By Ty Schmidt

Mequon — The future starts now.

That is among the main reasons why Mequon Alderwoman Connie Pukaite said she has decided against running for re-election in April.

Pukaite, who won her district two seat with 58 percent of the vote in an unprecedented write-in campaign in 2014, has had an active political career in Mequon. She served as an alderwoman from 1981 to 1986 before serving two more terms as mayor from 1986-92.

She was admittedly stunned when she was contacted three years ago by a group of citizens who pleaded with her to serve once more.

“I was definitely flattered, as well as incredibly humbled, when I got the call three weeks before the spring election asking if I would serve if I were to be elected,” said Pukaite. “I, of course, knew at the time that write-in campaigns rarely work, but they said that was their problem and again asked whether I would serve. I never turn down an opportunity to serve so I agreed and here I am.”

An attitude of servant leadership prompted her political involvement as well as motivated her throughout 26 years of employment for the Association for Retarded Citizens.

Ozaukee Now’s Ty Schmidt recently had a chance to sit down with her to reflect on her time of service to the community.

This Tuesday (1/24), 100+ business leaders, elected officials, investors and regional economic development practitioners gathered at We Energies to celebrate more than 10 years of working together to grow, expand and attract companies to the Milwaukee Region.

Cofounded by the MMAC, the M7 collaboration has helped 77 companies expand or relocate to the region. Combined, those companies have:

• Pledged to create 14,000+ jobs
• A payroll totaling $809+ million per year
• Capital investments of $1 billion.

Milwaukee 7 Co-chair Gale Klappa, chairman of WEC Energy Group, said, "We are seven counties focused on a common goal. When we add jobs the entire region wins, no matter where in the region a company chooses to expand or relocate."

(Article submitted by Dave Kliber)