Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/305790
By RICH ROVITO Special to The Post SOUTH MILWAUKEE – Frustrated by what he perceived as governmental compla- cency on key issues, Erik Brooks launched a campaign for mayor based on enacting change in South Milwaukee while making the revitalization of the city's downtown commercial center one of his top priorities. Brooks, who had served as alderman in the South Shore community since 2009, eas- ily ousted four-term incumbent Thomas Zepecki in the general election in April, gar- nering more than 60 percent of the vote. Voters elected Brooks, 38, to a three-year term. Born and raised on the south side of Milwaukee, Brooks has lived in South Milwaukee for 11 years. A graduate of St. Thomas More High School and Marquette University, Brooks worked as a reporter for 10 years before a career change landed him at MillerCoors in Milwaukee, where he has worked for seven years and is employed as a communications manager for the beer- brewing giant. Brooks and his wife, Sarah, are parents to a 9-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter. He is the co-founder of the South Milwaukee Downtown Farmers Market and as an alder man launched a website, SouthMilwaukeeBlog.com, to share news and events with the city's residents. The following is an edited transcript of the Milwaukee County Post's interview with South Milwaukee's new mayor: POST: What prompted you to run for mayor? BROOKS: I saw a need for positive change. We were growing much too compla- cent at the highest levels of government around many key issues. First and foremost is down- town. We've been watching it deteri- orate. There are some great things happening down- town, but half the stores are vacant. The city should play a leadership role in downtown revitalization. We needed someone at the top to help drive that process. We also haven't been putting any effort into eco- nomic development, communications, part- nerships and efficiency. In the end, someone needed to lead the charge when it came DID YOU KNOW? Local news at your fingertips Visit www.gmtoday.com MARK BELLING It's Milwaukee's way or no way with the suburbs Page 9 City espouses regionalism as long as it's in its favor • Seats belts became mandatory on U.S. cars on March 1, 1968. • Every Alaskan citizen over the age of 6 months receives an oil div- idend check of about $1,000 per year. – Source: Cool Facts app YOUTH BASEBALL BENEFITS FROM LAW – PAGE 7 STEVE 'THE HOMER' TRUE Hank the dog has become a special mascot Page 11 He's more than just a spring training story Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MilwaukeePost Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MilwaukeePost See BROOKS on Page 6 Q&A: SOUTH MILWAUKEE MAYOR ERIK BROOKS Suburb's downtown top priority Brooks MILWAUKEE COUNTY'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER MAY 2, 2014 FREE STORAGE! FREE STORAGE! FREE STORAGE! 1st Month with 6 month contract DREXEL SELF STORAGE 500 W. Drexel • Oak Creek 414-617-2109 414-587-0517 237980080 Senior & Veteran Discounts 414-418-3667 (DOOR) www.blandodoorcollc.com Senior & Veteran Discounts – Special Package – INCLUDES INSTALLATION $ 299 * New Chamberlain State of the Art LiftMaster #3265 1 /2 HP Opener with Two Remotes, Safety Photo-Eyes, Deluxe Inside Button and Lifetime Motor Warranty! Every feature available on this NEW premium opener. Price includes installation, two remotes, deluxe inside wall button, lifetime motor warranty, remove & haul away old opener & tax. *This is a limited time only. Must mention this ad! – Special Package – INCLUDES INSTALLATION $ 299 * BROKEN GARAGE DOOR SPRING, CABLE OR OPENER? We'll Fix It Fast! Same Day Service - Lowest Price $ 59 95 Extend the life of your door & opener with a TUNE UP, LUBE & SAFETY INSPECTION Parts extra if needed. TUNE UP, LUBE & SAFETY INSPECTION Spring Savings With Blando Door Co. LIMITED TIME OFFER! 16x7 Steel Raised Panel Door $ 689 * Includes installation, remove and haul away old door, reattach opener, tax. *Prices may vary due to Lead Abatement law. Safety Photo-Eyes Clip-N-Save LIMITED TIME OFFER! $ 689 * 237210119 Regularly a $359 value! *Must mention ad for special.