I'm Mark Peters, and I'm running for District 3 Alder. Thanks for coming to my website - I hope that before you leave you'll see why I am the "change" candidate, and why it's...  

Time for Change!

 

Wauwatosa at a Crossroads

Many Wauwatosa residents feel increasingly cynical and disengaged from local government - citing minimal communication from elected officials, limited transparency, and a lack of collaboration among neighborhood groups. Recently, the St. Bernard's and Harlow and Hem developments in the village have alarmed many at the seeming "development at all costs" attitude of the Council and the continual lack of opportunity for public input before plans are nearly a "done deal."

 

Voices that have been raised about the dangers of relying too much on TIF funding and the possibility of a looming "fiscal cliff" were not only ignored but vilified by the Mayor and the great majority of the Council. Even though they were using the city's own data, they were called liars and conspiracy theorists. Now the latest numbers have just shown that if anything, they may have underestimated the dangers. Read more...

Why I'm Running

Like most of us, I was ignorant about city government since moving here in 2009, mainly because there is no reporting on it. Retirement in 2021 gave me time to attend some meetings and talk to various political and community leaders. Now I'm so concerned that after decades of  knocking on doors almost every two years for progressive local, state and federal candidates, I've decided to run myself.

 

Currently many of us don't even know who our alderpersons are, because they aren't focused on us, they're in their bubble at City Hall taking marching orders from our part-time (and "powerless" in his words) Mayor and our unelected City Administrator. Many of us have also been disappointed by alders who ran on progressive platforms but immediately fell completely in line with the the "powers that be." It's time for the people to be heard! 

 

I don't have any detailed Ten Point Plans, and I don't know how I will even vote yet on many issues. But I will ask good questions, keep you informed, get your input (before it doesn't matter!) and vote by how you guide me, not how I'm instructed by City Hall. Read more...

Why is This Such a Critical Election? 

This year  we go from two alders in eight districts to one alder each in twelve districts. Our new District 3 is similar to but larger than the District 4 most of us were in before. See new map here. This may be our only opportunity to get a critical mass of progressive alders on the Council before it shrinks from 16 to 12 members and locks in a "McBride Majority" for years to come. I hope you'll join me in making sure our voices are heard!

My Priorities

 

  • Improved communication and more opportunities for resident input
  • Increased transparency in city government (learn more)
  • Ensuring that new development benefits our entire community, does not over-rely on TIF funding, and maintains the unique character of our beautiful city
  • Addressing Wauwatosa's worsening financial outlook utilizing a data-driven approach (as has been proposed but rejected)
  • Recommitting ourselves to affordable housing so that young people can move here and retired residents can stay
  • Protecting and investing in our green spaces, rivers and watershed
  • Ensuring safety, especially continuing efforts to calm traffic
  • In short, a more progressive, democratic and accountable City Government 

Endorsements

"Mark is more than qualified to hold public office and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy. His voice and perspective would be based on reason, what's good for the city of Wauwatosa AND IT'S CITIZENS! "

Jon Gundlach, Tosa resident since 1997

"I have become increasingly troubled in recent years by some of the the City Council's decisions and the process by which they are made.  Mark has dedicated himself to opposing these trends.  I believe he deserves our trust in elevating him to elective office. "

Al Nichols, Dist. 14 resident

"We..."

Mark and Leigh Anne Fralley, Dist. 4 residents

Don't be scared if you see this face at your door!

 

It's just me, your friendly neighborhood candidate for City of Wauwatosa Alder! Invite me in out of the cold and we'll have some good conversation. Thanks!

 

Thanks for taking the time to inform yourself about this important election!

From our family to yours, hopes and prayers for a better 2026!

Contact me