Roemer Says Goodbye to the Village Board

After casting his final votes earlier this month, Trustee Jim Roemer said his goodbyes to the Whitefish Bay Village Board.

To commemorate his six years of service, the board passed a resolution recognizing him for his service to the village, including his influential role on the Private Property Inflow and Infiltration Committee, his leadership role in the Community Development Authority's Long Range Visioning process, his work in developing the Silver Spring Business District guidelines and developing five village budgets.

At the meeting, Trustee Jay Miller thanked Roemer for his service.

"You really have served in an exemplary fashion," Miller said. "We've benefited greatly from your expertise and insight, and you've upheld the highest ethical standards. I applaud you for all your work."

Roemer's term ends on April 15, when a new trustee will take his place. Miller is running for re-election, along with political newcomers Carl Fuda, Kenneth Wysocky and Kevin McMahon.

Learn more about the Village Board election on April 2nd.

The trustee who is elected to replace Roemer will have large shoes to fill. In addition to his six years on the board, Roemer has also served on the Community Development Authority and has organized the Sounds of Summer event since its beginning.

In December, Roemer said the job of trustee can be demanding, especially when balancing his roles as a husband, father and a managing director at The PrivateBank.

"I don't have any qualms about stepping down after two terms," Roemer said at the time. "I think we've accomplished a lot, and things are moving in the right direction on a variety of fronts."

Roemer, whose own basement was flooded in 2010, became well-versed in sewer issues over the last six years, serving on the village's Private Property/Inflow and Infiltration Committee.

"It was a really brutal stretch of time, emotionally and physically in terms of time commitment," he said. "It probably aged everybody on the board."

After balancing his priorities, though, Roemer eventually chose free time and family over sewers and street construction. He still plans to be an active community volunteer and organize the Sounds of Summer every year.

"It's time to diversify a little and let somebody else step up," he said. "For me, I'm going to spend more time with my family and take some time to recharge."