If you live in the north suburbs of Milwaukee — including Germantown, Grafton, Menomonee Falls and Mequon — you may have a special election on Tuesday.
Voters in parts of Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties will head to the polls to elect Republican Paul Melotik or Democrat Bob Tatterson to the state Assembly. The seat became vacant when Republican Dan Knodl won a special election for a seat in the state Senate this spring.
Melotik has co-owned and operated several businesses, including Fire Ridge Golf Club in Grafton. He has served on the Ozaukee County Board for 11 years and the Grafton Town Board for six years. He describes himself as a “fiscal conservative” and is interested in working on budgetary issues if elected to the Assembly. His other priorities include education and conservation, and he supports school choice and 2nd Amendment rights.
Tatterson is a retired engineer and now invests in and advises start-up companies. He is also active in community volunteering and was formerly a volunteer firefighter. He describes himself as a “moderate Democrat.” His priorities include public education, including building a skilled workforce through higher education. He supports abortion access and wants to see “common sense gun safety laws” like red flag laws.
Both candidates said they support fully funding law enforcement and working to address EMS staffing challenges in their district.