Manitowoc mayoral candidates participate in forum
MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV) – A four-term incumbent matches up against a local business development and marketing entrepreneur in the Manitowoc mayoral race.
The League of Women's Voters teamed up with the Chamber of Manitowoc County to host a forum with the two candidates on Thursday night at city hall in the council chambers.
Incumbent Justin Nickels became the city's youngest mayor ever (22 years old) when voters first elected him in 2009. Since then, voters have re-elected him three more times.
'I'm not a career politician, I've just given my career to this point to the citizens of Manitowoc, it's been the greatest honor of my life,' Nickels said.
Fox Cities Chambers honors 10 teachers for 2025 Excellence in Education Shining Star
Nickels' challenger Jason Prigge is a marketing and business development professional, radio host, and artist. He started his own company to market the city of Manitowoc and encourage people to visit called 'Coolest Coast'. He's also served on the boards of multiple local non-profits.
'I've been like the mayor said one of the biggest cheerleaders for this community for a very long time,' Prigge said during the forum.
Mayor Nickels had an opportunity to tout his accomplishments during the forum, making the argument that his long tenure is an asset for his candidacy because of his experience. He said that revitalizing downtown Manitowoc and removing blighted areas from around the city were some of his most significant accomplishments as mayor.
'Under my leadership the city has lowered its debt and balanced its budget allowing us to invest in the critical services that you the citizens expect from your local government every single day,' he said.
Prigge said the city needs a fresh perspective in the mayor's office. He stressed his ability to collaborate with all different types of people and said making sure he's fiscally responsible with the city's budget is also a priority.
'There is a sacred bond that a taxpayer has with their government and you should have a say in how that is used (taxpayer money),' he said. 'Right now we're being taxed out of our homes.'
Prigge said building that responsible budget would be his top priority if he earns the right to become mayor. He also emphasized growth pointing out that there's still empty downtown storefronts and talked about the importance of adding a variety of affordable housing options. He floated tiny homes as a way to bring housing to the Manitowoc community.
Nickels said if re-elected his biggest priorities would be maintaining and fixing the roads and continuing to beautify blighted areas in the city.
'We've made decisions that made it (Manitowoc) a better place, a place that a lot of people are proud to call home,' Nickels said also pointing out that developers want to build in their city.
C.D. Smith Construction, industry professionals celebrate 'Women in Construction' at Marian University
'When you realize that you have a limited amount of time on this planet you want to do what's best for the rest of your days,' Prigge said referring to a serious motorcycle accident over the summer that seriously injured him and his wife. 'I want to dedicate myself to the service of this city. If I'm the smartest guy in the room then I'm in the wrong room.'
The candidates also discussed how to bring more childcare options into the city, how to address homelessness, and how tax incremental financing districts can benefit the city.
Audience members had the opportunity to ask the candidates questions during the forum as well.
The election is on April 1.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Man wins $2 million from new Wisconsin Lottery scratch game
KENOSHA, Wis. (WFRV) – A Kenosha resident has defied the odds, winning the first of two $2 million top prizes from a new Wisconsin Lottery scratch game. Joshua Bardy purchased the winning $2,000,000 Cash scratch ticket at Kwik Trip, located at 5800 31st St. in Kenosha. He claimed the prize at the Wisconsin Lottery office in Madison earlier this week. National Doughnut Day: Where to grab a free or discounted doughnut Friday The $50 instant scratch game debuted on May 2 and Bardy is the first to win the top prize. One more $2 million prize remains unclaimed. This is not the first time the Kenosha Kwik Trip has sold a big winner. The store previously sold a $2 million scratch ticket in September 2024 and a $1 million Lotto ticket in 2018. 'I can't believe we sold another million-dollar winning ticket. This is so awesome,' said Kwik Trip store manager Brian M. Dish on Wisconsin Supper Clubs: The Mill in Sturgeon Bay blends old-school traditions with 'Cheers' vibes The $2,000,000 Cash game features more than $17 million in total prizes, with amounts ranging from $75 to $2 million. As part of the Wisconsin Lottery's Retailer Performance Program, Kwik Trip will receive a $20,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Brown County Board of Supervisors votes to pass agreement to relocate Green Bay coal piles
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The fate of the infamous Green Bay coal piles has been decided upon. The Brown County Board of Supervisors met for an on Thursday night, following a on Tuesday evening. Registration open, date announced for 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Lambeau Field The official vote reportedly passed the agreement, meaning that the longtime dilemma over the coal piles seemingly has found a solution. The agreement and vote mean that the coal piles will be relocated to the former Pulliam Power Plant site from their current space along the Fox River by the Mason Street Bridge. An official statement from Shipyard District Director Tarl Knight expressed gratitude and joy over the relocation and agreement. On behalf of the taxpaying business owners, property owners, and residents of the Shipyard District and its neighborhoods, we finally celebrate the agreement between the Brown County Board of Supervisors and Clemens Reiss Coal Company to relocate the coal piles and start the process of remediating the land, water, and air of our district and along the Fox River. Now it's time to continue advancing our mission together for our neighborhoods, our district, and our whole community Shipyard District Director Tarl Knight Wisconsin's budget talks stall, create possible ripple effect on 2026 gubernatorial race The full release from the Shipyard District is available below: SDI-Press-Release-Statement-Brown-County-Board-Supervisors-Coal-PilesDownload The original deadline for negotiations was in the evening on May 30; however, at 5 p.m. because of the progress that had been made. Local 5's Paul Steeno was in attendance to cover the vote. This story will be updated with more details as they become available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
AT&T Fiber delivers high-speed internet to thousands of Door County homes
EGG HARBOR, Wis (WFRV) – Fast, reliable internet is finally reaching more rural homes in Door County. Governor Tony Evers joined AT&T executives and local government officials Thursday morning to celebrate the launch of a $24 million public-private fiber broadband project, which will eventually serve more than 5,400 addresses across four Door County communities. New partnership provides young northeastern Wisconsinites with theater training during summer The event took place at the Kress Pavilion in Egg Harbor, where AT&T technicians provided a fiber splicing demonstration and offered tours of the company's service trucks. The first homes in the Town of Egg Harbor are now eligible to order AT&T Fiber, with other areas expected to come online in phases. The expansion includes partnerships with the towns of Egg Harbor, Sevastopol, Sturgeon Bay, and the Village of Egg Harbor. A mix of funding from AT&T, local municipalities, and the Wisconsin Public Service Commission's Capital Projects Fund helped make the project possible. 'There are residents and businesses that didn't have access to high-speed fiber — and now they do,' said Robyn Gruner, AT&T's director of external affairs in Wisconsin. 'It's a critical piece of infrastructure, not just for streaming or working from home, but for healthcare, education, and staying connected.' Gruner said more than 350 homes are now eligible to sign up for service, and more than 50 orders have already come in. Governor Evers used the opportunity to highlight his administration's commitment to broadband access, pointing to $400 million in proposed broadband investments in his latest state budget. 'With uncertainty at the federal level, momentum is more important than ever that we continue to make this a statewide issue,' Evers said. 'We've already helped over 410,000 homes and businesses get access to new or improved broadband.' Wisconsin's budget talks stall, create possible ripple effect on 2026 gubernatorial race Local leaders say the upgrades are long overdue in an area where geography and low population density have long made internet access a challenge. The broader project is expected to roll out over the coming months, connecting thousands more Door County residents to high-speed fiber. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
