Menasha mayor candidates Rebecca Nichols and Austin Hammond answer questions as part of a candidate forum. Mar. 14, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Election day is less than a month away and one of the races on the ballot in Menasha is for the city’s mayor.
After four terms, incumbent mayor Don Merkes decided not to seek reelection. Two current Menasha City Council members are now vying for that spot.
At a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women voters, Austin Hammond and Rebecca Nichols explained why they deserve the position.
“My vision is this — that we are economically responsible, that we have a great sense of community pride, that we are environmentally sustainable and that we are seeking affordable and accessible housing options for all,” Hammond said.
“I understand Menasha’s finances and how to work with others to get things done,” Nichols said. “I am able to manage time, tasks and people and I know how to work through disagreements to reach consensus.”
The two candidates advanced from the February primary, though only three votes separated them. Before voters decide who takes office, they had a chance to submit questions. One asked what the candidates consider to be major issues.
“Affordable and accessible housing is paramount to the future successes of Menasha and we do this by taking a multi-faceted approach,” Hammond said. “There is not a one size fits all to the housing.”
“Continue to provide the services that you have come to expect and that you deserve while still being able to grow our tax base to fund those services,” Nichols said.
Another voter asked each candidate to explain their plan to connect with constituents as mayor.
“I would go to the different parts of the community and I would hang out and I would listen and I would talk to them about their concerns and then I would be able to give folks updates on the things that are going on in our community,” Hammond said.
“Concise platform on social media as a way to reach people easily to communicate things that are happening in the city to just communicate casually,” Nichols said.
Hammond works as development director at Atlas Science Center. Nichols serves as a Winnebago County supervisor.
To watch the forum in its entirety, or check out other events hosted by the Appleton League of Women Voters, click here.
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