Matt Rosek’s experience, platform, and endorsements position him to deliver for Oconomowoc
In the April 7, 2026, Oconomowoc mayoral race, voters will choose between two distinct leadership styles. Alderman Matt Rosek, a longtime City Council President, is a fiscal hawk with a record of responsible budgeting, public safety, and regional collaboration. His opponent, Karen Spiegelberg, has supported new taxes, including the wheel tax, and has received endorsements from progressive groups. Rosek’s experience and approach make him the best candidate for Oconomowoc’s future.
Rosek brings decades of direct experience to the job. A lifelong resident of Lake County. Serving as District 3 alderman since 2014, as well as City Council President. Professionally, he is a shareholder at a national civil litigation firm, has been an adjunct lecturer in the Politics and Global Studies Department at Carroll University, and has coached the Carroll University Mock Trial Team. He is also a state-certified firefighter, certified fire and explosion investigator, and former volunteer EMT. Rosek and his wife, Melissa, are raising four children in Oconomowoc.
Rosek’s platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility and transparency. He pledges to keep the budget controlled, eliminate unnecessary spending, oppose new taxes such as the wheel tax, and reduce debt. He supports strong public safety, improved regional cooperation in Fire and EMT services, and supports sensible development that expands the tax base while preserving Lake Country’s rural charm. His Lake Country Initiative proposes forming a working group with neighboring communities to share services and reduce costs, following the Western Lakes Fire Department model, which has saved over $8 million since 2017. “I am running to keep Oconomowoc a safe and vibrant community and provide consistent leadership,” Rosek states on his campaign site.
In contrast, Spiegelberg has been a vocal supporter of the wheel tax, describing it as a “no-brainer” and suggesting a $25-per-vehicle rate with annual increases. Rosek has consistently opposed the wheel tax and has pledged that it will not be implemented if he is elected.
Rosek has received endorsements from a broad coalition of conservative and local leaders, including State Rep. Barbara Dittrich, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow, Waukesha County District Attorney Lesli Boese, three former Oconomowoc mayors, and several current and former aldermen, school board members, and first responders. His website lists supporters including business owners, teachers, veterans, and residents from Oconomowoc and neighboring communities.
Spiegelberg has been endorsed by Blue Sky Waukesha, Waukesha’s left-wing political organization, and has received support from former liberal Oconomowoc mayor Floss Whelan, among many other leftists, though she hides those endorsements from public view and fails to mention them on her website.
Spiegelberg, living up to the “Karen” trope, has faced backlash for publicly criticizing a local business owner for displaying a Rosek sign, in an attempt to intimidate the business into taking it down. and choosing not to patronize the business. In a previous election, she also falsely claimed endorsement from WisRed, the Waukesha County Republican voter guide.
Oconomowoc needs confident, trustworthy leadership that protects taxpayers, strengthens public safety, encourages responsible growth, and fosters collaboration with neighboring communities. Matt Rosek’s experience, platform, and endorsements position him to deliver on these priorities.
On April 7, please consider supporting Matt Rosek for Mayor of Oconomowoc. For more information, visit rosek4thecity.com and check out our interview with Matt.
