For the 1st time in 20 years, Manitowoc County has a new county executive.
Tyler Martell was sworn in yesterday evening on the Manitowoc County Court steps by County Judge Mark Rohrer.
Martell was also joined by close to 150 supporters and friends, along with the band from Valders High School, which is part of the district where he taught before getting his new job.
Martell told his supporters in a speech that the courthouse is a reminder that government belongs to the people and is humbled by the faith county residents put in him.
“Not just because I ran unopposed, but because the voters of Manitowoc County spoke loud and clear,” he explained. “Giving me the highest vote total ever received for a candidate for county executive since the office was established.”
Martell recognized outgoing County Executive Bob Ziegelbauer for his decades of public service before laying out what he called a new chapter for the county.
That includes continued support for public safety and keeping public infrastructure ready for everyone who uses it.
He also stated he wants to work with all municipalities while making government more efficient.
He told the crowd, “We will cut unnecessary red tape, reform outdated systems, and soundly reject the phrase, ‘we’ve always done it this way’ whenever it stands in the way of progress.”
He also talked about the challenges the county faces, including a stagnant population, an aging workforce, and those feeling the pain of high taxes and rising inflation.
However, Martell told the crowd that it’s not destiny but an assignment.
“I know that we will rise to the occasion,” he stated. “Just look around. Seven new county supervisors have been sworn in. A new county board chairman has just been elected. Manitowoc County is ready for a change.”
Matthew Phipps
The new county board chairman Martell mentioned is 21st District Board Supervisor Matthew Phipps.
He told SeehaferNews.com after his appointment that he felt the county was ready for change and he wanted to serve the community to the best of his ability.
He said he had no reservations about the job.
“I want the best for the community and didn’t have any expectations except that I will serve the community,” he replied. “It’s a servant’s position, and I believe that we have to be held accountable to our constituents of Manitowoc County, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Although Martell was officially sworn in, he’s not quite done with his teaching job.
He explained that he will continue to teach a 1st hour Spanish class to middle schoolers before he puts on his county executive hat.
When the school year ends on June 30th, he will focus on being Manitowoc County’s leader full-time.
Martell is only the third county executive to be elected to office since the county adopted the form of government and is now one of, if not the youngest, in the state.
