About the Candidates
School Board Candidates
Vote for 2
Click on each candidate to learn more about them and what they will contribute as members of the New Berlin School Board.
Matthew J. Arend
Joseph Greenhagen
Common Council Candidates
Vote for 1
Click on each candidate to learn more about them and what they will contribute as members of the New Berlin Common Council.
Scott La Fever
District 2 Alderman
Matthew J. Arend
Matthew Arend brings a strong record of financial leadership, integrity, and service to his candidacy for the New Berlin School Board. A Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, Matthew is a financial executive with extensive experience in budget management, debt restructuring, bonding, contract negotiation, and process improvement. He began his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Information Systems, graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. His background equips him with the analytical skills and fiscal discipline needed to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Matthew has a long history of leadership and service within both educational and nonprofit organizations. He currently serves on the Finance Committee of St. Thomas More High School and has held leadership roles with the Three Harbors Council of Scouting America and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. An Eagle Scout himself, Matthew understands the importance of character, accountability, and long-term planning. He also brings significant project management experience and a collaborative leadership style shaped by years of working with various groups toward shared goals.
While Matthew does not yet have children enrolled in the district, he and his wife are starting a family and plan to raise their children in the School District of New Berlin. He is running not only for his future family, but on behalf of many parents who share his values and vision but do not have the time or resources to run for office themselves. Born and raised in Southeast Wisconsin, Matthew brings both local perspective and professional expertise, along with a genuine commitment to serving the community and ensuring New Berlin schools remain strong for generations to come.
Joseph Greenhagen
Joseph Greenhagen brings discipline, service, and a deep commitment to community to his candidacy for the New Berlin School Board. He served four years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, followed by three years with the Sheriff’s Office. These experiences shaped his strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and respect for public service. Joseph holds bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology, giving him a well-rounded understanding of public systems, community dynamics, and the importance of fairness and structure in decision-making.
As a small business owner in construction contracting, Joseph understands firsthand the importance of keeping taxes low, using resources wisely, and operating with financial transparency. Running a business requires balancing budgets, planning for the future, and making tough decisions—skills that directly translate to effective School Board leadership. He believes taxpayer dollars must be spent carefully and transparently, with a clear focus on supporting core educational priorities rather than unnecessary spending.
Joseph is also deeply invested in New Berlin as a parent and community leader. He and his wife are raising two sons, Jayden and Jackson, and Joseph coaches youth wrestling with the New Berlin Wrestling Club, serving as Vice President of Youth Wrestling Development. Having lived in New Berlin since 2019, he is committed to strengthening the community his children will grow up in. With his background in public safety, education, and youth development, Joseph Greenhagen offers a steady, principled voice focused on fiscal responsibility, student success, and keeping New Berlin schools and families safe.
Scott La Fever
- Voted against Drug Rehab Facility Land Division Proposal (Milwaukee Rescue Mission)
- Voted against Wheel Tax
- Voted against raising fees on local youth sports leagues
- Opposes multi-million dollar city projects moving forward without meaningful community input
Scott La Fever is a lifelong New Berlin resident who brings deep roots, steady leadership, and a strong sense of responsibility to his role as District 2 Alderman. Raised in New Berlin with his parents and three sisters, Scott is a proud graduate of New Berlin West, Class of 1999. He chose to return to New Berlin because he believes there is no better place to raise a family—and as Alderman, his top priority is making sure it stays that way for current residents and future generations.
Scott is firmly committed to fiscal responsibility and total transparency. He believes residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are spent and to have a voice in major financial decisions. That commitment has guided his record on the Common Council, including opposing multi-million-dollar projects that moved forward without a public referendum or meaningful community input. Scott has consistently pushed for accountability, carefully weighing every vote and looking for ways to reduce government spending while protecting essential services.
A strong advocate for families and quality of life, Scott supports New Berlin’s parks, local student sports leagues, and family-friendly organizations. He has voted against raising fees on these programs and continues to support thoughtful improvements that benefit residents without burdening taxpayers. Scott also prioritizes public safety and is a proud supporter of the New Berlin Police and Fire Departments, working to ensure first responders have the equipment and personnel they need to protect the community.
Scott currently serves on the following Committees and Commissions for the City of New Berlin:
- Parks, Building and Grounds Commission
- Housing Trust Fund Commission
- Water Resource Management Committee
- City Of New Berlin Department Liaison
- Assessor Office
- Streets, Buildings and Grounds
Above all, Scott is an accessible and engaged representative. He takes pride in being available to residents, listening to concerns, and responding directly to questions and ideas from District 2. With a proven record of voting against the Wheel Tax and Drug Rehab Facility Land Division proposals, Scott La Fever continues to stand for conservative values, common-sense decision-making, and responsive leadership that puts New Berlin families first.