Current Whitewater Common Councilmember for Aldermanic District 4 and Council President Pro-Tem Brian Schanen formally submitted papers to run for re-election in the upcoming April 7th election, and has released the following statement.
During my first term I have focused on listening first and foremost. I have had many conversations across the community about issues large and small, good and bad. Open communication, and pragmatic decision making, is at the center of my approach as a council member, and it will continue. Serving the community is an honor, and one of the best parts is the listening and learning that the position requires.
I have focused on economic development of all types including progress in the industrial park, including identifying challenges to industrial development, creation of the house rehabilitation program, and supporting owner occupied housing. I also support recent, budget-aware initiatives from the Parks and Recreation Department that have expanded programming for residents of all ages—outdoors, indoors, and at the Whitewater Aquatic Center.
As a council, we have prioritized ensuring that our city’s emergency and safety services have the resources they need, while being fiscally responsible. Council worked to cover the addition of a detective and an additional firefighter by restructuring budgets, and not including those two positions in the referendum.
Over the past two years, I have worked to increase transparency throughout city operations. Examples include reducing the use of closed sessions and presenting a new template for improving how the city communicates the financial details and reasoning behind Tax Increment conversations. This effort ensures that both the council and residents have clear, complete information when making critical decisions.
Strong partnerships between the city, school district and university are vital to Whitewater’s success. This past summer, I worked with fellow council members, the school board, the Whitewater Police Department, and the Superintendent on the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. Since implementing the agreement in late July, communication between the district and city government has improved significantly, leading to greater transparency, better feedback, and stronger collaboration.
If re-elected, I will first and foremost continue listening, learning, and reviewing topics from all angles. I will continue to work to build strong partnerships, and enforce ethical, transparent governance. Additionally, I will be working to find ways to balance budgets without putting additional strain on our residents. With many residents on fixed incomes, in low income situations and other challenges, it is past due we take a hard look at spending. I have already begun these conversations, and they are already producing productive conversations and ideas.
In the months ahead, I look forward to knocking on doors, and talking to residents. Continuing to listen for ideas, concerns, and celebrations for moving our city forward.
Brian was elected to council in 2023, and has served on numerous boards including Planning & Architectural Review, Finance, Alcohol Licensing, and the Community Development Authority. Brian and his wife Heather live on the west side of Whitewater. They are involved in a number of community organizations including the Whitewater Breakfast Kiwanis and the Whitewater GroCo. They are avid supporters of local businesses.
