Jill Didier says she never intended being mayor of Wauwatosa, or of any city for that matter. But when she became involved in politics as an alderwoman two years ago, she quickly realized there was much more she should be doing for her community.

Though a relative newcomer to politics, as well as the area -- she moved to Tosa in 2000 -- her strong campaign based on crime reduction and positive development momentum secured her election.

Upon taking office in April 2008, Didier continued the 16-year tradition of female mayors in Wauwatosa. OnMilwaukee.com sat down with her for this edition of Milwaukee Talks.

OnMilwaukee.com: You're not originally from Wauwatosa. What drew you here?

Jill Didier: My husband; I married into Wauwatosa. My husband was born in Wauwatosa and his family did move out for a bit, but they've always had their roots here. When we were married, we were originally living closer to Lake Geneva but when we had the opportunity to change up what we were doing, we came to Tosa. We love it and we've been here 10 or so years. You can't find a better place to take root and raise children. We love the community feel. Tosa is unlike any other place. When you meet people, they just have a passion for their community, whether it's politics, or seniors or recreation. It's an amazing spirit among the people.

OMC: Speaking of politics, you were previously a Wauwatosa alderwoman. Was the mayor's office always your goal?

JD: No. I tell people that I have a list of things I want to achieve in my life, and it's all across the board, but never on that list was to be mayor. I think that is what is unique about my track in getting here; I'm able to bring a new perspective and new approach because this isn't necessarily what I set out to do. I have found myself on this path. People ask if I like being mayor and I love being mayor. It's a very dynamic job and I feel honored to have been elected.

The aldermanic term is four years. I served two out of the four, but my type of personality is that if I see something that I think can be done differently or better or if I have suggestions, I will do what it takes to present those ideas. In this case, I felt there was a different way to communicate and open the door and have some good discussion on issues and I wasn't wiling to sit in my aldermanic seat for another two years if I wasn't willing to at least step up to the plate and attempt to make a change in the areas that I felt were necessary.

OMC: One of those areas is the perception of crime in Wauwatosa. Part of your goal was to alter that. Is there a big different between the perception of crime in Wauwatosa and actual crime?

JD: I do stay on top of the statistics and the problem that arises is that sometimes perception becomes a reality. Let's take Mayfair Mall. It did have some issues for a while and it was getting huge media. But right now Mayfair Mall is incredible. Statistically, compared to other malls in the region, Mayfair is on the low end of crime -- and crime is shoplifting -- and PGR (Parental Guidance Required) has worked. That's an example of staring to change the perception. Mayfair Mall just celebrated its 50th anniversary ... and it's a great asset to the community. It's a great offering of activities.

OMC: Do you credit the Parental Guidance Required as one of the main factors in reducing shoplifting?

JD: I give credit to the mall management, specifically (general manager) Steve Smith, who actively worked with the community and police department to address the needs and to come up with solutions. The solutions they decided upon, including the PGR, are working.

OMC: Do you feel like Wauwatosa provides enough for teenagers to do?

JD: No one has ever asked me that question before! We have a great Youth Commission here in Wauwatosa, made up of kids from junior high to high school, so not only do you have the school options and opportunities, you have an incredible rec department as well as extra curricular activities. We have a safe park -- which is now being built up -- and the Oak Leaf Trail.

The Youth Commission does both social activities as well as community support activities. Last year they helped enhance Kyle's Korner, which is a not-for-profit that assist children who have had a loss in their family. They've also raked yards for seniors in the community. They run a mock school board meeting so they can understand the processes and how decisions are made for their own schools, so I do feel like we have a lot of opportunity for youth in the community to be involved.

OMC: Getting back to Mayfair -- it seems to grow every year. Do you think the surrounding neighborhood can support this rapid expansion?

JD: I really do. When you really look at the fine statistics of it all, in regards to parking and traffic, we are able to handle the growth. Of course, at Christmas time the roads get a little clogged but I look at that and think that we should be thankful that we have that asset in our community.

OMC: Hart Park is another big community asset. I noticed there are plans underway for new development there.

JD: Through the Flood (Mitigation) Project, the homes were eliminated and a master plan was created for the area. The master plan had several different elements, from a pavilion stage to, east of that, more of a natural feel with a walking and sitting area. Going west of the pavilion, having a tot lot, playground, playing fields, tennis courts and tracks. So what you're seeing now is the result of the Rotary group actively raising funds to kick off this next phase of Hart Park with this pavilion, which will be managed by Tosa Tonight, a group that runs four concerts in the summer. Hopefully between the Rotary and Tosa Tonight, the pavilion will be a great community base.

OMC: That sounds exciting.

JD: It's very exciting. In this year's capital improvements budget I have recommended that we look at investing more money into the improvement of our track and field and tennis courts. I feel that that's a vital element and will bring life back into the park and will help continue the economic thriving of the Village area.

OMC: Is there a timeline?

JD: I believe their goal is to be open for next season. And I think they're on target so far. It's a great group of people who are managing it. They are really energized.  Page 1 of 2 (view all on one page)

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4 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by alba on Nov. 4, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (report)

Please fix the traffic problems at Research Park! More and more people are moving into the office buildings there and there are only 2 ways out. If you try to leave work at 5:00pm you'll be sitting in line for at least 30 minutes. At the very least, adjust the traffic light timings to get traffic moving. Eventually there needs to be more ways in and out.

Posted by angelamb825 on Nov. 4, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (report)

I agree about Dave and Busters. D&B would be a great addition to the area.

Posted by wauwatosa on Nov. 3, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (report)

I've been pleasantly surprised with Mayor Didier at the helm. While I didnt vote for her I find her responsive and willing to listen and learn instead of listening to herself talk. The mayoral election was very heated in Tosa and she's done a good job of dialing that back and being open to all opinions. I'm glad she sticks up for Mayfair as it does have some of the lowest crime rates for a mall its size (Southridge has double the crime) and makes up a huge portion of our tax base. Overall I rate the Mayors start a solid B+, and thats coming from a Democrat.

Posted by High_Life_Man on Nov. 3, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (report)

So, if Mayfair can get better, why can't Dave and Buster's? Use your veto power and let D&B's into Tosa.