APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Former Appleton Alderman Jim Clemons is throwing his name in the ring for the upcoming mayoral race, as longtime Mayor Tim Hanna announced that he would not seek re-election.
After 20 years on the Appleton City Council, Clemons stepped away from city government to give other residents a chance to serve. But now Clemons says he’s ready to return and take the reigns.
“I’d really like to help see my city go in the right direction. I do like the current Appleton staff and I’d love the privilege of working with some of those people again. Give me some direction and leadership and keep Appleton going in the right direction. I think the timing right now is crucial,” Clemons tells WTAQ News.
Clemons thinks he still has a finger on the pulse when it comes to changes coming in Appleton, saying his ideas will hopefully make the city an even better place for developments.
“Ideally I’d like to have a sort of one-stop-shop for developers when they come in. Downtown Appleton is outstanding right now, but we’re also going to have some parking needs that come up. We’ve got some current development trying to take place and we need to learn when to lead, follow, and when to get out of the way.”
Clemons says his experience would provide a well-versed view into what the city is doing and where it should be going. He believes that is what will eventually separate him from other candidates.
“Anyone can come in from the outside and talk about all these great and grandious ideas they have, but when you get involved with government, and especially city government, you need to have cooperation with other people. A lifelong Appleton resident with a good history and 20 years on the council and different committees, I’ll bring action instead of just talking about it,” Clemons says, “I need to find out exactly where we’re at, what direction we’re looking at, what the council is trying to do, and also make sure that coincides with what the general public wants. You need to know where you’re at, you need to know where you want to go, then you develop a plan on how you want to get there.”
The city’s Communication Director Chad Doran was the first to announce his run for mayor.
