Fifth District Alderman Lee Kummer announced recently he won’t be seeking a third two-year term in the April 2020 election. The Manitowoc attorney told SeehaferNews.com that he made that decision before he was elected. Kummer, a supporter of term limits said, “If you can’t get stuff done in four years, maybe it’s time to get someone else with some new ideas, and new focuses.”
One regret Kummer had is that he couldn’t get more done with the trails and parks in the city. He said he’s hoping the council will move forward in the future to give trail system development a higher priority.
Meanwhile, the local council member said he wants to see a discussion on Manitowoc “possibly changing from a mayoral form of government to a city manager”, like neighboring Two Rivers. Kummer explains that a mayor “isn’t really accountable to the city council.” He said that mayors can tend to make decisions based on politics, and wanting to get re-elected, rather than based on what’s best for the city. He made clear his idea is not a reflection on our current mayor, Justin Nickels and the job he’s doing in office.
The local native explains that Council President Eric Sitkiewitz will schedule a Committee of the Whole meeting in January to discuss the proposal. Kummer said he’d also like to see term limits for city councilmembers.
