On Tuesday, Aug. 18, voters in the 11th Aldermanic District will head to the polls to select a successor to the late Joe Dudzik, who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in May. Dudzik had served his constituents well and his passing is a big loss to his district and the city as a whole.
Although residents of this South Side district are feeling the loss of their long-time alderman, fortunately they can support a highly qualified candidate who will be just as devoted to their needs—Tim Carpenter, who currently represents a portion of this district in the state Senate. Carpenter has a thorough understanding of the issues facing city residents and has a depth of experience that will serve him well on the Milwaukee Common Council. If elected as alderman, he plans to stay in the Senate to finish out his term, but will donate his state salary.
Carpenter has been a tireless advocate for Wisconsin’s seniors and taxpayers. He’s fought for SeniorCare, which has done so much to help older Wisconsinites pay for lifesaving medications, and he constantly focuses on ensuring that government is only spending within its means.
Carpenter’s views match this aldermanic district. In the state Senate he voted against the Bucks arena deal because he thought state and county taxpayers weren’t getting a fair shake. We agree that too much of the costs are borne by the state-run Wisconsin Center District and Milwaukee County taxpayers. Carpenter said that the city’s portion of the deal—which includes tax incremental financing and a new parking structure—is much better because it will pay off for city taxpayers since the city gets half the parking revenues. He told us that if elected to the Common Council he will try in any way to help taxpayers get a better bang for the buck.
Overall, we think that Tim Carpenter is the best choice for 11th District voters. He would be a helpful link between Milwaukee and state government at a time when this relationship is under great strain. We urge Shepherd readers to vote for him on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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Reminder: Voters in this special election are required to show an acceptable photo ID at the polls. If you are registered to vote at your current residence, bring a Wisconsin driver’s license, state ID card, military ID, U.S. passport or other form of ID that’s accepted as proof of identity. In-person early voting is already underway at City Hall (200 E. Wells St., Room 501) and will be available 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and until 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14. Those who vote by mail must also provide a photocopy of their ID when requesting a ballot, unless the voter is a permanent absentee voter due to age, illness, infirmity or disability. If you have questions or concerns about the new photo ID rules, go to the city Election Commission website at city.milwaukee.gov/election or call 414-286-3491.
