The Way I See It!

Interview with Cudahy Mayoral Candidate - Kevin Fech

Posted by Randy Hollenbeck on Oct. 14, 2009

2010 Election, Cudahy, Debates, Kevin Fech

My questions are in blue.

A topic that everyone in Cudahy wants to know is, “What is your position on Wal-Mart?”

I am not against them and would have liked to see a city referendum on it as long as it was not a special election.  I don’t want to waste the taxpayer’s money.

What do you see as the Mayor’s responsibility/role in Cudahy?

Safety of the people, community pride, business development.  The Mayor is the biggest cheerleader for the city.  The Mayor should be active in the community and visit with the residents and businesses.  Go to the football games and swim meets.  The Mayor is a 24/7 Mayor and it is important for the community to see the Mayor.  The Mayor must have the best interest of the city even if it is unpopular, but the Mayor must listen to the citizens.  I will have an open door policy for anyone.  The Mayor has job duties in City Hall and in the community out and about.  The Mayor has to be personable and comfortable in his own skin.  The Mayor must show professional ethics, return calls, and emails in a timely professional manner.

Do you think Cudahy should have a part-time Mayor?

No!  The Mayor is the biggest cheerleader for the city and there is so much work that can be done.  Community pride needs to be instilled back into Cudahy.  I want to see homeowners and renters putting up decorations during Christmas and bring back the small town closeness feeling.  Being a part-time Mayor, you could not get that done. 

What is the number one issue in Cudahy?

Renters to homeowners ratio.  I want landlords held accountable.  I think with the right mix and care, a renter does want to be part of Cudahy and will show the city pride if given a chance.

What other issues in Cudahy?

I want to see pride in Cudahy.  Pride to live in Cudahy.  Pride to work in Cudahy.  Pride to go to school in Cudahy.  I think Cudahy lacks in community volunteering.  We need to get back to the small town community feeling where you know and lookout for everyone.  Cudahy lacks communication and that is set by the Mayor.  Right now Cudahy doesn’t have a cheerleader.  The Chamber of Commerce needs to play a bigger role.  They need to be the one that businesses call to ask what the business climate in Cudahy is.  Cudahy businesses need to be given the chance first to do work for the city!  Maybe if the city uses the local businesses, the local businesses would donate time, money and resources back to the community.  Instead of having the taxpayers pay for the flowerpots, have the local businesses donate the money or the upkeep of them.

What is your angle on the election?

I am blue collar.  I rollup my sleeves and get right in there.  I am not afraid to get dirty.  I am a man of the people and I think I represent what Cudahy is about.

How would you change Cudahy’s image?

Instill pride back into the city and its people.  We need our businesses to have the same pride.  I would love Cudahy to have a “Candy Cane Lane.”  I want to see the renters become part of the community again and would love it if the renters actively put Christmas lights up.  I think that would be a great starting place.

What is one thing that you would do to stand out and do differently?

Once a week, I would like to show some recognition in a press release of something good in Cudahy that happened.  It could be something at a football or baseball game.  It might be something a student did or maybe a city worker.  If it was something good that happen in Cudahy, I want people to know about it.

Should a Mayor’s whereabouts be known? 

Absolutely!  I would put out a memo of my calendar.  Hey, if I have something personal to attend to I will.  Like watching my children in a school play or in some sporting activity or game, but people will know where I am going.  I think most of the time out going to businesses in Cudahy can be easily scheduled and a memo put out to the right city personnel.

Do you think going to school plays and games is a function of the Mayor?

Yes!  You are Mayor all the time 24/7 including weekends.  That is not to say I will not have personal time to my family, because I will, but you would see me at Cudahy functions.

Are you up for debates?

Yes!  I will not go after people in them though.  I have nothing to hide.  I will answer the questions, but you might not like my answers.

In closing, anything else to add?

I would be honored to serve as Cudahy’s Mayor.  I have put down roots here whether it is involvement with band, PTA or little league.  I run, with the help of Cudahy St Francis Little Baseball Assoc the Challenger Division.  I am pro Cudahy.  I show Cudahy pride.  The Christmas decorations were just an idea or a starting point of the citizens showing community pride there are many other things that can be done as well. 

It is not my way or the highway.  I would like to sit down with the city workers and if there is a better way of doing, let’s do it.  I don’t like that we do it this way because it has always been done this way.  I am a straight shooter and you would know my position on things even if I know you will disagree.

This is an emailed question from a Cudahy resident – “Would you sign a no new tax increase pledge?”

Until I sit down and examine the budget, I don't think it would be fair to say no new taxes.  I have no desire to do so.  I will say that what ever I do, will affect me as well, as I am a Cudahy resident. 

Info at a glance:

Kevin Fech

AGE: 46

ADDRESS: 3735 E Plankinton

EDUCATION: Graduate of Indiana University, Gary campus in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. 

OCCUPATION: Employed in the transportation field for almost 25 years

FAMILY: Married 13 years.  3 kids at Lincoln.  2 kids are in 5th grade and one in 2nd. 

RESIDENCY: Cudahy resident for about 20 years

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Active with the Cudahy/St Francis Little Baseball Association coaches daughter’s softball team and youngest son’s baseball team.  Past Board President with the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin as well as Treasurer.

Currently serving on the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.

CONTACT INFO: Phone (414) 483-3176 Email fechformayor@gmail.com