Milwaukee Preservation Alliance February 2022 Milwaukee County Supervisor Candidate Survey
Candidates share views on historic preservation, future of Mitchell Park Domes
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Preservation Alliance (MPA) sent all 2022 Spring Election candidates for County Supervisor listed as “Certified for Ballot” by the Milwaukee County Election Commission the following survey to better understand their perspectives on historic preservation topics, including the future of the Mitchell Park Domes, located in District 12. The answers provided below represent the unedited responses from those candidates who submitted responses to the survey. The candidates not included in the below responses did not return answers to MPA. Districts with two or fewer candidates will not be included on February 15 Spring Primary ballots but will automatically advance to the April 5 Spring Election. MPA will reach out to all candidates on the April 5 ballot again prior to the election to provide candidates the opportunity to update or submit new responses.
Candidate responses can also be found on the MPA website at https://www.milwaukeepreservationalliance.org/county-supervisor-candidate-survey.html. Voters can identify their district at https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/County-Clerk/Election-Commission/District-Maps.
QUESTION 1
What is your favorite historic site, building, or neighborhood in Milwaukee County, and what is your personal connection to it? How will you ensure Milwaukee County’s older buildings, characteristic neighborhoods, and other important historic resources remain vibrant assets to our county’s culture, economy, tourism, and the perception of Milwaukee as a world-class city?
District 1 – Karen Gentile: I believe that the parks and their safe utilization and maintenance of its buildings is necessary, so that our community and visitors can utilize and enjoy one of our greatest natural resources. My entire life, from childhood until today, has involved many hikes, adventures, sports and education in our parks. It is so important for our health and well-bering, both physical and mental!
District 3 – Jennifer Current: It’s hard to choose a favorite. Having lived in Brewers Hill for eight years, I have a true love of that historic neighborhood. I learned so much about both local and national historic district designations and the process of working with Milwaukee’s Historic Preservation Commission on appropriate renovations. I also have a deep appreciation for the Domes, which were so magical to visit as a child, and now my children love them, too. My early love of horticulture stems from time I spent there growing up. I currently live near the Historic Water Tower and the Oriental Theater, both records of Milwaukee’s infrastructure and arts, and see how these places continue to define neighborhoods long after they were built.
historic structures maintained for homes, offices, schools, museums, arts centers, hotels, and restaurants. Maintaining the historic character of Milwaukee alongside new development provides a sense of place that cannot be found just anywhere and helps create a more livable and welcoming city and region.
District 3 – Eric Rorholm: As a proud theatre artist and film enthusiast, I love Milwaukee’s Oriental Theatre – not only the employer of one of my roommates, but a perfect example of the beauty and history nestled between every nook across District 3. I am happy to see the Oriental still in operation, because unfortunately, the building when sold to developers in the 60s and was actually slated to be demolished. We are lucky that these specific men were forward-thinking enough to leave the structure intact, but the reality is that in that moment, our collective history as a community was put in the hands of the highest bidder. That’s the cost of allowing our community to be controlled by rich outside investors: we get poorer and lose our historical assets at the same time.
The historic homes and neighborhoods attracted me to the East Side in the first place, but as a renter living in a 110-year-old-home, I can attest to the very real struggles of legally powerless tenants in old structures: poor insulation, rodents, and wear-and-tear with age are common experiences for tenants, who are disproportionately marginalized communities. Oftentimes, these costs are even passed down to the tenant via confiscating security deposits and then restorative work is not done or done poorly. Worst of all, the de facto segregation and longstanding racial economic inequality still impacting the County means Black and brown residents are by far the most likely to suffer from neglect or destruction of historic sites. In short, working class people are the greatest victims of destruction of historic neighborhoods and buildings.
The truth is that residents that don’t own their home have no democratic control of their communities. Over HALF of Milwaukee’s homes are owned by people who don’t even live here. Cracking down on big-money and/or predatory landlords and making it easier to buy a home are the best ways to empower residents and businesses to protect their properties and stop the trend of landlord-orchestrated sacrifice of historic communities.
District 3 – Sheldon A. Wasserman: The Historic Water Tower Neighborhood is my favorite neighborhood in Milwaukee—and not just because I live there! I feel very strongly about the need for preservation, and I believe this neighborhood perfectly demonstrates why preservation is so important. Older buildings add a certain character to our community that cannot be regained once it’s gone, not to mention the labor costs and lost skill sets associated with trying to recreate historic resources. Put simply: we can’t rebuild the past.
District 4 – Ryan Clancy: As the Supervisor from the 4th District which includes Bay View, I’d have to claim Bay View as my favorite neighborhood even if it wasn’t. I’ve lived here for nearly two decades, and am fortunate to be surrounded by so much rich labor history, from Puddler’s Hall (and the cottages) to the South Shore Pavilion, where I was married. Bay View is a good example of a neighborhood which has changed a great deal in recent decades, but that, with some effort, has managed to maintain its connection to its past in a way that I hope can serve as a model for other parts of Milwaukee.
District 5 – Sequanna Taylor: I have a few favorites in Milwaukee County.
One is the 53206 zip code in which I grew up in. The house has been in the Family since 1958. Another is the Black Historical Society in which Black Cultural and pieces can be seen throughout. The programming enhances and education the Community as a whole on History of Black people journey past, present, and what looks toward the Future.
We have to continue shining a light on these places, ensuring funding & resources are available. Also getting the word out on the history and location, meeting with different groups and/or organizations that are preserving, advocating, and educating on these sites.
District 6 – Shawn Rolland: My favorite historic building is the one nearest to my family’s home: the Kneeland-Walker house, the home of Wauwatosa’s Historical Society. I appreciate how it’s been preserved and how the community has used the building and the grounds for activities and events all year. I think it’s important to weigh the historical significance of buildings and neighborhoods as we seek to modernize and renovate aging facilities. In Wauwatosa, we carefully considered this exact notion as we sought to repair and rebuild school buildings as part of Wauwatosa’s $124.9 million school referendum. We found ways to preserve and protect treasured artifacts and buildings while renovating and rebuilding areas that held less historical significance. It was a balancing act, to be sure, but I’m proud of the way we moved forward.
District 11 – Kathleen Vincent: Milwaukee County is home to so many unique historic sites, buildings and neighborhoods. I personally enjoy walking through the different historic areas and learning about their history. The different historic buildings such as the Milwaukee County Courthouse, City Hall and Federal Building all interest me due to their rich history of serving our community’s governmental needs. I have even visited these buildings with my students over the years. I enjoy walking through the historic neighborhoods of Milwaukee County to learn more about their history and of the people who originally settled there. As a Milwaukee County Supervisor I will do my best to support and ensure the continued success of these buildings, sites and neighborhoods as they are part of our history and should be preserved for future generations.
District 12 – Rosie King: I don’t have a favorite historic site. I see Milwaukee as a diverse well rounded place with many beautiful areas. I’m an outdoors type person. if I’m pressured to choose, then I will have to say I love the parks. Our family have frequent the parks all over Milwaukee county and surrounding areas having family events like parties, weddings, picnics, walks, runs, children and grandchildren’s play day at the park. What connects me is that we live in the district. My number one concern is to first help make Milwaukee county a safe place to live, raise a family, and protect our senior citizens by bringing communities together with sheriffs and police officers who serve in the district and throughout the county. Once we help to bridge the divide by bring communities together that feel safer people will visit more of the beautiful areas in our districts.
District 12 – Juan Miguel Martinez: It is definitely the Domes here in beautiful Clarke Square, Milwaukee. I grew up having barbecues at Mitchell park, in the picnic area that overlooks the Menomonee valley right next to the domes. It is important these as well as other cultural assets in Milwaukee remain accessible by staying public. I would like to be part of it by keeping it all available to everyone and through proper funding.
District 12 – Christian Saldivar Frias: One of my favorite areas of the city is the Jackson Park Neighborhood. In the summers I have fond memories of seeing the 4th of July Fireworks there. I remember how clean an maintained the trails used to be however when I have gone as an adult I’ve had to pick up so much trash. Growing up we didn’t have much, so Jackson Park was my favorite place to celebrate most of my birthdays and play sports like basketball and soccer. Being attentive to our parks and neighborhoods and staffing them properly throughout the year is important to me. Therefore, budget cuts and layoffs are not ok with me. Maintaining our parks encourages families and neighborhoods to come together to enjoy and care for the parks. As well as the opportunity to come together to share their ideas on how to improve our park system year round. Not only will I advocate for the maintenance and services of our parks, but for a better return on our investments in those areas. Currently, we don’t have the man power or the ability to pay for the work to be done, the Milwaukee County Parks department employs about 280 seasonal workers when it truly needs about 900 of them, according to Guy Smith, Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Parks. There’s also $500 million in deferred maintenance that needs to get done he added in his Urban Milwaukee piece from Dec 3, 2021. Strategic planning and execution of those plans are necessary for progress and positive change as we begin to move the district into the future, as well as encouraging our youth to help fill these positions.
District 12 – Josh Zepnick: Tough to choose. I would say that my favorite building is the Pabst Theater. So many memories as both child and adult seeing performances and every time I drive by, I am amazed at its beauty and history. For neighborhood, naturally I would choose one in the District: Burnham Park. It has great housing and a rich history of immigrant families and businesses. You can even see the remnants of Milwaukee’s streetcar days in some spots where rail is still showing in the ground and the electric rail building on Burnham street itself. It is economically and culturally diverse and is easily accessible to nearby destinations. How will you ensure Milwaukee County’s older buildings, characteristic neighborhoods, and other important historic resources remain vibrant assets to our county’s culture, economy, tourism, and the perception of Milwaukee as a world-class city?
County government does not have the same zoning, land use or historic preservation authority that municipal government does. Having said that, the County owns a large amount of WPA/CCC created property in the Parks and benefits from preservation by providing access via public transit. Wherever possible, it is important that the County be a strong partner with local units of city government to preserve our rich history.
District 14 – Dyango Zerpa: Milwaukee has so much historic architecture it’s hard to pick a favorite. I believe Milwaukee has a very strong culture of preserving historic structures and hope that never changes. As a Supervisor, I intend doing everything I can, to assist in granting historic designations to cultural sites that are part of Milwaukee’s heritage. I want to also ensure these sites are maintained properly.
District 15 – Peter M. Burgelis: Growing up my family often visited the Domes- I still remember the feeling of awe that such a cool place was right in my hometown. In winter months these visits often felt like a mini-vacation. Even though I’d not yet been to a real tropical location, the warmth and humidity told my younger self that this is what paradise smells and feels like. One of my campaign platforms is to protect and invest in these recognizable landmarks. The Domes restoration project will provide jobs, maintain an important tourist attraction, and continue to inspire new generations.
So many Milwaukee County neighborhoods are hidden gems- because of our parks. My experiences when I was younger growing up in a single parent household included sledding at the unofficial Honey Creek Parkway hill and in summer months, we would walk over to Jacobus Park and cool off or watch the ducks in the lagoon. These are the experiences that shaped me and I still value 40 years later. In recent years, I discovered the Statue of Labor in Jackson Park which spoke to me and the progress I believe our city can achieve. I will work daily to demonstrate why every resident of Milwaukee County deserves to enjoy these valuable sights and experiences.
District 15 – John F. Weishan, Jr.: Old Soldiers Home the Veterans Administration grounds.
The 15th District now includes the VA Grounds. As a United States Marine Corps veteran I have great respect and reverence for the grounds and buildings that have served our country’s heroes since the 1860’s.
How will I ensure Milwaukee County’s older buildings remain vibrant assets?
By speaking out in the district and around our county and state about the importance and impact of older buildings and neighborhoods, how they have shaped our communities and how they can continue to be a positive asset moving forward into the future.
QUESTION 2
If elected, what specific efforts will you make to promote and incorporate the reuse of existing buildings into the county’s health and equity vision as well as its sustainability programs and policies?
District 1 – Karen Gentile: Many of these buildings need repairs and could benefit from a public awareness campaign and possible volunteer involvement and stewardship.
District 3 – Jennifer Current: Milwaukee has an amazing stock of historic buildings throughout the city and county. Efforts to preserve buildings and landmarks, including in underserved neighborhoods, demonstrates that the combined history, the entire history, is important. Investment in areas that typically see less investment helps toward building stronger communities and bolstering future investment.
I have been fortunate to work on adaptive reuse projects across the city, and I would further support targeted investment in building reuse for affordable housing and business incubator space, cultural destinations, and community centers.
Affordable housing is a critical issue for our community. There are opportunities to revitalize existing historic homes which provides a distinct sense of neighborhood place, keeps materials out of landfills, and could even be coupled with job creation.
With increased development demand, we have a chance to hybridize with existing, historic homes and new construction. This will allow for a balanced relationship between the goals of preservation and other important city and county goals such as affordability so as to avoid detrimental, unintentional exclusionary zoning or districts.
District 3 – Eric Rorholm: As a climate activist, the need to protect our frontline communities is at the top of my priority list, and unfortunately the climate crisis is already here. That means weatherizing, increasing energy efficiency, and protecting existing properties is every bit as important as ensuring new developments are also environmentally safe and sustainable. I support County spending on weatherization programs and want to continue to expand that kind of direct aid that helps Milwaukee County residents drive down energy costs and protect their homes.
It is also important to acknowledge that over half of Milwaukee’s units are owned by people outside the city, and that too often the reason for disrepair is landlord neglect. Landlords are not beholden to the wellness of our community, only to the amount of income they can extract from their tenants. We cannot protect our historic assets if they have been sold to the highest bidder to someone who only wants to profit off them. Promoting home ownership, then, is key in returning democratic control of our communities to the people who live there and stopping the trend of urban decay at its source.
District 3 – Sheldon A. Wasserman: As Chair of the Parks, Energy, & Environment Committee, I’m acutely aware that we currently have upwards of $450 million in deferred maintenance—much of which is for historic buildings within our Parks System. We’re in an untenable situation trying to repair and preserve these buildings, and the current policy of simply waiting around for them to fall apart is unacceptable. It is imperative that these buildings be saved, or else we risk losing touch with crucial parts of our shared Milwaukee heritage.
I’ve led the charge on saving historic resources before—such as the Lake Park Ravine Bridge—and I’m fully committed to continue doing so in the future.
District 4 – Ryan Clancy: In April of 2021, the Committees on Health Equity, Human Needs and Strategic Planning and Finance received an informational report which suggested that the County wanted to abandon the Marcia P. Coggs Center, a building which, in addition to its historic significance, functions as a hub of human services. Despite being centrally situated in a community in great need of those services, and within an existing campus of human needs, the County seemed to be heading towards a decision to sell the building and instead to lease space in other places to save money in the short term. Such short-term thinking, though, where we give up valuable public assets, only ends up enriching landlords and costing us more in the long-term. I vigorously opposed that plan, and have championed the plan from the Department of Health and Human Services to request ARPA funds for the renovation of the Coggs Center, ensuring that we are investing in the current building – and the community which it serves – instead of in rent from private entities.
It often makes sense on many levels to invest in our current assets rather than discarding them in favor of something new. As with the Coggs Center, it’s often a matter of equity and access as well. I will continue to advocate for keeping public buildings public and in our hands, consistent with a long-term vision rather than short-term savings.
District 5 – Sequanna Taylor: If Elected, I would first start researching and reaching out to those who are more familiar and working toward this goal. The Community has to be an Integral part of this work. Looking at different County building for easibility and alignment of usage for programming.
Checking to see what policies are in place, and other policies and procedures needed to be forth to promote our incorporate the efforts.
District 6 – Shawn Rolland: My approach will certainly be to do what I can to maintain, protect and preserve Milwaukee County’s historical buildings, rather than tearing them down and rebuilding. However, I will also challenge the operators and curators of the historic buildings that our county supports to do more to attract visitors and popular/relevant events to these facilities on a year-round basis. If our historic buildings are widely used and deeply embraced by the community, especially if they are used in alignment with the county’s goals in its strategic plan, the argument to maintain and save them will be that much more compelling. If they are not utilized and exist to satisfy the preferences of just a few advocates, the opposite will be true.
District 11 – Kathleen Vincent: I am very much in favor of preserving our historic buildings and would promote and support efforts to reuse these spaces. I would actively work with other County leaders to see to it that these buildings remain accessible to all residents. This may require some updates to ensure that they are ADA compliant.
District 12 – Rosie King: If elected I will work with the groups that are in place to utilize our existing building so that we can preserve the rich use and heritage of our community without incurring unnecessary expense. As we also try to align with the county’s health and equity vision and sustainability programs already in place.
District 12 – Juan Miguel Martinez: I have seen the MPA’s plan from 2019 for keeping the domes functioning and modernizing it, and feel this is definitely the most comprehensive. I will strive and push to properly fund the domes this way.
District 12 – Christian Saldivar Frias: I believe that we must always make strides to conserve the historic roots of our city. Especially now more than ever, because we are at a time in our country’s politics where change is hard for some people and yet easier for others. Our attachment to our historical roots should always be respected and observed in a manner that doesn’t forget the strides we have made. We must continue our efforts to conserve the sacred spaces and efforts that were made to bring culture and inclusivity to Milwaukee. This should be our guiding compass. In addition making it fiscally possible for all county residents to have access to new and improved facilities, and for us to be able to maintain the improvements as they bring value and identity to our county culture.
District 12 – Josh Zepnick: See answer above.
District 14 – Dyango Joses Zerpa: I would like to work with organizations like MPA to identify buildings that could be used for these purposes and potentially form public-private partnerships to implement our equity vision in the community.
District 15 – Peter M. Burgelis: Unfortunately, not every beautiful or special building can be utilized or restored, but even with limited resources, much can be accomplished. The successful preservation of the Soldiers Home involved listening to stakeholders and collaborating with multiple funding sources. As County Supervisor I’ll do everything I can to facilitate and promote similar projects.
I would use examples of how the concept of ‘adaptive reuse’ from other cities can be a model for Milwaukee (Santa Ana, CA and Worcester, MA to name a few). I’ll start by making my case to our County Board committees and coordinate with municipalities. The housing crisis demands action. Across the U.S., countless other structures were already underused, abandoned, or functionally obsolete before the pandemic. The U.S. government alone owned about 45,000 of them in 2014, according to The Economist. This must be a priority as the pandemic has exasperated the need for affordable housing for our most vulnerable citizens. We have to get creative so that everyone can win.
District 15 – John F. Weishan, Jr.: As a current Milwaukee County Board Supervisor I have promoted investment in our older and historic park facilities as point of service outlets for our neighborhoods. Clean, safe, well maintained facilities promote a healthy community and instill a sense of pride in a neighborhood, they create a rallying point for a community and a forum to teach the next generation of citizens the values and importance of participating in our society.
I have supported investments in our cultural assets like Charles Allis and Villa Terrace, the War Memorial Center and the Domes. Milwaukee County has an incredible wealth of historic and culturally important buildings that have the potential to shape the future as much as they have shaped the past.
QUESTION 3
Outreach to the public has consistently shown strong public support for a long-term preservation solution for the Domes, including over 2,500 signatories to a petition calling for such a way forward (https://savingplaces.org/places/the-domes). In 2016, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors set official County policy to “pursue the repair and preservation of the existing Mitchell Park Conservatory Domes” (Resolution 16-200). The most recent figures related to the restoration of the Mitchell Park Domes indicate that a restoration of the Domes structure would cost approximately $20 million (See additional details at https://www.milwaukeepreservationalliance.org/save-our-domes.html)
How would you approach a long term plan for the Mitchell Park Domes? What factors are most important to consider when thinking about the future of the Domes?
District 1 – Karen Gentile: I think that other sources of funding must be thoroughly investigated. I’m thinking of endowments, grants, and public fundraising. One must Increase awareness and the need to care for these precious gems. I would be in favor of the county supporting any initiatives to put this in place.
District 3 – Jennifer Current: The Domes are such a unique amenity for our County. I believe that it is essential to get facts to the people about the true cost of renovation. The immediate cost of repair (primarily the reglazing) is marginally higher than the cost of demolition and, according to the various studies conducted, would provide many more years of life to this landmark.
Other reports offered numbers for a complete reimagining of Mitchell Park, not just the Domes buildings. While these visions seem beyond what might be immediately possible, there is no reason to give up the Domes because the entire plan can’t be built today. The overhaul of a major urban park is almost always a long-term plan, and a landmark structure should not be demolished or divested due to lack of funding for the big idea.
The neighborhood surrounding is far underserved with less green space per capita than most other neighborhoods in the city. The Domes provides the only year-round access to green space which is essential to community well-being.
I believe that the Domes are interwoven into the collective memory, not simply the nostalgia, of Milwaukee and that makes them worth preserving and fighting for. As a County Supervisor I will speak up for their renovation and preservation as a community asset.
District 3 – Eric Rorholm: Budgets are statements of values. What we, as a County Board, choose to invest in—and not invest in—implicitly makes the point of who, and what, we value as a County. That is why it is so disturbing and disgusting to see that parks funding has been a systemic issue for literal decades, and it’s no accident that my opponent went all-in to repair a bridge in Lake Park and then stood in opposition to funding for the Domes.
As a climate activist and Green New Deal advocate, protecting & expanding the Mitchell Park Domes is a top issue for me, and the reality is that the Domes are in danger precisely because some Supervisors are ideologically unwilling to make the kinds of budget moves needed to ensure a long-term future for our parks. I believe strongly in a dedicated funding source for Milwaukee County’s parks system, and while movement and reorganization of budgets within the existing framework is important, there is simply no realistic way to ensure Milwaukee County can protect our parks and our people unless we do two things: tax the rich and cut spending on the Sheriff’s Department. Given the strict, punitive budget restrictions put on Milwaukee County by our far-right state legislature, cutting Sheriff spending is our most viable path towards preserving our parks.
I have been in discussions with Sup. Clancy for a long time exploring how we protect the Domes and I am extremely excited about plans to repair and expand the facility – bringing union jobs and new development into South side communities that are systematically ignored. This new blueprint (a Green New Deal, if you will) is the right direction for Milwaukee County: improving our public assets, increasing access to public institutions and green spaces, and eliminating economic inequality.
District 3 – Sheldon A. Wasserman: I believe environmental concerns and financial viability are the two most important factors to consider when looking at any long-term plan to repair and preserve the Mitchell Park Conservatory Domes. I’m looking forward to the upcoming proposal from Rebecca Stoner (Milwaukee Parks Foundation) which will identify potential funding sources and realistic options to keep the Domes open to the public.
To come up with a successful plan to repair and preserve the Domes, we need a number of important stakeholders on board—including the offices of the County Executive, the Corporation Counsel, and the County Comptroller—due to the numerous resources they have at their disposal. County Executive Crowley has the most power of anyone to lead on this issue and fully address the Mitchell Park Domes preservation. I pledge to work with the County Executive, Ms. Stoner, and anyone else who is passionate about this deeply important project.
District 4 – Ryan Clancy: It was frustrating this December to be faced with an ask for another $300k contract for the net and repairs to the Domes, which merely keeps chunks of the building from falling onto visitors and does nothing to address the larger issues. In 2019, I remember sitting in the Domes with my child Sebastian, who – at age 11 – spoke to the crowd in support of a comprehensive plan which would not only repair that landmark, but transform it into a community hub and to bring hundreds of jobs and a g–eat deal of economic development to a neighborhood in great need of it. Sebastian wasn’t alone; that plan had overwhelming public support, and yet we can’t seem to summon the political will to fund that plan. I authored a budget amendment for the 2022 budget which would have funded roughly a quarter of the most recent estimate of restoration, but – despite nearly universal support from the public, and compelling testimony in favor – it did not have the votes to pass from my colleagues. My hope is that, once we can get a foot in the door, and to find the will to set aside the first dollars, that the public support will be enough to help us allocate the rest. The surrounding area – and the thousands of residents and tourists which will benefit from it – deserve us to follow through on this plan. I will continue to advocate for a plan not just to save the domes but to fulfill the potential that the community knows it has.
District 5 – Sequanna Taylor: These are some important factors I think of in reference of the Domes.
Rehabilitation and what does that consists of?
What other opportunities and or programming that could take place at the Dome?
Staffing, hours of operation and availability to the people
Safety work place for staff and safety (in reference of building being up to part)and accessibility for public.
Continued Funding and Upkeep of the Domes.
I believe it will take consistence of continued strategic planning, funding opportunities and Dedication of the Public, Government, Businesses, and Grassroots Organizations and leaders coming together to Preserve the Domes.
District 6 – Shawn Rolland: I am very interested in reading the independent feasibility analysis being prepared for the county’s Grants and Special Projects division and the Facilities Management division. My hope that that analysis will provide some helpful insight the revenue sources and the capital funding stack that could be used to fund this project.
District 11 – Kathleen Vincent: I would work with County planners to identify the long and short range needs of the Mitchell Park Domes. Given the cost necessary to preserve this site there would need to be a comprehensive plan that addresses the immediate needs while determining the future of this site. I would support efforts to raise funds for this site which would help offset costs to taxpayers. In the end, this site is an important part of our County’s history and deserves time and attention towards revitalizing it.
District 12 – Rosie King: If and when I’m elected I don’t come to this position with my own agenda. I am running for this office because the people in our area need to be heard and leaders need to follow the wishes of those who elected them to office. If there’s 2500 people in the district who want the Mitchell Park Domes revitalized it is my responsibility to work for them to get it done. However; I believe that the better plan is to do the 20 million facelift rather than a 64 million dollar start over. The Domes are a vital asset and resource of the community for families, children, seniors, tourism and great educational environment for future generations. I will help work to preserve this great legacy.
District 12 – Juan Miguel Martinez: It is important that it is treated not only as a city landmark, but also transform it into a community hub that would provide up to 300 jobs. It is important that residents of the 12th recognize this as a place that will reinvigorate the district when properly funded.
District 12 – Christian Saldivar Frias: A thorough feasibility study should be done in the district. I would intentionally work towards preserving them and would entertain working with others to invest in our cultural assets to do so. Factors to consider are funding, as well as creating a culturally inclusive restoration that adds elements of past and present of Milwaukee historical culture. To do so bring thoes that have invested their time, along with new individuals together to get feedback on how to move as one cohesive unit within the district. We must find innovative and creative ways to not only preserve the Mitchell Park Domes but to spotlight it for generations to come! Even if that means adding extension facilities to accommodate events like concerts, sporting events, festivals, and other social events that can generate revenue that will make sure that the Domes are always a gathering place for our 12th district residents and the city at large! The Domes are more than just a structural landmark of our district, they are woven into the character of who we are as warm Milwaukeeans at heart.
District 12 – Josh Zepnick: As a former State Legislator for Milwaukee’s South Side with a District that included the Domes, I attended public meetings and kept in touch with key stakeholders. My views have evolved over time. I had been convinced a total new rebuild was necessary and I would thoroughly re-evaluate that as a County Supervisor. Whatever the solution, something needs to be done and fast.
It is my view that the Domes rebuild should be a centerpiece of a complete overhaul of Mitchell Park itself. Possible ideas include: adding amenities for more outdoor recreation including swimming, more public art throughout the space, and it might sound crazy but what about a giant ferris wheel if it could fit?
I have argued that the entire project must be designed to better connect the Domes and the Park to: nearby Menonomee Valley and trails, nearby businesses and homes, and take into consideration the large number of kids under 18 living within walking distance and going to nearby schools.
District 14 – Dyango Joses Zerpa: The first step towards repairing and restoring the Domes is to correct the misinformation surrounding the dollar amount for repairs. Many believe it will cost way more to fix than it actually will. Its important that the public and elected officials have the right information when making important decisions like this. The Domes are not only a cherished landmark and unique part of our skyline, it is an educational asset to the surrounding community as well as the whole County. As Supervisor I will start by putting forward resolutions that will allocate funds for the proper assessments to be made on the facility, which will allow us to create a plan for repairs which in turn, will make the Domes a shovel ready project. We will then explore all funding options including Grants and ARPA dollars as well as the county’s capital budget funds.
District 15 – Peter M. Burgelis: Though County funding is currently limited by the State Legislature, I’ll fight for local control of revenue generated by our city to include permanent transit and parks funding. The Wisconsin tax system unfairly burdens property owners while visitors and neighbors enjoy our attractions, but don’t participate in their investment or upkeep. Budgets are value statements on the community’s priorities. Milwaukee values are prioritizing our people and shared spaces. As County Supervisor in the 15th district, I will fight for every dollar from Madison and work diligently to ensure that the investment in our community does the most good for every neighborhood.
I attended and listened to the September 2019 County Board meeting at the Domes where the restoration project was shared and I’m concerned that almost three years later, the Board hasn’t made this project a priority. The temporary netting solution has cost $300,000 dollars and while is certainly needed, this only delays the restoration project and kicks the decision for progress further down the road. We have a short window for ARPA funding and using those funds for the Domes project (and other sorely needed infrastructure) with responsible bidder and shared labor agreements is the perfect opportunity to grow and expand skills of our labor force and keep this community treasure intact for generations to come.
District 15 – John F. Weishan, Jr.: I support the Domes long term plan proposed by the Domes taskforce.
We have a unique opportunity at this time due to the federal funding in the covid response and America Rescue Plan Act and new federal infrastructure spending plan. I believe that a combination of Milwaukee County funding in conjunction with state and federal dollars along with the implementation of the task force’s proposal would create a secure long term future for the domes.
I would like to thank the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance for your efforts to preserve
Milwaukee’s heritage.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (414) 364-4725 or Email at
For additional information on my campaign, my positions on issues facing Milwaukee county, Please go to Weishan4mke.com.
About the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, Inc.
Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting stewardship and awareness of the historic, cultural, and economic value of Milwaukee’s built heritage. MPA aims to strengthen Milwaukee’s neighborhoods by advocating for and promoting their unique cultural spaces and architectural assets in order to foster a strong and vibrant community as well as demonstrating the link between historic preservation and viable economic development.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Milwaukee Preservation Alliance
Milwaukee Preservation Alliance Names New Full-Time Executive Director
Apr 27th, 2023 by Milwaukee Preservation AlliancePreservationist and architectural design professional Emelia Rudd to carry MPA forward.
