Challenger says new face, ideas needed on Village Board; incumbents tout steady course

Three incumbent trustees say they have unfinished business on the Saukville Village Board, while a challenger contends it is time for a new perspective.

The Tuesday, April 2, ballot will feature a four-way race for three seats on the Village Board.

Newcomer Rhonda Kamenick, 675 N. Mill St., is hoping to win one of the trustee seats currently held by Mike Krocka, Joe Caban or Dave Maglio.

“I feel it is time for a new perspective on the board. The board is made up of six men, with only the village president being a woman,” Kamenick said.

“Aside from being a woman, I come from a very different place. I have two young children and am very involved in the activities that surround the elementary school.
Also, I have been unhappy with some of the recent decisions made by the board.”

She previously cited disappointment with a board decision that prevented a Kwik Trip convenience store from being built in the Highway 33 corridor.

“I see a growing and thriving Saukville that follows in the footsteps of other Interstate corridor towns and villages, such as Grafton. Commerce that caters not only to those who live in the village, but that draw from all over the Ozaukee County area and beyond,” Kamenick said.

“Being able to attract new business and grow the community is difficult during even the best of times. We have to be open to businesses that will grow the tax base and help increase the quality of life of our residents.”

Krocka, 345 S. Colonial Pkwy., is seeking his sixth term on the board.

He said he takes great pride in serving the community as a trustee.

“I believe in this community, I have raised my family here and have committed the last 10 years to make sure we move forward in the right direction,” Krocka said.

“I have been on the board for the past 10 years and believe I bring knowledge and a firm commitment to help move our community in the right direction.”

He said the biggest challenge the village faces is maintaining the level of service people expect while budgets keep getting tighter.

As for his vision of the community, he summarized it in one word — “bright.”

“I believe with the economy starting to come around, we will begin to see new development in industry, commercial and housing once again in our village,” Krocka said.

Joe Caban, 108 S. Mayfair Dr., is seeking his third term as trustee.

“I enjoy the job. I really like the people I work with on the board and the people who work for and live in the village,” he said.

“I like being part of the village governmental process and being a representative and voice for my neighbors and those who elected me.”

Caban said his management experience has made him a good trustee.

“I feel that in order to be a success in anything you do, you need to be able to really listen to the thoughts, ideas and concerns of others,” he said.

Meeting economic challenges is the toughest job a trustee faces, he said.

“The price of maintaining the roads, the parks and providing security to the village, to name a few items, increases every year, yet revenues have decreased,” Caban said.

“Our residents have to tighten their belts at home or at work the same way. So our challenge is to maintain this quality place to live and work without saddling our residents with taxes that they cannot afford.”

Maglio is also seeking his third term on the board. An Ozaukee County sheriff’s deputy, he chooses not to make his address public.

Maglio said the village needs to encourage balanced development.

“I am very happy with the job the board and the staff who are getting things done, especailly with the budget,” he said.

Maglio said his job with the sheriff’s department gives him additional insight into the governmental process.

“Through my work with the county, I have an understanding of how things are done on both sides of the table,” he said.

Maglio said the priority of village trustees must be to keep a tight grip on spending to keep taxes in check.

Village President Barb Dickmann is unopposed in her bid for another term. She has held the position since 2003.