Superior's 3rd District council seat draws four candidates

Shelley Nelson, Superior Telegram, Wis.
·3 min read

Jan. 5—SUPERIOR — Voters in Superior's 3rd District will decide a primary Feb. 21 to narrow the field of candidates heading into the April 4 election.

That will be the city's only contested race in April. For the second time since taking office in 2017, Mayor Jim Paine is running unopposed in the spring election. Councilors who serve in even-numbered districts — Jenny Van Sickle, Jack Sweeney, Tylor Elm, Mike Herrick and Lindsey Graskey — are all running unopposed.

In the 3rd District, four candidates will vie for the seat left vacant by

Warren Bender's resignation

in November.

Darrell Kyle, of 2317 Hammond Ave., stepped into the race because he believes in taking an active role in his community.

Kyle works as a chaplain for Essentia Health Hospice and the 148th Fighter Wing. Prior to his hospice work, he served as a pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Nebagamon for 17 years. He also served as village president in Lake Nebagamon.

"Service is a very, very important part of who I am and what I do," Kyle said. "It just seemed very natural to me when I moved to Superior to take a more active role in the community where I live."

Garner Moffat, of 1702 N. 21st St., a member of the Superior Plan Commission, knocked on a lot of doors to gather 112 signatures to support his nomination to show he was serious about wanting to serve.

He's also a member of the Douglas County Historical Society Board and board clerk for North Shore Community School. He holds a degree in organizational leadership from the College of St. Scholastica and has done extensive coursework in community development and urban planning at St. Cloud State University.

"I have the passion, compassion and knowledge to make Superior a better place for all of us," Moffat said. "Please help me be your community-minded nerd and vote Moffat on Feb. 21st."

Kevin Norbie, of 2205 John Ave., served as the district's representative from 2002-2008. During his tenure, Norbie held town hall meetings to keep the lines of communication open with his constituents. After leaving the council, he continued to serve as a member of the city's Redevelopment Authority board.

Norbie said when he filed his papers in early December, he didn't know if anyone else was going to run. He said it's a good thing that there are four people running for the seat.

"I wanted to lend some experience to the 3rd District representation," Norbie said. He said it's important the district has experienced leadership.

Mack Peters, of 2218 Ogden Ave., development manager for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes & Pines, is also running to represent the district. As a student at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Peters said he was involved in student government and discovered his passion for local government. He would have run for the seat last year but said he moved to the district too late for the election cycle.

"This is exciting for me," Peters said. Peters has long worked with nonprofits, including seven years with the Girl Scouts, and said he is passionate about serving the constituency.