Businessman Jim Moldenhauer Emerges as Third Mayoral Candidate

Saying he will run on a platform stressing economic development and holding the line on property taxes, businessman Jim Moldenhauer announced Monday that he would run for mayor, the third candidate to declare so far.

Earlier Monday, Ald. . John Pokrandt, who like Moldenhauer has not held elected office, two months ago.

Moldenhauer, 48, is a lifelong resident of Wauwtosa and has worked for 18 years as information technologies manager for Hampel Corp. of Germantown, which he describes as an entrepreneurial plastics company.

Moldenhauer said he was well aware of the city's ordinance prohibiting the mayor from holding other employment that would prevent him or her from properly carrying out the duties of the office.

"I'm structuring my situation to be able to carry out those responsibilities while remaining employed," he said. "Many of the mayors prior to Jill Didier had other employment.

"Tosa has had a city administrator since before I was born. There is a well-structured system in place for conducting the city's business."

Moldenhauer holds an master's of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor's in business from UW-Milwaukee. He is a graduate of .

Moldenhauer, who is single, lives in Tosa's 1st District, where he has been active in the Wauwtosa Beautification Committee, among other activities.

"I'm a very active gardener," he said. "In fact, I've been a recipient of a Yards of Distinction award."

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Statement of Jim Moldenhauer announcing his candidacy for Wauwatosa mayor.

“I’m running for mayor because Wauwatosa is at a crossroads.  We are a strong community with a wonderful quality of life.  However, the City’s economic forecast is clear that unless we focus on high quality economic development, we will not have a sufficient tax base.  Wauwatosa will either have to cut services or increase taxes substantially.

“With my business background and my MBA, I’m ideally situated to step into the fray and make economic development happen.

“I will make it a priority to keep our families safe from crime and not increase taxes at a time when few people have extra money for higher property taxes.  Our parks also make our community an attractive place to live. 

“I’m energized to run this campaign.  I’m looking forward to meeting Wauwatosa voters at community meetings and at doorsteps.  This campaign is going to be grassroots politics at its finest.  It will be cold, but I’m going to be knocking on doors throughout January and February to hear what voters want.

“I would be deeply honored, if so chosen, to serve as Mayor the community I love and that I’ve called home for my entire life.”