South Milwaukee has ushered in a new era of civic administration by naming Steven Braatz, Jr. as their new City Clerk. In the wake of Sandi Wesolowski's retirement from a commendable tenure in public service, Braatz is stepping in with an impressive cache of nearly three decades of local government experience. In a role that recently saw him attend to the needs of the City of Wauwatosa, Braatz honed his expertise managing elections, public records, and service delivery improvements, a foundation which promises to underpin his tenure at South Milwaukee.
It's no surprise that city officials are voicing their enthusiasm over the appointment. City Administrator Patrick Brever conveyed the upbeat sentiment, stating, "We’re excited to welcome Steven Braatz to South Milwaukee. His extensive experience, especially in managing elections and streamlining city operations, makes him an outstanding fit for this role." Brever went on to commend Braatz's commitment to core values including transparency and accessibility, both seen as pivotal to the city's ethos and its engagement with the community. These declarations, detailed in an announcement on the City of South Milwaukee official website, highlight an anticipation for a sustained dedication to public service under the new stewardship.
Braatz is assuming the mantle of a position intertwined with the community's daily life. As custodian of official city records and coordinator of elections, he will be the linchpin in legislative support for the Common Council and a critical contact for public-city interactions. The City Clerk role is also integral in ensuring adherence to open records and meeting laws. Since D. J. Sweeney's tenure as the inaugural City Clerk in the late 19th century, there has been a long line of stewards at the helm, with Braatz becoming the 18th to take on the role.
Stepping into these new responsibilities, Braatz shared his vision for South Milwaukee's future, “It is an honor to begin this chapter serving the residents and leadership of the City of South Milwaukee. As City Clerk, I am committed to upholding transparency, integrity, and accessibility in government operations, and I look forward to working collaboratively to support effective public service and civic engagement,” a sentiment that harkens to a dedication to the democratic process and a seamless interfacing between government and citizenry, as per the City of South Milwaukee website.
The city also took the moment to express gratitude to the outgoing City Clerk Sandi Wesolowski, recognizing her for years of unwavering service and for leaving an indelible mark on both the City organization and the South Milwaukee community.
