To help residents get to know the candidates for the Manitowoc Aldermanic district, Seehafernews.com asked them two more questions before the April 1st election. They were: What quality of life improvement would you like to see in Manitowoc if elected? That could be a new park, more family-friendly activities, or things like that. After years of work going into the downtown area, what area of Manitowoc would you like to see developed next? These are their responses. Responses are given in the order in which they were received.
Todd Reckelberg
- Although I don’t have any opponent in this year’s election, I’m out on the campaign trail updating my constituents on how I represented them this past term. While quality of life improvements are important, as the pickleball courts built at Rheam Park were very much appreciated and widely used, the current city-wide assessment that’s taking place and what their property taxes will be are taking center stage above all else. It’s hard to say what we can afford until we get through this assessment process and see what the mayor’s 2026 budget brings. Based upon what I’ve seen so far and my desire to deliver a tax levy my constituents can live with, it appears smaller park projects could be something we could do and support wholeheartedly. If I could turn back time, or we had the funds to do so, it would be nice to bring back playground leaders (i.e. student interns) in the parks for the
kids. - I would like to see a designated area in the city designed and zoned for tiny homes. These homes could be a young couple’s first starter home or a home for our elderly who are downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home. We should also revisit our zoning codes and update them to allow for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). An ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot.
Chad Beeman
- I believe locally (as well as across our country) we need better accommodations, support and treatment for mental health issues that affect many individuals on a daily basis. I believe we need to have better accommodations and support for those in our community who our currently without housing. A program that efficiently gives those the support and tools to become healthy, employed and able to lead a successful and happy life helps our city as a whole. Life is difficult enough, but when you’re at your lowest it’s hard to find your way back. Counseling, shelter and employment assistance can greatly improve the transition back into a better quality of life. I support more family friendly events like we used to see with Lakeshore Weekend for kids, Riverwalk and the Air show. I believe we should continue to invest in our lakeshore, beaches, trails and parks. I believe many take for granted what a beautiful area we live in and taking advantage of our local outdoor resources is an option and benefit we have that many outside our area do not.
- Manitowoc has a beautiful lakeshore and many parks which I feel should be continuously maintained and upgraded, not only for our citizens but to bring outside visitors to our community. We have several new housing developments going up throughout our city and they will keep up with the current cost of housing. However, I would like to see a developer build small, single family homes that are affordable for first time homeowners or those who may be starting over in life. We see empty storefronts being occupied by small unique businesses and I would like to see more of these empty shops thriving with a variety of local goods and services. I would like to see Manitowoc continue to attract larger businesses and employers to the area. I believe if we stay on the right track with the improvements we are making it will continue to make our city a very attractive location for developers to consider.
Brett Vanderkin
- One of the quality of life improvements that I would like to see is already in the works with the upcoming Red Arrow Park renovations in our district. When this project was first discussed during budget process, I had many questions since there was no clear plan attached at the time. However, now that I’ve seen the finalized vision, I fully support it and can’t wait to see it completed. This project will be a great addition to our community, enhancing outdoor recreation and providing a space for families to enjoy for years to come.
- We’re already seeing progress with the redevelopment of the old mall property, which will not only revitalize the area but also help address Manitowoc’s housing shortage. Beyond that, we need to continue investing in the infrastructure of our residential neighborhoods. This means improving our roads, replacing aging lead pipelines, and strengthening conservation efforts to tackle PFAS and other contaminants. These are essential investments in the long-term health, safety, and quality of life for our residents
Angela Myers
- Since the warming shelter has come into existence, it has become clear our community has a homeless problem. That gave rise to The Neighborhood (comprised of the warming shelter, the Haven, and Hope House). Getting their project off the ground and running will be a great first step in combating this crisis. Our next step will be to create a larger and more permanent warming shelter to serve more individuals in need; aiding our most vulnerable in our community. This will aid in keeping our community safer by allowing people a place to stay without them having to resort to sleeping in unsafe areas like garages, sheds, or even on the street.
- The old mall property and the Mirro site are two prime examples of blighted properties that Manitowoc needs to address to make way for growth and opportunity for our community. It is exciting to see the progress that has been made by the city in changing the condition of the mall site. Continuing the planned apartment development and the mixed-use development is a step in the right direction for our community. Having a grocery store in one of the business spaces will provide more variety and access to food for this area of the city. The old Mirro site should be tackled next. It has been sitting empty for too long. Reimagining this space as a community park with recreation facilities and family friendly activities would breathe new life into that area. This would make Manitowoc more attractive to current and potential new residents, being a welcoming place for all.
Andrew Dunbar
- One thing I have talked about is increasing the options of high speed internet. Many houses in the city are limited to one or two options for internet providers. If you look at this compared to Appleton, Green Bay, or Sheboygan, we are behind. High speed fiber optic internet is not only a cheaper alternative for top tier internet that households can take advantage of, it is also something that companies look at when they decide to move to a new city. Trying to bring new jobs to the city, jobs in tech and information sectors for example, is what we need to focus on to give the college students a reason to return home after going to school in Madison or Milwaukee.
- The city is already expanding. Improvements are coming to Red Arrow park, as well as many other city parks having received additions or overhauls in the last few years. With the success of the Sand Sculpting Festival event at Red Arrow the improvements to the beach are more than warranted. I think we need to look at other events in the town that have historically brought in traffic. The Balloon Glow is outgrowing downtown and could use a home. Silver Creek has an amazing disc golf course that could be modernized and used to attract more events. The real challenge is insuring that the community has a voice and a say in what is happening next. We need representatives that are talking to their constituents and finding out the areas in town that are neglected or the parks that need extra attention. I look forward to being that representative of our district. As Alderman I will fight to help the community get what they want and what they need from Manitowoc.
We also sent questions to Brian Anderson, who is running unopposed in the 7th Aldermanic District, as well as 3rd District Candidate Mike Cummings, but we have not received any responses.
