MILTON — Four candidates are vying for three open seats on the Milton Common Council, each bringing different professional backgrounds and community experiences but sharing concerns about growth, housing affordability, taxes and maintaining Milton’s character.
Candidates include incumbents Trent Kuczynski and Ken Smith and challengers Brooks Gallman and Michelle Reid. Council member Ryan Holbrook will not be seeking reelection
Brooks Gallman
Gallman said his professional background in public finance and policy led him to seek a seat on the council. He has a master’s degree in public policy and administration and he currently works as a policy analyst for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs where he helps manage over $160 million in annual taxpayer funding.
“That means reviewing finances, holding programs accountable, and making sure public dollars aren’t wasted,” he said.
Gallman said his public service experience spans education access and homelessness prevention.
“I’m a proud AmeriCorps alum, having started my work in public service helping ensure that first-generation college students had the resources they needed to succeed in college, and later working in homelessness prevention with young people in the foster care system,” he said.
Although not a Milton native he has lived in the city and established roots with his wife and two children. His wife Katie owns Elmside Goods: Books and Gifts in Milton. He also has served on city commissions such as Community Development Authority, Plan Commission and Fire Commission
Gallman said his years in public service, expertise in budgets and the focus on Milton’s growth prompted him to run.
“Milton is at a pivotal moment; we’re growing, and growth without thoughtful planning can change what makes our town special,” he said.
Some issues he identified within the city are housing affordability, smart growth and community spaces
“First, housing affordability for middle and working-class families, Second, smart growth that doesn’t sacrifice our small-town character,” he said. “Third, investing in the community infrastructure and spaces where people actually gather in our parks, our downtowns, and spaces such as the Milton Community House.”
Gallman said accountability, career expertise and love for his community are the reasons he would make a good council member.
“I won’t promise you the moon, but I will promise to show up prepared, do my homework, and always put our community first,” he said.
Trent Kuczynski
Kuczynski said he is a father of three who has been a resident of Milton since 2015. He coaches his kids and helps out in the community by volunteering
Kuczynski said staying active in local organizations keeps him connected to residents’ concerns.
“Being involved in various organizations in the community I get a pretty good pulse on the things that our residents are talking about, both the good and the bad,” he said. “I’m hoping that makes me a good voice for Milton.”
He said property taxes increasing, growth and schools are the issues he hears about most often.
“The next two I hear about are related to the first: not growing our small town too fast and being able to keep our Milton charm and our schools and outgrowing them too quickly,” he said
Kuczynski said his broad involvement gives him a unique viewpoint. He got the opportunity to serve on council after being able to serve in the open spot last summer.
“I am a member of a number of organizations in town along with coaching throughout the year. It gives me a unique perspective, being able to see what issues and topics our residents find important,” he said.
Michelle Reid
Reid said she is a mother, a wife and professional within the community. She said that she is involved in the schools and currently serves as the secretary for the Open Doors Foundation.
“My work with the foundation includes organizing the mother/son and daddy/daughter dances, as well as supporting the 4th of July Festival, Community Days, and various local parades,” she said. “As a straightforward and dedicated citizen, I am fully committed to the betterment of our community.”
Reid said managing a large local social media group has given her insight into residents’ concerns and where communication can break down. She wants to ensure that Milton remains an “excellent” place to live.
She operates the Milton Community Group on Facebook and through that she feels she has an understanding of what the community’s concerns are and where the gaps are between the public and local government.
“I intend to serve as a direct link for citizens, bringing their concerns to the table and providing transparent answers,” she said. “My goal is to ensure the interests of hard-working residents are heard and addressed.”
She identified housing costs, infrastructure strain and taxes as the city’s biggest challenges. She said the city must address rising housing costs, manage growth to prevent overcrowded schools and traffic congestion, and ease the burden of high property taxes while supporting local farmers and preserving agricultural land.
Reid said she believes voters should support her because she shares the same experiences as many residents.
“My sole objective is to help Milton grow responsibly while preserving the qualities we value,” she said. “I am committed to being a strong advocate for our residents and bringing necessary change to local government.”
Ken Smith
Smith and his wife Annette moved to Milton 25 years ago with their daughter. He said it didn’t take long to realize this is where they belonged.
He is a retired Army National Guard master sergeant and police officer, and now co-owns a local home inspection business, K&A Home Inspections.
Smith said community generosity inspired him to give back through public service.
“The community has been very generous to us personally and professionally,” he said. “It was because of this generosity that we decided to become more active in our community and give back as best as we could.”
He said serving on the Common Council has been rewarding and has expanded his leadership roles. Smith added that his experience extends beyond city government.
“Additionally, I serve on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors as the state member at large, and I also chair that association’s Legislative Committee. I am also a past member of the State Legislative Committee for the VFW.”
He feels the biggest issues facing Milton all relate to housing: affordability, availability and diversity. Milton’s desirability has contributed to rising housing challenges, he said.
“Milton is no different than most communities as it struggles with the continually increasing costs associated with housing, a situation that most likely will continue as Milton has become a very desirable community. It’s that very desirability that makes finding a home in Milton so difficult.”
Smith said his experience positions him to guide the city forward. Along with Milton Common Council he is also running for a District 5 Rock County Board seat, like his predecessor Bill Wilson.
“These can all be properly addressed in the future, but it will take many years of hard work by members of our local government,” he said. “I feel I have gained the experience needed to guide our city through the coming challenges and I am continually learning to improve myself as a community leader.”
