7QUESTIONS+PLUS

John M. Antaramian has been Kenosha's mayor since 1992, but he's not seeking a fifth term this spring. And before he leaves office he agreed to take readers' questions. This week, he offers some insight on what he believes were the highs and lows of his administration He also tells us who he’s endorsing for President, but not for mayor — yet. And he explains his next move.

The Mayor will now take your questions ...

You have accomplished a lot as Kenosha’s mayor. The public sees the Boat Storage facility as your main failure, do you agree or is there something else you would change if you could ‘do it over’? The boat storage building was an integral component to making the privatization of the marina viable. The original plan was for private sector development to cover the cost of the marina. That did not occur, so this administration needed to cover the cost and not put it on the property taxpayer. The boat storage building helped us do exactly that. If I could change one thing, it would be the way I handled the airport expansion issue.

What is one thing you did not accomplish as mayor that you most wish you could have done? The revitalization of downtown.

What do you see as being ‘the crowning achievement’ of your administration? The Brass site is to me the most important project that we have accomplished.

Now that you don't have to worry about offending any voters or voting blocks; is there anything that you would like to say to the citizens of Kenosha that you think they need to hear, but if told by a candidate would guarantee that they vote for someone else? I would hope that people would understand that the city employees do the best that they can during difficult weather and that they need to be more patient.

What do you see for the future of downtown Kenosha? The area should be more residential and become a more defined entertainment district with upscale restaurants, theaters, boutique shops and cafes.

What does Kenosha have to do to lure employers back to this area? How can I help? The city developed industrial parks that are almost full, created industrial park TIFs and funded the Kenosha Area Business Alliance to help spur development. However, there is a need for better mass transit, for example KRM.

Why did you decide to charge $5 admission to the Civil War museum? Because it is a first class museum, quite unique and it will reduce dependence on the property tax.

Which candidate do you think is best prepared to follow you as mayor? I will endorse after the primary.

One of the themes of your administration seems to have been to expand Kenosha’s development past I-94 into Bristol and Paris townships. Why was this important at a time when so much undeveloped land still lies East of I-94? What was to be gained for the citizens of Kenosha? There is not that much land east of I-94 that can be used for industrial and commercial use, which is necessary for creation of jobs and tax base.

What do you hope people remember about your work for the City of Kenosha? That I helped to improve the quality of life, making the city a better place to live and helping people to own their own homes.

What will you do when you’re no longer mayor? I intend to work for other cities in redevelopment of older neighborhoods and Brownfields.

Who are you endorsing for President? Sen. Barack Obama

What’s your ideal vacation? I have always wanted to see the Great Wall of China.