{image1}Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett wanted to surprise his kids, so on an early August vacation in Canada, at a hotel along the way in Superior, Barrett shaved the trusty mustache that has adorned his face for 30 years.

The Mayor tells OnMilwaukee.com that, suffering from phantom facial hair syndrome, he still grabs for his 'stache, only to be reminded of its absence.

What does the first lady Kris Barrett think?

"She likes the change," says spokesperson Carlene Orig.

In an OMC readers' poll earlier this year, 19.5% of voters said Barrett should shave. About 16% said the 'stache is part of his personality. About 9% suggested the Mayor try a goatee. And a majority of voters, 55.6%, said, "Who cares, as long as he lowers my taxes."