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.