GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Several local leaders came together Monday to announce support for Green Bay mayoral candidate Chad Weininger. This comes as other prominent leaders in the state have endorsed current mayor Eric Genrich.
“That candidate who will get Green Bay back on track is Chad Weininger, and I urge the voters of this fabulous community to give him a chance to prove himself to you,” former Green Bay Mayor Paul Jadin said.
Jadin was among those who publicly announced their endorsement of Weininger. Nine of the city’s 12 board members shared that opinion.
“It just got to a point where there was too much drama involved,” Alderperson Mark Steuer said. “We just need somebody who is a numbers person who can run the city like a business. We need that everyday. ”
Steuer said he thinks Weininger would unite city leaders.
Alderperson Randy Scannell was one of just three board members who disagrees and, instead, is supporting the current mayor.
“Eric has done a good job, and I certainly have no problem endorsing him,” Scannell said. “He’s tried to work with the council. I know the council has not always been very cooperative with him. So, I don’t know what their beef is.”
“He has followed his party’s playbook of trying to make Donald Trump and abortion local issues,” Jadin said. “I assure you they are not.”
There’s been debate over politics in the non-partisan race. Both candidates previously served in the Assembly — Genrich as a Democrat, Weininger as a Republican.
“I’ve heard complaints that Chad is not a Trumper — that he’s been portrayed as a Trumper,” Scannell said. “But his record in the legislature is his record. It’s not inaccurate.”
Gov. Tony Evers has inserted himself into the race. On Monday, he said in a statement, “Mayor Genrich has a proven track record of progress… Green Bay deserves a mayor like Eric Genrich.”
Steuer is a self-identifying moderate. He said, regardless of the outcome, he hopes his endorsement plays a role in the next term.
“If Chad wins, we’re here with you,” Steuer said. “If mayor wins, Mayor Genrich wins. Then we’re saying work with us, reach out to us, don’t dig your heels in, work with us.”
Polls are open today from 7 AM to 8 PM.
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