Jodi Brey was unanimously appointed as District 4 alderperson during the Manitowoc Common Council's meeting, Sept. 16, 2025. (Photo courtesy: Manitowoc Common Council)
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The widow of a longtime member of the Manitowoc Common Council is finishing out the remainder of his term in a tribute to her late husband.
Jodi Brey was unanimously appointed as District 4 alderperson during the common council’s meeting Tuesday night.
James “Jim” Brey, 58, was killed Aug. 12 when he crashed his vehicle into a building in the area of S. 26th Street and Franklin Street in Manitowoc, authorities said. The cause of the crash has not yet been released.
According to his obituary, Jim was devoted to public service and improving his community. He served on the common council since 1992 and was elected to the Manitowoc County Board of Supervisors in 1996 — a position he held until July, when he resigned and was appointed Manitowoc County treasurer.
In her letter expressing interest in the seat, Jodi — a teacher at Manitowoc Lincoln High School and the chairman of the English department — recalled how her first date with Jim was spent getting signatures for nomination papers.
“I believe that one of Jim’s biggest regrets would be that he could not finish what he started for this term as the Fourth District Alderman,” Jodi wrote.
While I am no Jim Brey and really have no interest in long-term political involvement, I am willing and eager to change the ending of his life of service from what feels like a hyphen, to a period. I know he is laughing at me for this but I would like to end his term as “Alderman Brey” for my family that is the fourth district.
In a Facebook post, Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels said District 4’s residents will be in good hands.
I truly believe he would be honored to know that Jodi will carry forward his work and finish the legacy he began with the City of Manitowoc.
The Citizens of District 4 will be well represented under her leadership, and this appointment is a meaningful way to honor Jim’s life of service while giving the community the steady and compassionate voice it deserves.
Jodi’s term will end April 20, 2026.
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