Meet Manitowoc city council candidates in District 3, who are facing off in the Feb. 21 primary election
MANITOWOC - Four candidates are running for the District 3 seat on the Manitowoc Common Council, two of whom will be eliminated in a Feb. 21 primary election.
The four candidates running for the seat are incumbent Michael Cummings and challengers Jason Johnston, Nathan Mahloch and Angela Myers.
The seat holds a two-year term and represents an eastern portion of the city that includes the downtown district and runs along the shore from Columbus Street to Waldo Boulevard.
The Herald Times Reporter asked all four candidates to fill out a questionnaire before the election explaining why they are running and their positions on issues. As of Friday afternoon, neither Mahloch nor Johnston had returned their questionnaire.
Responses from Cummings and Myers are included here. Some responses were edited for clarity and brevity.
For more about registering to vote and polling locations, visit myvote.wi.gov.
Michael Cummings
Age: 39
Occupation: Owner of MCM Products, LLC, and security training instructor at Point Beach Nuclear Plant
Highest education level: Bachelor's degree in business management
Relevant experience: I have been very involved with the council over my service term as I am the current chairman of Public Infrastructure Committee, served two years on Personnel Committee, served two years on Community Development Authority, served two years on Manitowoc International Relations Association, served one year on Finance Committee and served one year on the Downtown Holiday Decorating Committee. For each committee, I have been an active participant and have an excellent attendance record. Two things I am most proud of are getting additional funding for public park upgrades and tree replacement.
Angela Myers
Age: 51
Occupation: Business office manager for a local manufacturing company
Highest education level: Bachelor of Science in teaching mathematics and an associate's degree in accounting
Relevant experience: I have worn a multitude of hats in my job as an office manager. I am the go-to person when something needs to be done that the boss just does not have time to do. I will bring organization, financial knowledge and time management to the city council.
Why are you running for office?
Cummings: I am a husband to an amazing wife, father to five beautiful children and have lived at my residence for the past 16 years in what is my "forever" home. I have a lot of pride in our city and want to do my part in ensuring the city we live in is the best it can be to live, work and play. I have been able to connect with, and help a lot of my constituents during my first term. However, my work is not done and there is still much to accomplish.
Myers: The top reasons I am running for alderperson are:
To make a difference in our community
To bring more diverse thought to the city council
To allow all residents of District 3 to feel they have a voice on the city council
What makes you the better candidate in this race?
Cummings: I have been actively involved with all my assigned committees, listen to my constituents who present problems while treating them with respect and take action on their issues. Additionally, I am involved with our community outside of the city council as the president of the Manitowoc Chiefs, I coach both tackle and flag football, and I coach junior Ships basketball. I am truly independent politically and have a strong character to be able to speak and work with anyone regardless of political view. My combination of council experience, community involvement and character is why I’m the best candidate in this race.
Myers: My open-mindedness and ability to converse with a diverse group of people make me a top candidate for this office. I am able to listen to find out what someone is concerned about and inquire what they feel could be options to resolve their concerns. Then, I would mediate between the city and the citizen to come to an agreeable resolution. Most people do not feel heard; once they do, negotiation goes more smoothly.
What are residents telling you are their most important issues, and how would you address them?
Cummings: Over my first term, I was contacted a lot for property management issues (snow not shoveled, grass not cut, garbage not managed, vehicles illegally parked long term, etc.). I’ve also been contacted a lot regarding tree removal as we have been negatively impacted by the emerald ash borer. I have addressed each issue through our city process and through working with city staff. If elected for a second term, I want to close loopholes to what should be common-sense ordinances, ensure we have a solid tree replacement plan and push for additional beautification throughout the city.
Myers: As I have been knocking on the doors of the constituents of District 3, I have come to find a few issues that keep coming up. One issue is that not everyone in the district feels that ordinances are being fairly applied to all areas of the district. Also, that there is a lack of affordable housing. There are also concerns for homeless people in our city (which coincides somewhat with the lack of affordable housing).
What would be your top two priorities as a council member?
Cummings: First, finding more ways to get constituents involved with city issues and subsequent decisions. I have an active Facebook page (@CummingsForManitowoc) and a website (MikeCummings.net); however, I feel there are more channels of communication we can use to help get residents involved with their council representatives. The next big project I want to address is our controlled vs. uncontrolled intersections. In District 3 especially, we have no obvious consistency between the two. I’ve begun to do preliminary research, but a second term would allow me the opportunity to properly address the issue.
Myers: First, we need to make our neighborhood school areas safer for our school children. This could be achieved by more police presence during drop-off and dismissal, and with more adult crossing guards near the school on busier streets. Secondly, we need to help combat homelessness. Both of these have a variety of solutions and discussion on these issues to come to a solution that many can agree on.
What is your vision for Manitowoc?
Cummings: Manitowoc has amazing, hardworking and goodhearted residents. We are officially a city, but have a small-town feel. It’s not perfect and has things we can improve, but it’s beautiful and a great place to raise a family. My vision for the future is to continue to improve our infrastructure so businesses want to continue to bring high-paying jobs to our city, families want to raise their children here, and youth can thrive because they have multiple avenues to stay engaged while they grow their potential. We are on the right path, but far from done.
Myers: A Manitowoc where everyone feels welcome, regardless of age, ability, ethnicity or social status. Where everyone feels heard and acknowledged when bringing an issue to the city council. One that has a thriving economy and all are paid a living wage. One where neighbors look out for each other.
What are your thoughts on the current budget for the city?
Cummings: This year's budget wasn’t “sexy,” but it was necessary to ensure the city had the ability to compete for personnel against the private sector. Insurance rates and fuel cost rose astronomically in 2022, which provided a major challenge during the budget process. I supported doing what we could to give the city the ability to retain their employees, which helps us all via the work they do. With that being said, the budget still allowed for improvements of roadways, alleys, parks and more, which helps the quality of life for our residents.
Myers: I applaud the idea of increasing our city employees’ wages. They give us services that are essential. Road improvements are needed, so road repair funds are a good start. Yes, the city has to concentrate on what it can fix; the city has to, unfortunately, wait longer to fix Washington Street until the state releases funds for it. Those facts polarize us at times. Updating and fixing our parks will definitely help the enjoyment of our city.
More: Manitowoc County preps for spring election. Here's who's running and how to register to vote.
Contact Alisa Schafer at aschafer@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AlisaMSchafer.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc city council District 3 candidate profiles for primary race
