Brookfield Alderman Michael Hallquist, who is challenging Mayor Steve Ponto next month, faces a potential ethics investigation over conflict-of-interest allegations.
Alderman Michael Hallquist, the challenger to Mayor Steve Ponto in next month’s election, is the subject of a potential ethics investigation for failing to disclose his role on the board of a nonprofit that aids low-income families with housing — an organization that stood to gain from legislation he supported.
Hallquist, who has represented District 4 since 2020, serves as a trustee for Family Promise of Waukesha County. The group’s website states its mission is to “prevent and end homelessness for families with children and help them achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.”
On March 3, the Common Council voted on an amendment to a new sanitary sewer impact fee ordinance. Hallquist had backed the measure twice — first in committee and then on the full council — to grant builders of so-called “affordable low-cost” housing relief from the proposed fees.
Alderman Kris Seals, who represents District 7, filed a formal request with the city clerk’s office March 2 seeking an advisory opinion from the Ethics Board. Seals alleged Hallquist violated the city’s ethics code by not revealing his nonprofit affiliation and by not recusing himself from votes that could benefit developers of low-income housing.”
Granting financial relief to developers of affordable low-cost housing directly furthers the aims of organizations whose clientele might use this housing,” Seals said. “Alderman Hallquist’s failure to disclose his involvement with Family Promise of Waukesha County, and abstain from voting on related matters, flies in the face of the municipal code of ethics.”
The city’s ethics code requires officials to disclose any personal or financial interests in legislation and prohibits using their position to produce a “substantial benefit, direct or indirect” for an associated organization. Its declaration of policy emphasizes avoiding conflicts between private interests and public duties.
Seals noted the request came one day before the council vote, in which Hallquist participated. The Ethics Board could now investigate and rule on whether a violation occurred.
The two aldermen have clashed before over affordable housing. Hallquist has pushed for more such development and previously sought to censure Seals for opposing The Flats at Bishop’s Woods project in Seals’ district. Seals said he acted on strong constituent opposition.
“I received substantial constituent feedback about The Flats. Every person requested that I oppose the project,” Seals said. “These are the people I represent, and I will always be 100 percent dedicated to doing so. No outside interest will ever affect my judgment.”
Seals added he looks forward to “full disclosure” and “an orderly process” so Brookfield residents know “whose interests their elected officials are representing.”
