The Manitowoc Common Council continued its discussion this week on whether to possibly switch to a “City Manager” leadership form of government as they have in Two Rivers. Mayor Justin Nickels admits that Manitowoc is, in his words “caught in the middle” of how municipalities are presently led with smaller entities run with a part-time mayor and full-time administrator. Larger cities such as Green Bay and Milwaukee are led by the more traditional elected mayor and Council form of government.
“When you bring in a hired gun to run the operations, I feel you lose a touch of the community,” Nickels stated. “A lot of times the administrators don’t get hired in the community they are from.” Nickels adds that 150 years of history supports his point of view. He pointed to the fact that the latest three mayors, himself included served for over a decade a piece, with Kevin Crawford holding the position for 20 years. He also noted that there has not been an outcry from the community to make the change either. An alderperson brought it up for discussion with one vote to hold an advisory referendum that failed with two alders supporting it. He adds and believes in “The will of the people is the law of the land. I can always be voted out of office.” Nickels continues “I firmly believe an elected representative is best suited for the people.”
