GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay’s mayoral candidates squared off in their first general election forum Thursday afternoon.
Former State Representative Eric Genrich and Brown County Supervisor Patrick Buckley advanced out of an eight-man primary race last month.
The candidates spent more than an hour answering a variety of student questions at UW-Green Bay. Topics ranged from campus-specific issues to ones with a more city-wide appeal.
Genrich told the audience of mostly college students that the biggest difference between himself and Buckley is his vision for the city.
“It’s a seven-page platform,” said Genrich of his vision, which is outlined on his campaign website. “It’s probably the most comprehensive document that any mayoral candidate has ever put out. My opponent has about three bullet points on the website.”
Buckley says his biggest difference from Genrich is his background. Buckley owns 57 area Subways and is a former police officer.
“I’ve managed. I’ve developed. I know what it takes to run the city.”
The candidates were also asked how they would strengthen the relationship between the city and UW-Green Bay.
“Developing a physical presence closer to the city’s core I think would be a very beneficial thing,” said Genrich.
“A good option for the city would be to come out here and have some listening sessions,” said Buckley.
Another question was whether they’d support a new police and fire headquarters.
“With our current debt and our current budget situation, it would be very irresponsible of us to go and spend $50 million on a new police station,” said Buckley.
Genrich said he’d like to develop a capital improvement program for all city infrastructure before making a decision.
“We simply don’t have all the information in front of us,” said Genrich.
When asked what the city spends too much money on, Buckley noted city employee salary and benefits take up most of the city’s budget.
“I think that is where we need someone who can come in that understands management, that understands accountability and productivity,” said Buckley.
Genrich says the city’s debt is where too much money is spent.
The candidates have two more forums coming up on March 20th and 27th. They are both at the downtown central library.
Election day is April 2nd.
