Photo Courtesy of Dakota Barnes-Rush
New Testament Church of Milwaukee
New Testament Church of Milwaukee sits along W. Bradley Road in Milwaukee's 12th Assembly District.
For many Wisconsin’s 12th Assembly District residents, the biggest issue in the upcoming election is not a campaign promise. It is whether the person elected will listen after taking office.
Across the district, residents said they want safer streets, better roads and a representative who remains involved with the community. Concerns about reckless driving, potholes, neighborhood development and youth resources emerged as some of the biggest issues shaping what voters want from their next Assembly representative.
The race features Democratic incumbent Russell Goodwin and Democratic challenger Jordan Roman competing for the seat.
Margie Kazmarek, a 74-year-old retired pediatric nurse who has lived in the Menominee River Hills area since 1980, said her biggest concern is making sure residents have a voice in decisions affecting their neighborhood. Kazmarek said residents are worried about a proposed high-rise development near Christian Faith Fellowship Church and want their concerns considered before any decisions are made.
“We know we’ve been here. We know what works, we know what doesn’t work. Listen to us,” she said. Kazmarek added that residents previously felt left out when the church was built in the area and want more communication during future development discussions.
Road safety a Top Concern
Traffic and road safety were also concerns raised by residents throughout the district.
An anonymous 38-year-old District 12 resident who works in human resources said speeding, reckless driving and road conditions are among the biggest problems affecting the community. The resident said they want the next representative to focus on improving streets while being honest and transparent with constituents.
Tim Hall, an 81-year-old Pheasant Run resident, said potholes and speeding vehicles have become major issues in his neighborhood.
After years of residents requesting improvements, Hall said he wants elected officials to take action instead of only showing up during election season. “We need something done,” Hall said.
Candidates’ Different Approaches to Public Safety
Both candidates said they agree public safety is a major concern but offered different approaches to addressing the issue.
Goodwin, a 44-year-old Milwaukee native, said his experience representing the district gives him an understanding of the community’s needs. He pointed to his legislative work, including efforts focused on reckless driving, as evidence that he can create change while working across party lines.
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Goodwin said he wants to continue building relationships between Milwaukee and Madison to bring resources back to the district. “I promised the district that I would go to Madison with an open mind, and that I would build a bridge from Madison to Milwaukee,” he said.
Goodwin also said he wants to focus on property tax relief and financial assistance for residents struggling with rising costs.
Roman, a 42-year-old Milwaukee native, said his background in community advocacy has prepared him to represent District 12. He said his focus would be addressing the underlying issues connected to public safety, including housing instability, youth programs and mental health services.
Roman said creating more opportunities for young people is important to preventing future problems. “We have to make sure that we have enough mental health services and programming available for our kids and families to access,” Roman said.
Visibility and Community Connection
Roman said another difference between himself and Goodwin is his approach to community engagement. He said residents need a representative who is consistently visible and available. “I think being present and visible is absolutely important,” Roman said.
Goodwin pushed back against criticism that he has not been accessible, saying he regularly meets with residents, attends community events and gathers feedback through conversations and surveys. “I’m everywhere in the community. I’m at the churches. I’m at the coffee shops, and I hear and I listen to what’s going on in the community,” Goodwin said.
As Election Day approaches, residents said they are looking for more than a candidate who can explain their plans. They want someone who will continue showing up and responding to the issues affecting their daily lives.
