Many of you are like me — you’re not originally from here, but you know this is a special place. From our vibrant downtown area to the spectacular lakefront to our impressive educational institutions across the area, Milwaukee County is a world-class community.

But we all look around and see there are serious problems in the county, and the future of our community hangs in the balance. If you’re like me, you know we must do better. And if you’re like me, you know we can.

I’m running for Milwaukee County Executive on April 5 because I believe in Milwaukee County, and I want to bring it back. And I know like you do that it’ll take bold ideas and new leadership that isn’t afraid to break from the status quo to get it done.

Now — more than ever — Milwaukee County needs a leader who isn’t a career politician and isn’t bound to the old way of doing business. This is why I’m running for County Executive: to help grow our economy, so there are good-paying job opportunities available here for people about to enter the workforce.

We also have to focus on making this community attractive for people to live after college, and that doesn’t end with job creation.

I’ve spent most of the past 15 years working hard to make Milwaukee County a better place. I’ve worked to strengthen key county institutions like the Mitchell Park Domes, Bradford Beach and the Marcus Center. I’ve partnered with other civic leaders to study the county’s fiscal problems, and advanced ideas that can save the county millions of dollars. I’ve partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee to provide thousands of young people in our community with hope and opportunity.

I want to continue the work of making Milwaukee County a better place to live as your next County Executive. We all know that silly political games too often get in the way of real progress. As your County Executive, I’ll work with anyone willing to put aside partisan divisions to move Milwaukee County toward our goals of change and real reform.

Some young people mistakenly think their vote doesn’t matter. This couldn’t be further from the truth — young people like you are the future of Milwaukee County.  You have the power to make a true difference, and your voice must be heard.

Chris Abele is a candidate for Milwaukee County Executive