TETNA organizing aldermanic candidate forum
Tosa East Towne is entirely within Wauwatosa’s 5th Aldermanic District, and the April 5 election for our district will be a contest between incumbent Rob Gustafson and challenger Sean Lowe. Don’t forget to vote! Our polling station is the Firefly Room at Wauwatosa Public Library, 7635 W. North Ave.
TETNA is in the process of organizing a candidate forum similar to the forum that the association hosted before the Common Council elections four years ago. Gustafson and Lowe have agreed to join us on March 16 at 7 p.m. for an event tentatively set to be held at Roosevelt Elementary School. Final details will depend partly on the latest COVID-19 data, and we are working on livestream options as well.
This is not a debate but rather will be a chance for voters to learn more about the two candidates and what they think about issues of interest to the neighborhood. We encourage you to suggest topics you would like us to cover at the forum by emailing info@tosaeasttowne.org, posting on our Facebook event page or tweeting to us at @TETNA or with the hashtag #tosa5th.
Also, be aware that a citywide referendum will ask voters whether Wauwatosa should reduce its Common Council from 16 members to 12. This would create new district boundaries and more, smaller districts, with each district represented by one alderperson. (The city currently has 8 districts, each represented by 2 people.) The referendum also would endorse term limits.
Candidate Bios
Incumbent Rob Gustafson and challenger Sean Lowe. The information below was provided by the candidates.
Rob Gustafson
Age: 38
Address: 2461 N. 60th St.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood/district: Since 2019, and I lived on the west side of Wauwatosa for eight years.
Family, professional and volunteer background: I am joined by my wonderful partner Kellie; our daughter, Anna, and new addition of Buster, our shy, whacky, slightly-too-long rescue dog. I have an 11-year background in IT and spent the last five years of that executing large-scale pilot programs for Best Buy. In 2017, I left that behind for the dream of pursuing and opening Vennture Brew Co. with two amazing business partners, Jake and Simon. I also am co-founder of Help Portrait Milwaukee, vice president of Uptown Crossing BID#16.
Why do you want to represent District 5 on the Common Council: I am invested deeply in this neighborhood and want to be a voice for my neighbors. Like many families in District 5, we own a house here, have a child in school at Wauwatosa East (Go Raiders!), and own a business just a few blocks down the road. In talking to folks every day, I get to hear about their challenges and concerns, their problems and questions and what they want from our city. I want to take those questions and challenges to Council while we consider the best path to what’s next for Wauwatosa. I want to help my neighbors find and use the City’s resources, solve problems and connect them with the right people. I want to bring a level-headed approach to decision making, and find ways to collaborate with the other alders to move our whole City forward.
Other info you'd like to share: City boy, avid fly fisher, former professional photographer (you’ll most likely see me carrying a camera). I practically wore only sweatpants until I was 10 years old. I’m a lover of craft beer and drinker of cold brew coffee at any time of the year.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobGustafsonD5
Sean Lowe
Age: 41
Address: 7734 W. North Ave. Apt. 1
How long have you lived in the neighborhood/district: Seven years
Family, professional, volunteer background: Single; product and sales senior specialist at Northwestern Mutual; former president of the Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals; former central region vice president, membership chair and treasurer of the National Urban League Young Professionals; chair of the City of Wauwatosa Equity & Inclusion Commission.
Why do you want to represent District 5 on the Common Council: I believe that by delivering equity in leadership to all citizens in all parts of Wauwatosa, we can create a world-class city in Wisconsin, one that prepares us for growth, promotes inclusion while focusing on our parks, safety, and prosperity for all residents. There is more than enough space in Wauwatosa to protect our county grounds and still develop affordable housing and new businesses. This district needs someone who will push for Schoonmaker Creek's infrastructure development that will help prevent future flooding for homeowners. We need to ensure that the Wauwatosa home repair program continues to be funded and fund rental assistance programs as well.
Other info you'd like to share: My Urban League experience has afforded me the opportunity to go to the White House and spend time on Capitol Hill fighting for equality and civil rights. I will bring that energy to this seat.
Website: www.seanloweforalder.com
Facebook: @seanloweforalder
Twitter: @seanlowe4alder