Muskego incumbent survives issue-rich aldermanic primary race

Muskego - Political newcomer Robert Wolfe got the most votes in the District 1 aldermanic primary by far, with incumbent Tracy Snead finishing second.

Both will go on to the April 3 general election.

Randall Hojnacki was eliminated from the spring ballot. The voter turnout was about 24 percent.

Unofficial totals were:

Robert Wolfe 375

Tracy Snead (inc.) 150

Randall Hojnacki 91

All totals are unofficial under the board of canvassers meets.

Reacting to the outcome, Wolfe said, "I'm overwhelmed and absolutely thankful to the people out there."

In campaigning door-to-door, he said he heard a lot of unhappiness about the city going ahead with a plan to create a park on Little Muskego Lake when the costs are still unclear.

Although Snead was one of four aldermen supporting going ahead with the park, Wolfe doubted the park controversy brought him any votes.

"I'm a hardworking family guy trying to do the right thing, that's what got me the votes," he said. "I will continue to focus on the issues facing Muskego."

In his campaign, Wolfe stressed spending reductions. He said the Common Council should not be satisfied with holding the line on taxes - they should be going down. Wolfe also said the city needs to be more business-friendly to encourage small businesses.

Snead said she wasn't surprised with the vote count.

"I knew because I didn't go door to door that I wouldn't do as well as I know I can," she said.

For the general election, Snead said she will kick her campaign into high gear.

"Now it's time to get out there and get the facts out there" about spending, taxes and the lake park project, she said.

From her perpective, Snead doubted that she suffered from a backlash from her vote for the lake park, she said.

Telephone calls from constituents are still more for the park than against it, she said. And although some bloggers criticized her for her vote on the park, she said she hasn't seen any attack literature.

Snead said she wants to continue working on flooding issues in the 1st District and make sure the Janesville Road widening is done well.

She also stressed business development and said she would like Muskego to develop a downtown along the lines of Oconomowoc and Delafield, offering unique places to shop.