For a variety of obvious reasons, Tom Reynolds does not merit reelection. We know all about his handlers. We know all about his narrow legislative agenda. We know all about his strident ideological mindset. We know all about his tenacity to impose his set of values on the rest of us whether we like it or not.

For me, as a long term West Allis resident, there are reasons never discussed as to why this Talibanista should not be reelected. Tom Reynolds is neither a participant nor a member of the broader West Allis community. West Allis is his hometown. Everyone is reminded of this when we see (and cringe) "R-West Allis" after his name.

In my years of living here, through good or bad, but always as a participant in the community of West Allis, I have never seen Reynolds associated with any of our organizations, service clubs or schools. Has he contacted the Downtown Improvement Association to learn abut their activities, achievements or participated in their "Main Street" activities? (Their Trick or Treat on Greenfield Avenue was wonderful and their Xmas Stroll on Greenfield Avenue is as wholesome as Reynolds’ Ice Cream Social fundraisers.) Did Reynolds ever attend parent/teacher conferences or open house when his son attended a West Allis high school? Is he aware that West Allis Charities gives grants to needy citizens in the community as well as sponsoring Western Days and the Christmas Parade? (Outside of Milwaukee, West Allis is the only municipality in Milwaukee County that still has a Christmas Parade!)

Sen. Reynolds walks in the Fourth of July Parade and the Western Days Parade. Big Deal! But did he bother to participate in any of the organizing committees? Did he contribute to the soon-to-be renovated Centennial Plaza? The Historical Society? West Allis Players? Block Watch? Old Timers Baseball? CAAD? No surprise to anyone, No and NEVER!

And that’s not the worst of it. West Allis is entering potentially critical times. Sen. Reynolds is disengaged and isolated from the core issues that West Allis, as a community, faces in the coming years.

West Allis is a first-tier suburb, landlocked and no longer a manufacturing powerhouse. As Milwaukee gentrifies, the crucial issues plaguing the city can shift to first tier suburbs like West Allis. Fortunately, West Allis still retains assets for restorative development. The development of the old Allis-Chalmers site is a strong example. The homes are well-maintained, reflect pride of ownership and respect for neighbors and neighborhoods. We also have citizens, civic organizations, neighborhood associations, businesses and local governmental units committed to helping this city toward rejuvenation while meeting the social and fiscal challenges ahead.

Working together as individuals and organizations is essential to the future of West Allis. The alternative is a rust-belt model. Tom Reynolds has never demonstrated, by personal commitment or in four years in the State Senate, that he can function in an innovative, cooperative and entrepreneurial manner for the benefit of West Allis. He has no appreciation or concept.

Witness his support for diverting Lake Michigan water to Waukesha! He is clueless. If politics are local, Tom Reynolds truly is from Saturn.

Never mind the sleaze. If he wins, it will be sad. We deserve better.