Seehafernews.com asked candidates running for the Manitowoc Common Council some questions before the upcoming Spring General Election on April 7th. The questions were: What made you decide to run for office, either as an incumbent or as a challenger? What is something you like about Manitowoc that the city has done? On the other end, what do you want to see improve? And lastly, the city is currently studying the feasibility of moving the Police Department into the Public Safety Building and potentially closing one of the four fire stations to optimize response efficiency. What are your thoughts on these projects? These were their responses in the order they were received from the candidates who responded.
Jodi Brey
- I was appointed to finish my husband’s term last fall, which came about because I knew he would have been upset at leaving a term incomplete. I had absolutely no intention of entering politics any more formally than that, but I found out fairly quickly that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Then, given how the declaration of candidacy works, I had to make a decision fairly quickly about continuing. Honestly, at first, being the 4th District alderman felt like still having a piece of Jim’s life that was tangible, that I could be a part of. It still does, but it has also evolved into a way that I can make an impact of my own. In learning to live with and around the grief of missing him, there is still that connection to his legacy, but I also recognize the desire to be part of a group of people that is dedicated to good things. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” I am excited to be a part of that small group in a more direct way than I was as a political spouse. I am beginning to see that I can connect my life as a teacher and the students I see daily to my service to the city, and the possibilities there make me happy.
- There are many things I like about Manitowoc, and I think the city does the thing it can do most often very well – that one thing is to be supportive of its community. The city doesn’t bring in new business, but it creates the environment where that is feasible. The city doesn’t provide housing, jobs, or education, but it supports the entities that do those things. Our local government keeps one eye on the future while facilitating growth and development. I am proud of the way the city has become more nimble on its feet, so to speak – more able and willing to consider ideas and propositions, more able to act, and more able to quickly respond to issues and opportunities. We are moving away from ‘that’s the way it is always done’ while still honoring our past and traditions. I would like to see us spend more time thinking about how to include our younger citizens in meaningful ways. The connections we make with our students and young people are key to reducing their urge to settle outside of Manitowoc. That’s not always an easy task – easier is to say young people don’t care. That is very much not true, and I think people make that assumption because young people feel like their voice doesn’t matter – after all, they can’t vote. Spending my days with them, I know that they do care about this place we all call home. People who are connected to the place where ideas turn into reality are more likely to offer more ideas and to stay to see those ideas come to fruition. We should capitalize on that.
- This is an issue that is not fully defined as of yet, so the question is a little bit leading. I think in general it speaks to the ability of the city to be introspective and proactive, looking at what is best to serve the citizens and keep them safe. If we can put our resources in the best and most efficient places, then we are best serving the citizens of the city both in terms of keeping them safe and saving them money, which is a win on top of a win. I trust the judgment of the police and fire departments to see those possibilities, as well as the common council to walk with them in the analysis of the ideas, discussion of the rationale involved, and then, in consultation with city staff, to facilitate the changes that are appropriate.
Eric Sitkiewitz
- I decided to run for another term as Alderman because this work truly matters. I want to keep doing the practical, hands‑on, day‑to‑day work — fixing long‑standing issues on a block, helping neighbors with concerns, planning for our infrastructure, and supporting the next chapter of economic development. Showing up and following through isn’t flashy, but consistent leadership is what District 6 and the City of Manitowoc deserve — and it’s what I’m committed to providing every day.
- Manitowoc has been making real investments in our downtown area and along our waterways — and it’s changing how people experience our city. Outdoor recreation is driving many quality‑of‑life decisions, and through my budgeting work as Finance Committee chairman, we’ve funded improvements as in better pedestrian walkability downtown and expanded water access, including the upgrades near the Manitou Park kayak launch and new bridge at Bayshore Trail. These practical upgrades make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the spaces that make Manitowoc special. I’m focused on improving the availability of industrial land because our industrial park is essentially full — and in economic development, “we don’t have space” is the last thing you want to say. Having land ready can be the difference between landing the next job creator or watching that opportunity go elsewhere, and that directly affects families in District 6 and across Manitowoc. Growing our industrial capacity isn’t easy, but it’s exactly the kind of forward‑looking work that shapes Manitowoc’s future. I’m committed to pushing hard to make sure we’re ready for the opportunities ahead.
- As Manitowoc grows westward, that naturally raises new questions about how we structure public safety. I’m looking forward to the full feasibility report because decisions of this scale must be driven by data. Any plan we consider has to meet today’s needs while positioning us well for the next generation — public safety facilities aren’t something you relocate often; it’s costly, disruptive, and only worthwhile when the long‑term benefits are clear. If the analysis shows that a new configuration improves response times, strengthens service, and delivers lasting value for taxpayers, it deserves serious consideration. But the bar should be high, the reasoning transparent, and the community fully informed. These facilities are tied to how people feel safe in their neighborhoods, so clear communication throughout the process is essential, whatever the final recommendation.
Benjamin Hilburger
- I want to serve my community, and local government is an area where I can make a difference. Local government is where people have the best opportunity to speak with their representatives, express their opinions, and call for change. However, for that to happen, you need people in government who listen and are receptive to those ideas. I want to be that person who listens to and guides the residents of Manitowoc, and, in turn, make the city better at responding to and presenting improvements to those residents and businesses.
- When I first moved here, the downtown area was less active and increasingly vacant. Over the years, the city and local businesses have done a good job making our downtown area a focal point for many events. It is great to see more people coming to the downtown area and also enjoying the lakeside and riverfront areas. However, there is room for improvement. Other parts of the downtown can be left out during these events, or at times, certain areas and businesses may not benefit as much as others. I think it benefits other parts of the city to rotate events or festivals into different areas. The goal is to increase the number of people visiting downtown and support existing businesses.
- I support the study of moving the police department into the Public Safety Building, and I would support reviewing the possibility of closing one of the 4 fire stations, provided response times are not negatively affected. I am happy to see the city and the police department exploring different ways to communicate more effectively and better distribute the workload. It is important for the city and government departments to periodically review their organizational structure to ensure we have the right resources in place to serve and protect our residents.
Mason Benzinger
- Over the past few years, I have been paying closer attention to how local decisions are made and how they affect daily life in our neighborhoods. That led me to consider a local leadership role. After attending meetings, connecting with residents, and discussing it with my family, I made the decision to run for Alderperson. I recognize the importance of approaching the role with a sense of respect for the work involved and the people it serves. My efforts are simple – I am offering my time to represent your interests in the common council of Manitowoc. I am interested to know what YOU want from your local government. I seek to be an everyperson’s alderperson.
- I am looking forward to seeing the new (old) Parks & Recreation department established separately from the Department of Public Works. Although seemingly adjacent in some functions, I believe that each is unique enough to warrant its own mission and leadership. One concern I have heard from multiple neighbors is regarding the property tax levy, and specifically, what the property taxes are used for. I would like to explore improving transparency around property taxes, ensuring residents have access to straightforward and factual information about how their tax levies are being used, and not only by the city (we can already find a normalized breakdown of city expenses in the city budget). Whether this appears as a separate insert sent with or footnotes located on the tax bill reflecting a normalized valuation, or (less likely) break-out line items on the bill, residents have expressed a desire to understand this better.
- The proposed 2026 city budget indicates that several fire stations will require costly upgrades and repairs, which is given as the basis of the proposal to study a consolidation. The goal is two-fold: to manage these costly upgrades in a way that provides the best value to Manitowoc residents AND to improve quality of service. To accomplish these goals, the group contracted to study this will need to complete their work and prepare a report. This is exactly the type of long-term thinking and measured approach that demonstrates good governance, which is why I am supportive of this initiative. Also, note that while the police department already occupies the Public Safety Building, the Detective Bureau has moved across the hall into the vacated space.
William DeBaets
- I’m running for re-election with a better understanding of how our city’s government works. I really enjoyed serving my constituents, and I feel that with the experience I gained from my last term, I can be even more helpful. I want to try to keep taxes where they are, if not down, while working on the city getting out of debt, as we continue to take care of our roads.
- The city has done a great job maintaining and updating our parks, and I can’t wait for the Red Arrow Park redevelopment that’s starting in April. But at the same time, I would like the city to be more fiscally responsible to the residents and maybe plan these projects over a little more time to not put another tax increase on us all.
- I think with the changing in population areas of the city as it’s developing housing it is a great idea to look at what will make us most efficient. With the Police Department already on the other half of the building, it would be easy for them to transition into the public safety side as well. When the study comes back, we will all have a better idea if we need to make changes or start updating current buildings.
