APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Voters in Appleton have narrowed the search for their next mayor.
“I think the local people have spoken and they’re going to speak a little louder,” says mayoral candidate James Clemons.
Clemons and Jake Woodford will move on to the April 7th general election after both receiving over 25% of primary votes. Both extended thanks to their campaigns and the voters after the results became official.
“It feels good to be in this position,” Woodford says, “I’m grateful for the incredible support that our campaign has had and I’m proud of the campaign that we’ve built.”
“I’m very thankful for everybody that went out and voted – we’re sitting in the middle of February with six inches of snow. I’m especially thankful for those that made it out and voted for me,” Clemons says.
Woodford was the top vote-getter at 29% Tuesday night. But less than 200 votes behind was the seasoned Clemons at 27%.
While cherishing the moment of capturing a spot in the general election, both camps are preparing to get back to work right away on Wednesday. We spoke with both candidates about their plans for the future of their campaigns – and for the future of Appleton.
“The goal is to foster an affordable, safe, and welcoming community for all people. That would be the daily work of serving as mayor – setting a tone for our community,” Woodford tells WTAQ News, “Work really hard and get out in the community – listen to people and participate in community events and programs – share our vision for Appleton.”
“I ran for the office, I didn’t run against anybody and I’m going to continue that,” Clemons explains, “I think the results are there. I think the experience is what got us here, and I think we’re going to do better moving on to the next phase.”
Both candidates have been focusing their campaigns on not only their plans, but on the reasons they believe they should be the one to succeed the 24 year tenure of Mayor Tim Hanna.
“It’s an important thing for a leader to be transparent with the community about where I see us going from here,” Woodford says.
He created a website for residents to read up on his ideas.
Meanwhile, Clemons thinks his twenty years of experience working within city government might give him a slight edge.
“Two time council president, elected by my peers and being on all of the committees and chairing most committees, I have a much better understanding of what it actually takes to get something done in this city. Going through the budget process twenty time and being able to expand the city’s tax base while at the same time keeping in mind those that are on fixed income? I think that’s a big deal,” Clemons says, “My main focus is going to be on actual city issues that the mayor and council have jurisdiction and control over. We’ve got to keep our eye on the ball. This is what we’ve been elected to do, and those are the kind of things I’m going to stay fixed on.”
But in the end, it’s all about what people want to see happen in their community.
“Just letting the local person, especially those on fixed income, know that they’re being heard. That has to work through your elected officials, and I’m going to keep the council in the loop on all the decisions we’re making,” Clemons says.
“I trust our community to choose the right person to serve in this role,” says Woodford.
Mayor Tim Hanna announced last fall that he would not seek a seventh term in office. Eight candidates entered the primary.
Check here for a list of Tuesday’s primary results from across the area.
