Justin Nickels and Jason Prigge react to Manitowoc mayor's race & more election takeaways
MANITOWOC – Justin Nickels will start his fifth term as Manitowoc's mayor April 22 during a swearing-in ceremony.
More than 60% of Manitowoc voters chose Nickels over challenger Jason Prigge.
Nickels has been mayor since 2009 and has championed a variety of changes to the downtown area, creating the River Point District and cleaning up vacant properties such as the former Mirro site on Washington Street and the former Mid-Cities Mall site on Memorial Drive.
Nickels was not immediately available for comment Wednesday, but did send out a Facebook post thanking his supporters and Prigge, and reassuring those who didn't vote for him that he would not ignore their wants and perspectives.
Nickels wrote: "From the bottom of my heart, thank you for entrusting me to serve another term as your mayor. I am excited to continue our great work. ... To those who didn't vote for me, I won't dismiss you. Please continue to reach out to me and help guide me in my decisions. It's all about Manitowoc now and everyone has a say."
Prigge, a local entrepreneur and one of the minds behind Coolest Coast, a site that highlights the area's best features, shared a statement with the Herald Times Reporter. In that statement, he thanked his wife, family and supporters, and congratulated Nickels on winning the election.
"This isn't the end of my commitment to Manitowoc," he wrote. "I will continue to serve and advocate for our city's progress. We have started conversations and sparked ideas that I know will grow."
New and returning representatives for the Manitowoc Common Council will also be sworn in April 22.
In District 1, Andrew Dunbar won with 51.3% of votes. He will replace Brett Vanderkin on the council.
In District 2, Chad Beeman ran unopposed for another term.
In District 3, Michael Cummings won with 54.5% of votes against challenger Angela Myers.
In District 7, Bill Schlei filed noncandidacy and did not run for another term. As the only candidate in the race, Brian Anderson was voted in and will replace Schlei on the council.
In District 10, Todd Reckelberg ran unopposed for another term.
Three new representatives for the Manitowoc Board of Education will be added this month.
Incumbents Matthew Phipps, Matthew Spaulding and Tony Vlastelica filed for noncandidacy and did not run for another term. Ann Holsen, David Bowman and Mary Lofy Blahnik were elected to replace them on the school board.
According to the unofficial ballot tallies from Tuesday, Holsen received the most votes with 21.1%, Bowman received 20.4% and Blahnik received 18%.
Conversely, challengers Lisa Anne Krueger received 15.1% of the votes, Brayden Myer received 12.9% and Chrystal Myer received 12.5%.
A referendum from the Manitowoc Public School District asking for voters' approval to borrow $25 million for facility repairs and maintenance passed Tuesday with 75.8% of voters choosing yes while only 24.3% of voters chose no.
In a news release from MPSD, Interim Superintendent Lee Thennes said the money will allow the district to focus on critical needs identified in a 2024 facilities audit.
School board President Chris Able stated: "We thank everyone for their support and pledge to use this authority wisely to ensure safe and secure schools for all. The MPSD board will be active stewards of these funds. We will work rigorously to get the most value for every dollar, while ensuring we maintain not just our buildings but also a quality education for every student."
Thennes has said that the borrowing will have no impact on taxpayers. According to an MPSD news release from March 26, administrators have identified more than enough in operational budget savings to pay for the annual borrowing debt payments.
Voter turnout in Manitowoc County was high for the April 1 election with 51% of eligible voters casting ballots.
In the 2024 spring election and presidential primary, only 27% of voters turned out.
In 2021, the previous election for Manitowoc mayor, there was a 24% voter turnout.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Justin Nickels, Jason Prigge react to Manitowoc mayor race outcome
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