GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – For the only time before Election Day, both Green Bay mayoral candidates got together for a debate.
On Thursday night, incumbent mayor Jim Schmitt and city council president Tom De Wane discussed their views on the current state of Green Bay.
“You talk to other municipalities and they think we’re a joke that we would turn away these types of projects and people are talking, why go to Green Bay?” De Wane said, according to FOX 11.
“He’s voted for 90 percent of the things I’ve proposed, so I think the city works well together,” said Schmitt. “It could always be better and that’s what I’m going to focus on.”
The Walmart issue became exhibit A for disagreement between both candidates. De Wane wanted to do it, but Schmitt staunchly opposed it. Schmitt says he’s come up with an alternative for the Larsen Green site.
“I will tell you we have a signed letter from a developer and it has been through two levels of approval from a bank and needs one more,” said Schmitt. “It’s going to be a mixed use development.”
“I hope the mayor is being honest about this and truthful,” said De Wane. “You can keep crying wolf and pretty soon people will stop listening to you.”
De Wane believes his leadership with the city council would help him make changes as mayor.
“I’ve proven I can do it,” said De Wane. “I want to bring more to Green Bay than just downtown.”
Schmitt, on the other hand, said he wants to keep Green Bay on the path he’s laid the past 12 years.
“I’m the guy that wants to take it to that next level and the way you get there is not easy,” said Schmitt.
Election Day is coming up on April 7th.
