A proclamation will be read at the West Bend Common Council meeting Monday in honor of outgoing Dist. 3 alderman Ed Duquaine who is wrapping up a six year term.
Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said even though it’s the end of Duquaine’s term is it not the end of his service to this community.
“Ed sets the bar high, believes in personal responsibility and smaller government,” Sadownikow said. “Ed led by example, brought more efficiency to West Bend government, and is leaving the community a better place than when he first ran for office six years ago.”
Duquaine was first elected in 2010, replacing Richard Lindbeck. “I am proud to have been a part of so many great things that have been accomplished,” said Duquaine. “Without sugar coating, the city’s finances were a complete mess six years ago.
“We were allocating nearly $1 million a year of our day-to-day operational costs to our TIF districts (basically, financing and paying interest on daily operations over a 20-year period).
“Our operations (in some areas) were not nearly as efficient as they could have been. We had no succession planning, little to incentivize career advancement, and a culture that didn’t promote it.
“Our community development department had a reputation of being non-welcoming, tough to deal with and our process was viewed as cumbersome. That has all changed,” he said.
Duquaine said he would have liked to have stayed on for another term, maybe two. “I would have liked to be around to eliminate all capital borrowing,” he said. “And we’re getting close to the hump with our budgetary woes.”
Duquaine reflected on his career during a recent one-on-one conversation at his office on Highway NN. “I had fun and I learned a lot,” he said. “I learned about municipal government and I’m proud of the people we have working for the city.”
Paul Wilke is a member of Common Sense Citizens. He described Duquaine as a no-nonsense, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of guy. “Ed has been a great asset to the community of West Bend,” he said. “He spear-headed the addition of artificial turf for our high school football field and lent his business savvy and talent to our community as Alderman. During his tenure the city of West Bend has lead the way in finding ways to provide outstanding service to its citizens at the same time reducing property taxes.”
Local real estate agent Scott Schneiberg also praised Duquaine. “Ed’s is one of several key leaders to integrate common sense, efficiency, and accountability into our city’s operational and financial decisions,” said Schneiberg. “His commitment to serve our citizens has been second to none.”
Duquaine will be replaced by Mike Chevalier, president of MCR Services LLC in Richfield. Chevalier served on the city’s Value Task Force from July 2011 – April 2013, was a former president of Common Sense Citizens, on the facilities committee with St. Frances Cabrini, and Chevalier is a member of the West Bend Sunrise Rotary.
On a side note: The city was prepared to honor Herb Tennies for his years as Washington County Board Supervisor/chairman however that recognition has been postponed as the Village of Slinger will recognize Tennies on Monday night.