De Pere City Council District 2 race features incumbent Jonathon Hansen, challenger Noah Tetzner
DE PERE - Incumbent Jonathon Hansen is facing a challenge from Noah Tetzner for the District 2 seat on the De Pere City Council.
The race is one of four for the De Pere City Council; District 2 is made up of Wards 6 though 9.
The election is April 4. You can find resources for voters at myvote.wi.gov. You can also:
Check to see if you're registered to vote. You can still register today at your polling place.
The Press-Gazette asked each candidate three questions and asked that the answers highlight their strengths and their ideas.
Jonathon Hansen (i)
Address: De Pere
Age: 34
Occupation: City Council member; senior universal banker at a local credit union
Education: Master’s degree in English from Marquette University; bachelor’s degree in political science and English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Experience relevant to the post you’re seeking: Member of De Pere City Council representing District 2 since 2017. De Pere City Council president since 2021. Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. Member of the De Pere Board of Public Works and Board of Health. Member of Definitely De Pere’s Design & Public Arts Committee.
Noah Tetzner
Address: De Pere
Age: 21
Occupation: Business owner
Education: High school degree
Experience relevant to the post you’re seeking: As a lifelong De Pere resident and small business owner, I am committed and invested to serving this community. I serve on Definitely De Pere’s Economic Enhancement Committee, working to bring new businesses to the city and retain existing ones. Additionally, I serve on De Pere’s Historic Preservation Commission, advocating for the city’s historic buildings.
Why are you running for City Council?
Hansen: We have made tremendous progress as a city in recent years, and I am running to carry that momentum forward. Since I joined the council, we have: 1) Secured an unprecedented $55 million in federal and state funding for the Brown County Southern Bridge project. 2) Approved a timeline to build a new Legion Pool in 2026. 3) Resurfaced more than 100 streets, and successfully lobbied Wisconsin DOT to add reconstruction of Main Avenue and Reid Street (State 32) back to their list of future projects. 4) Increased the public safety budget from $9.10 million to $10.67 million.
Tetzner: I am running for City Council member to be a voice for the people of my district. I am not a partisan activist seeking to push a political agenda in city government. My platform is one of nonpartisanship.
Over the last three months, I have personally knocked on over 2,000 doors, connecting with the people of District 2 and listening to their concerns.
What are the three top issues facing the city of De Pere?
Hansen: 1) Southern Bridge Corridor: Construction on the new I-41 interchange will begin in 2025, and the project will move eastward from there. I will continue partnering with local, state, and federal officials to secure the remaining funds needed so that the entire corridor can be completed by 2029. We are also working on plans to construct a 10-foot-wide paved bike and pedestrian path that will run along the north side of the corridor.
2) New Legion Pool: Shortly before I was first elected in April 2017, the City Council voted unanimously to eventually close Legion Pool on a permanent basis and build a single aquatic center on the west side. I led the effort on the council to rescind that decision, and to instead let the community decide on whether to replace Legion Pool in a referendum. The referendum passed, and I will now work to ensure that the design for the new Legion Pool reflects the wishes of the community.
3) Continuing to revitalize our downtown: I will continue working to open more businesses in our downtown, and will also prioritize the redevelopment of the old Shopko site and South Broadway Street between George Street and the roundabout.
Tetzner: The concerns I most often hear about from residents are:
The Southern Bridge. The project has gained unprecedented momentum. Construction will begin in 2025. If I am elected, I will work with the county executive, county board and state legislators to ensure additional funding is secured so the project isn’t delayed as it has been countless times over the last 60+ years.
Main Avenue — a vital artery connecting De Pere’s west side to our existing bridge, is riddled with potholes and deteriorating pavement. The road’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is as low as 21 out of 100, making it a danger to residents and the community. While the road is technically a state highway, working with the Wisconsin DOT to help ensure progress will be a top priority for me if elected as Alderperson.
Expanding Downtown. As a member of Definitely De Pere’s Economic Enhancement Committee, I have a proven record of helping to bring new businesses to the city and retaining existing ones. De Pere’s shops and restaurants are the life of our vibrant downtown, which I will work to expand. I will ensure any expansions maintain the quaint, hometown feel that makes De Pere the city we love.
Why should people vote for you?
Hansen: I have a proven record of moving De Pere forward and have earned the trust of my colleagues who have selected me to be their City Council president and chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. I strive to preserve the council’s reputation for being a strong nonpartisan body that focuses on practical solutions, not ideological agendas. I have also been exceptionally responsive to the needs of my constituents, and keep them updated by personally hand-delivering newsletters to every home in the district, and mailing them to all apartments and businesses. I have so far distributed nearly 25,000 newsletters.
Tetzner: I am from De Pere, with De Pere values. I have a proven record of advocating for the city, promoting growth, and preserving the rich heritage of our vibrant downtown.
A critical issue facing De Pere is the need for nonpartisanship on city council.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: De Pere City Council District 2 candidates share their priorities
