Jill Didier says she never intended being mayor of Wauwatosa, or of any city for that matter. But when she became involved in politics as an alderwoman two years ago, she quickly realized there was much more she should be doing for her community.
Though a relative newcomer to politics, as well as the area -- she moved to Tosa in 2000 -- her strong campaign based on crime reduction and positive development momentum secured her election.
Upon taking office in April 2008, Didier continued the 16-year tradition of female mayors in Wauwatosa. OnMilwaukee.com sat down with her for this edition of Milwaukee Talks.
OnMilwaukee.com: You're not originally from Wauwatosa. What drew you here?
Jill Didier: My husband; I married into Wauwatosa. My husband was born in Wauwatosa and his family did move out for a bit, but they've always had their roots here. When we were married, we were originally living closer to Lake Geneva but when we had the opportunity to change up what we were doing, we came to Tosa. We love it and we've been here 10 or so years. You can't find a better place to take root and raise children. We love the community feel. Tosa is unlike any other place. When you meet people, they just have a passion for their community, whether it's politics, or seniors or recreation. It's an amazing spirit among the people.
OMC: Speaking of politics, you were previously a Wauwatosa alderwoman. Was the mayor's office always your goal?
JD: No. I tell people that I have a list of things I want to achieve in my life, and it's all across the board, but never on that list was to be mayor. I think that is what is unique about my track in getting here; I'm able to bring a new perspective and new approach because this isn't necessarily what I set out to do. I have found myself on this path. People ask if I like being mayor and I love being mayor. It's a very dynamic job and I feel honored to have been elected.
The aldermanic term is four years. I served two out of the four, but my type of personality is that if I see something that I think can be done differently or better or if I have suggestions, I will do what it takes to present those ideas. In this case, I felt there was a different way to communicate and open the door and have some good discussion on issues and I wasn't wiling to sit in my aldermanic seat for another two years if I wasn't willing to at least step up to the plate and attempt to make a change in the areas that I felt were necessary.
OMC: One of those areas is the perception of crime in Wauwatosa. Part of your goal was to alter that. Is there a big different between the perception of crime in Wauwatosa and actual crime?
JD: I do stay on top of the statistics and the problem that arises is that sometimes perception becomes a reality. Let's take Mayfair Mall. It did have some issues for a while and it was getting huge media. But right now Mayfair Mall is incredible. Statistically, compared to other malls in the region, Mayfair is on the low end of crime -- and crime is shoplifting -- and PGR (Parental Guidance Required) has worked. That's an example of staring to change the perception. Mayfair Mall just celebrated its 50th anniversary ... and it's a great asset to the community. It's a great offering of activities.
OMC: Do you credit the Parental Guidance Required as one of the main factors in reducing shoplifting?
JD: I give credit to the mall management, specifically (general manager) Steve Smith, who actively worked with the community and police department to address the needs and to come up with solutions. The solutions they decided upon, including the PGR, are working.
OMC: Do you feel like Wauwatosa provides enough for teenagers to do?
JD: No one has ever asked me that question before! We have a great Youth Commission here in Wauwatosa, made up of kids from junior high to high school, so not only do you have the school options and opportunities, you have an incredible rec department as well as extra curricular activities. We have a safe park -- which is now being built up -- and the Oak Leaf Trail.
The Youth Commission does both social activities as well as community support activities. Last year they helped enhance Kyle's Korner, which is a not-for-profit that assist children who have had a loss in their family. They've also raked yards for seniors in the community. They run a mock school board meeting so they can understand the processes and how decisions are made for their own schools, so I do feel like we have a lot of opportunity for youth in the community to be involved.
OMC: Getting back to Mayfair -- it seems to grow every year. Do you think the surrounding neighborhood can support this rapid expansion?
JD: I really do. When you really look at the fine statistics of it all, in regards to parking and traffic, we are able to handle the growth. Of course, at Christmas time the roads get a little clogged but I look at that and think that we should be thankful that we have that asset in our community.
OMC: Hart Park is another big community asset. I noticed there are plans underway for new development there.
JD: Through the Flood (Mitigation) Project, the homes were eliminated and a master plan was created for the area. The master plan had several different elements, from a pavilion stage to, east of that, more of a natural feel with a walking and sitting area. Going west of the pavilion, having a tot lot, playground, playing fields, tennis courts and tracks. So what you're seeing now is the result of the Rotary group actively raising funds to kick off this next phase of Hart Park with this pavilion, which will be managed by Tosa Tonight, a group that runs four concerts in the summer. Hopefully between the Rotary and Tosa Tonight, the pavilion will be a great community base.
OMC: That sounds exciting.
JD: It's very exciting. In this year's capital improvements budget I have recommended that we look at investing more money into the improvement of our track and field and tennis courts. I feel that that's a vital element and will bring life back into the park and will help continue the economic thriving of the Village area.
OMC: Is there a timeline?
JD: I believe their goal is to be open for next season. And I think they're on target so far. It's a great group of people who are managing it. They are really energized.
OMC: What more does Wauwatosa need?
JD: Personally, I'd like to see the park finished near the Village because if we move forward with that we have a new destination for people. For families: Go have a picnic, go play. With the field we'd have a resource for the school (Wauwatosa East uses it), but we'd also have the opportunity to bring in outside groups to the community, whether it's a rugby match or soccer game or band competition.
So when you look at that, it starts to build the economic base and vitality of the Village. I'm looking for a reciprocal process: People come to Hart Park for an activity, then cross the street and go shop or get ice cream or have dinner. Or, people come to dine and want to check out the park. I'm looking for that back and forth element. The Village is a true jewel of our community and I think we'll see some great things down there.
OMC: What about North Avenue, between 60th Street and Wauwatosa Avenue? Any plans for development there?
JD: North Avenue was something that I really spoke a lot on. It has seen some excellent businesses come in that have been anchors and we have seen them flourish, in particular, Cranky Al's, which is donuts and pizza, and Il Mito, which is Italian food. What I believe we need to do -- and what we're already taking steps to do -- is to come up with a plan for the next step to continue growing it in a positive direction and get businesses that people in the community will walk to and support. How do we keep that walkability? We need to address parking as well.
There are two groups that were encouraged to apply for a (Community Development Block Grant), and the committee has recommended that this grant be approved. If it is approved, the city will be able to execute a plan for North Avenue. We could potentially see a resurgence of economic growth. To me, that's vital to sustaining home values and families and to keep crime at bay and really show a commitment to those residents and business from this city.
OMC: Are you thinking restaurants? Retail?
LD: I have to wait to see the plan, but I think we're going to see some mixed use development, similar to the Lockers property on 92nd and North. Personally, I think some restaurants, maybe a deli, maybe a bookstore?
OMC: One of the biggest issues facing Wauwatosa right now is the UWM expansion at the Milwaukee County Grounds. Can you bring us up to date on your position?
JD: Last fall, the Legislation Licensing Communication Committee supported a resolution for the city to engage in conversations to support the UWM expansion. That resolution was voted on and adopted by the Common Council. From that viewpoint, the city has been in the position to support the conversation to have UWM come. That being said, I too, then, support UWM coming.
Right now, it's a conversation that happens between UWM and the City of Wauwatosa, the county because of the dynamics of that property. I am hopeful that by the end of the year, a decision will be made by UWM as to whether or not they can move forward.
I personally feel that UWM would be a good partner in developing this land because from a college aspect, many studies have shown that when you place a college next to a medical complex and research complex that great things are produced. So, when you look at the County Grounds and you have the medical complex and the research park and you add an academic component, I think we'll be truly amazed at what will come out of that dynamic.
There are many people who are concerned with the conservancy aspects of the County Grounds and through my conversations with UWM, I believe there is an understanding of that conservancy and I think because of college campuses' walkability and their desire for beautiful grounds, they are a good partner to work toward keeping the conservancy element in the plan.
OMC: Finally, what is Wauwatosa's biggest asset and does it uniquely bring to the Metro Milwaukee area?
JD: Its biggest asset is the people, with their commitment, energy, volunteerism. Families with children who stay in the community and continue to give back -- that doesn't always translate to every community and neighborhood.
When you look from a bigger perspective, it's our location. We're close to Milwaukee, close to Chicago, close to Madison. You look at these anchor business that give testament to why being in Wauwatosa is great from a business standpoint. We also have great schools, which is why Tosa is a destination for families.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
