APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – It’s reorganization for the Appleton City Council
The council will have a new look starting tonight when four Alderpersons who were elected earlier this month take their new seats. Appleton Mayor Tim Hannah said only one incumbent who ran lost.
“The rest were open seats that were competitive and so we have new people.”
Bob Baker lost his District 9 seat by more than 200 votes.
As the new members join the council, Mayor Hannah says that comes with the opportunity for new ideas to improve the city.
“They are coming on because they are interested in public service, and as long as that motivation is at the core, I think that is very important.”
He says some have even taken some extra steps to learn about Appleton government.
“Out of those four, three have already been through or are going through what we call our Citizen’s Academy.”
The Citizen’s Academy is a 10-week course that takes members through all of the different departments to learn how they all operate. Mayor Hannah says while it is not required, it is a benefit before taking on an elected position.
While it is exciting to get new ideas, Mayor Hannah says with the younger council, those with more experience are going to have to step up and lead.
“There were three that chose not to run that had a lot of years of experience, so overall the council will have less experience.”
New members include Brad Firkus, Maiyoua Thao, Alexander Schultz who all won contested seats.
Katie Van Zeeland ran unopposed in District 5.
Kyle Lobner was re-elected in District 13.
