GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich gave his second State of the City address since being elected as mayor in 2019.
“The state of our city is strong because of our character, our instincts and the work we’re all committed to doing to better ourselves, our families and our community,” said Genrich.
Genrich encouraged those listening to his address to have hope in the future of Green Bay.
It’s an emphatic point he made during his roughly 30-minute speech.
Genrich says, like many cities in our country, Green Bay has seen an uptick in crime, but that doesn’t make it dangerous.
“We remain a safe community because of our officers, rank in file and commanding,” the mayor said, “and because we are a community that expects our laws to be respected.”
Elections were touched upon briefly; in February, Green Bay started counting absentee ballots before publicly posted time during the primary.
Genrich says not talking much about it wasn’t on purpose.
“People recognize how dysfunctional politics is these days, especially at the national level,” he said. “In spite of our differences, here locally at common council and at some of our meetings, we’re able to come together.”
Common Council President Jesse Brunette liked Genrich’s speech, as it highlighted many positives happening in Green Bay.
“I like that we expanded the voting options,” Brunette said.
But he thought one issue was a bit out of place.
“To kind of indicate or imply that somehow down the line the City of Green Bay has restricted voting access, I don’t believe that,” Brunette said. “I think we’ve always been an open process.”
Still with an eye towards the future, Genrich is excited about where Green Bay is headed — including the site of the speech, Bay Beach, teasing two new rides.
“We’re hoping to incorporate these new rides into our rotation, renovate this historic pavilion,” Genrich said, “and continue to modernize and upgrade this one of a kind experience.”
FOX 11 asked Genrich if he will be running for re-election this upcoming spring, and while he wouldn’t give a firm answer, he said an announcement would be coming within the next month or so.
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