Chris A. Krajniak served as alderman for Milwaukee’s 14th district from 1988 to 1992.
The 14th District at this time included the Bay View neighborhood and extended west
to South 16th Street. Before holding office, Krajniak worked in the City Clerk’s
office as a graphic designer. In 1988, at age 35, he ran for alderman against
12-year incumbent Daniel Ziolkowski, a long-time supporter of retiring Mayor Henry
Maier. Krajniak ran with the support of the liberal wing of the common council and,
despite polling just 35% of the vote in the primary, he upset Ziolkowski in the
general election, 58% to 42%.
Krajniak would be a staunch ally of new Mayor John Norquist and would push for
expanded recycling programs and block patrols in his district during his term. He
also helped to create a low-interest loan program that was targeted at his district
and supported a series of church rehabilitation projects. Krajniak surprised some by
seeking a second term in 1992 after Suzanne Breier, daughter of long-time Milwaukee
Chief of Police Harold Breier, announced that she would seek his seat. Breier easily
topped Krajniak in the general election, winning by a margin of 54% to 46%. After
leaving office, Krajniak took a job in the City’s Economic Development office and
later ran an art studio.
