Curt is Chicago native – but don’t hold that against him. After stops in Madison and California, he and his wife moved to Waukesha in 2004 to open their own downtown business.
Waukesha is a City of approximately 65,000 people. That’s a lot.
I would be under the impression that a City this size would operate like other cities I have lived in.
Let’s take Chicago for example. If you have an issue or concern in the City of Chicago, it could take you 3 days to figure out whom you are going to call about it.
Once you make the call, chances are you may not talk to a human being.
Finally, it may take another year before you get a result- I use the word “result” to describe the computer generated letter you will receive stating someone will address your concern in the near future- before or near the return of Halley’s Comet, maybe.
California was similar, but they were far craftier. You will NEVER talk to a live person on the phone. Ever. You might as well fix the issue yourself. However, I will say issues in that town were few and far between.
This brings me to Waukesha. As a business owner/resident here, I pay a lot of attention to my surroundings. I want to maintain a safe and friendly environment for my patrons.
In the two years I have been here, I have brought many issues to the attention of:
-The City of Waukesha via the “Issues and Concerns” column available at the City website
-The Police Department
-My Alderman
I have to say, I am completely impressed, in fact a little shocked at times, at how responsive and supportive this City is. If this City does one thing right, this is it. In a City of 65,000 people, my issues and concerns are important. They are listened to. They are resolved.
I listen to a lot of people complain about a lot of things this City does wrong and don’t think for a second that I haven’t been one of these people once or twice.
However, Waukesha gives its people the chance to bring their concerns to the attention of those that need to hear them. If you disagree with me, you are not paying attention to all of the opportunities you have.
When you are finished reading this, go to the City of Waukesha website and take a tour. It’s great. Since Mayor Nelson’s term, the site has undergone some nice changes. It was good before, but it’s getting better.
While you’re at it, check out who your alderman is. Contact them if want. From this website, you can find out all kinds of information about who’s in charge of what and where to find them.
In closing, I want to thank the City of Waukesha for listening. We appreciate it. Thanks to the Police department for keeping an eye on our downtown, and thanks to my Alderman for his very active role in our community.
This City works well.
Now about the “Welcome to Waukesha” sign…
