GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay residents will hit the polls Tuesday to decide who will advance in the race for mayor.
Incumbent Mayor Jim Schmitt is being challenged by City Council President Tom DeWane and businessman David VanderLeest.
DeWane feels he’s run an effective campaign.
“I worked hard, I’ve met thousands of people and have been getting very good vibes out there,” said DeWane. “We’ve been trying to make it a point that there’s more to Green Bay than downtown, the Mayor has just one vision.”
VanderLeest believes his message has been received the best with voters who want a change in leadership.
“I believe we did a wonderful job at making the citizens aware of the debt load Green Bay is in totaling $186 million,” said VanderLeest. “Anytime your administration consistently removes core services and has let the infrastructure in the city crumble, I believe the citizens think it is time for a change.”
But Schmitt says everyone knows the good he’s done in his 12 years on the job.
“From Bay Beach, Military and Velp Avenues, the VA clinic that with a strong and vibrant downtown,” Schmitt said. “We’ve got a lower crime rate and economic development is up, I don’t know why one would want to change that.”
The top two vote-getters will square off in the April 7 spring election.
Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
