Candidates running for a seat in the 1st Aldermanic District for the Manitowoc Common Council answered some questions before the February 18th Spring Primary Election. We asked each candidate three questions. They included why you are running for council, what you like about what’s happened in your district, and what you would like to see improve in the district. These were the responses in the order in which they were received.
Brett Vanderkin
- I’m running for office because I believe our community deserves leadership that understands the challenges families face, especially the burden of ever-increasing property taxes. These taxes are putting a strain on hardworking families, and I am committed to ensuring that every dollar collected is spent efficiently and transparently. At the same time, I want to build a future where my kids and yours can grow up in a safe, secure, and thriving community. That means prioritizing smart investments in public safety and infrastructure without asking families to shoulder an unfair financial burden.
- One of the things I’m most proud of in Manitowoc is seeing our industrial park at full capacity. It’s a testament to the hard work of our community in creating opportunities for businesses to thrive, bringing in jobs, and boosting our local economy. This success lays a strong foundation for continued growth in our district. At the same time, we need to ensure that our infrastructure keeps up with this progress. For example, the now-budgeted repairs to South 9th Street near Red Arrow Park are an important step forward, especially as the park begins to host more events. Prioritizing projects like this not only improves safety and accessibility but also demonstrates our commitment to the quality of life for all residents.
- One of the things I’d like to see improve in Manitowoc is a more streamlined process through the red tape and increased transparency in local government. I’ve already taken steps to address this by heading both the ad-hoc committees for Speed Limit Enforcement and the Sign Ordinance. Through these efforts, we were able to create a standardized approach to speed limits across the city, promoting consistency, and we made our sign ordinance more business and resident-friendly. These are the types of improvements I want to continue making by simplifying processes, fostering greater transparency, and ensuring that decisions better serve our community.
Ray Geigel
- The first time I ran for office in city government in 2001. I, like many, wasn’t happy with many of the decisions that were being made by current elected officials and city staff that’s when I decided to get involved and become the voice of change (not just complain about it), most of all I wanted, and set out to make Manitowoc the great city I have grown up in and loved as a child and wanted the same for my children! After my tenure on the council, it was time to take a step back and finish raising my family, which brings us to today. I have always kept a close eye on the pulse of the city and helped wherever I could. Since I moved into this district, I have heard from quite a few people who are dissatisfied with their city and its elected officials. It’s time for a change in leadership!
- I am very pleased and excited about the city’s current growth! With that being said, however, the economy is a whole lot different today than it has been during my tenure on the city council none the less it’s been impressive. (Part 2 of 2) Silver Creek Park has continued to be the gem of this district, along with current improvements to Red Arrow Park.
- Something I want to see improve in the city is more transparency in city government, i.e., I have heard many complaints about a dog park installed at Halverson Park, for instance, without giving extra notice to the residents living in the neighborhood, which at one time was a normal function of city government to notify residents directly affected. Another change I would like to see is some department heads held more accountable, for example, I have heard complains about trees that were to be removed by the city and one took up to 5 years to be removed by city crews the other tree took longer only because it was forgotten about or lost track of it, the sad part is they were a danger to the public because they were dead and could break apart at any time. My goal was to make sure city departments had the tools to do their tasks efficiently. (Part 2of 3) I would like to see more changes and enforcement of property owners in this district on repairing or fixing up housing they rent out in a small corridor in this district, can we find a way to help without a cost to current tax payers?
Andrew Dunbar
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- Since I found Manitowoc, I have loved the city. I love the people, I love the businesses, and I love the sense of community I found here. I have done everything in my power to make the city the best it can be for the generations after me. I have volunteered at the Library. I got my substitute teaching license when I found out the city was short on teachers. I have organized fundraisers as well as working polling locations to help the city succeed. All of this was with the intention to help the city grow. Now that I am in a position to be Alderperson I feel that through that office I can make a bigger change for the city. I still plan to continue doing the other things that I have, but as I grow, I am able to take on more to help Manitowoc, the city that I love.
- Manitowoc has shown great growth while keeping the feel of a small Midwest town. I think that is important to a lot of the citizens. Not many want to feel like they are living in Milwaukee or Madison, but the conveniences cities that size have can be beneficial. Things such as higher paying jobs, more entertainment, and more access to healthcare and living needs. I think that the growth rate of the city is really making Manitowoc a great place to live.
- As a citizen of District 1, I have always felt that the citizens have been underrepresented. As I started my campaign, I started talking to my neighbors, which led to me talking to people all across my district. The common thing that I was asked was, “Who is our Alderperson now?” As a citizen, you should always know who you can talk to and who is your representative. As for what I think the city needs, we are doing well. Obviously, there is always room to improve. I think making sure that the people of district one are able to be heard will make the city better.
