunteering with Wreaths Across America demonstrate my dedication to our community.
- Collaboration: I believe that my experiences collaborating with individuals with varying views and coming to common grounds would be a great asset for Wauwatosa and would be very positive for the Common Council.
Together, these strengths position me to prioritize balanced budgets and responsive governance for Wauwatosa families.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
Focus on practical, budget-conscious issues that directly affect Wauwatosa residents, especially taxes, core services, and neighborhood quality of life.
Smarter, businesslike budgeting
- Bring private-sector discipline to the city budget: set priorities, evaluate return on investment, and cut wasteful or low-impact spending.
- Push for clearer communication so residents can easily see where every tax dollar goes and how it supports key priorities.
Property taxes / affordability
- Make property tax impacts more transparent and push for development policies that do not keep shifting the tax burden onto homeowners.
- Use business-style analysis to scrutinize TIF deals/incentives so they clearly benefit residents, not just large commercial projects.
Core services / public safety
- Prioritize funding for police, fire, and essential services.
- Apply common-sense budgeting to avoid cuts that reduce safety, youth programs, and parks while still living within the city’s means.
Roads, traffic, reckless driving
- Support a stable, long-range funding plan for road repair so streets/alleys are maintained without constant emergency fixes.
- Back data-driven traffic and enforcement strategies to address congestion and reckless driving, reflecting concerns residents have raised.
Robin Brannin
Contact Information
- Email: robinfortosa@gmail.com
- Phone: (262) 853-2680
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
The following positions reflect my current professional and volunteer roles:
- Alderperson, City of Wauwatosa Common Council (District 3)
- Managing Director & Senior Vice President, Digital Marketing Strategy, MorganMyers, a G&S Agency
- President, Friends of Firefly Grove Park (Volunteer)
- President, Underwood Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (Volunteer)
- Board Member - Social Media Manager, Fisher Woods Neighborhood Association (Volunteer)
Why are you running for office?
I am running for re-election because I care deeply about our community and believe strong local leadership is essential to maintaining what makes Wauwatosa a great place to live while planning responsibly for the future. As Alderperson, I work to listen to residents, deliver on commitments, and advocate for practical solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. I believe the Common Council needs a strong, informed voice for the west side—especially as we work to bring the new Wauwatosa Comprehensive Plan and west-side sub-area plans to fruition. These plans will guide growth and investment for decades, and it is critical that west-side neighborhoods are thoughtfully represented in that work. I am also committed to creating safer infrastructure for all road users and improving pathway connections so residents can move around the city more safely and easily. I am committed to transparent, collaborative decision-making and thoughtful planning that balances fiscal responsibility with long-term community benefit.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
In my next term, I will continue to focus on responsible development that strengthens our tax base while respecting neighborhood character. I want to advance investments in infrastructure, including safer streets, sidewalks, and bike and pedestrian connections that improve mobility for all residents. Parks, green space, and community gathering places remain a priority, along with maintaining strong, reliable city services. I am committed to fiscal stewardship, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely, transparently, and with long-term value in mind. I also want to support policies that help small businesses start, grow, and thrive in Wauwatosa by encouraging sensible development, clear and efficient permitting processes, and strong communication between business owners and the City. Supporting local businesses is essential to neighborhood vitality and economic stability. I will continue fostering inclusive community engagement and long-term planning that prepares Wauwatosa for the future while enhancing quality of life for families, seniors, and businesses across the city.
Amanda Fuerst
Contact Information
- Email: afuerst@iwu.edu
- Phone: (262) 372-1060
Mike Morgan
Contact Information
- 414-335-9467
- morgs8185@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Work: Marketing consultant, school district sports event staff and youth baseball umpire.
- Volunteer experience: Steve Cullen Healthy Heart Run, Wauwatosa West Booster Club, North Central Little League, Founder Junior Trojans Baseball Club
Why are you running for office?
To continue working on behalf of Wauwatosa residents to help support public safety, lower taxes and spending, and balanced development.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
Ensure safe and efficient Fire Department merger, improve budget and spending transparency, and seek smaller density housing development.
Melissa Dolan
Contact Information
- (414) 704-5610
- Melissaldolan2022@gmail.com
Scott Small
Contact Information
- Phone: 920-342-1128
- Email: small4tosa@gmail.com
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Occupation:
- Managing Partner – Seifert, Small & Associates, LLC, 2024–Present
- Associate Attorney – Seifert & Associates, LLC, 2021–2023
- Other Positions:
- Legislative Research Intern – Representative Evan Goyke, 2019
- Intergovernmental Affairs Director – UW–Eau Claire, 2017–2018
- Mascot Coordinator – UW–Eau Claire, 2016–2017
- Student Senator – UW–Eau Claire, 2014–2018
- Education:
- Marquette University Law School, Juris Doctor, 2021
- Pro Bono Honor Society; Labor and Employment Law Society; Marquette Benefits and Social Welfare Law Review
- University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Bachelor’s in Political Science – Legal Studies, 2018
- Watertown High School, 2014
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office to positively affect the community and neighborhood that I plan on living in for the next several decades of my life. My wife, Veronica (and our dog, Ollie), and I have made the decision to start our family in Wauwatosa. With that choice comes an obligation to make the city the safest and most prosperous it can be—not just for my family, but other young families as well.
For Wauwatosa to grow, it must remain attractive to Wisconsinites who want to put down roots and raise their families here. As the owner of a small business, I know what it takes to lead from the front and make tough decisions when they must be made. I am committed to doing what is best for the entire community, not just a handful of neighborhoods.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
My priorities are straightforward and focused on developing the entire city, the East, West, North and South sides of Wauwatosa.
Long-to-mid term goals:
- Ending disproportionately high property taxes on the homes in the 12th District until funds are allocated to our community. Development in Wauwatosa is southern-facing, making the neighborhoods in the 12th District pay disproportionally higher property taxes without seeing the same benefits.
- Maintaining and beautifying our city’s parks, making them not just functional, but convivial to families, recreationalists, and community organizations.
- Making Wauwatosa the most attractive spot for small businesses in Milwaukee County.
Short Term Goals
- Ending reckless driving in our neighborhoods and around our schools.
- Maintain and develop community services that aligned with the needs of the community including recreational improvements, garbage and waste management changes, and social events which improve community trust and togetherness.
Krista LaFave
Contact Information
- kristaforjudge@gmail.com
- 414-316-8609
Occupation, work history, volunteer experience
- Currently attorney at Warshafsky Law Firm representing injured individuals
- Currently elected as Municipal Judge for City of Wauwatosa
- Graduate of Tulane University School of Law and University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Previous member of Wauwatosa’s Board of Zoning Appeals
- Previous member of State Bar of Wisconsin’s Board of Governors and current member of Nominating Committee
- Past President of Association for Women Lawyers, Inc.
Why are you running for office?
I care deeply about our community, both Wauwatosa and the greater Milwaukee area. Fair and just enforcement of our municipal code is important to our community and society. I approach each case on an individual basis, viewing each defendant based on the facts for their situation. For juveniles, it is important that the municipal court is an opportunity to intervene in their lives, and my goal is to inspire change for better behavior in the future.
What issues would you like to pursue if elected?
I will continue to learn best practices for municipal court and regularly review our practices and policies.
