For the fifth consecutive election cycle, the voters of Manitowoc chose Justin Nickels as their Mayor.
Jason Prigge put up a good fight, but in the end, Nickels secured 7,391 votes for 60.8% of the votes.
This is the closest race Nickels has been involved in since his first win in 2009, when he only secured the office with a 17-vote difference between him and Dave Soeldner.
However, he tells SeehaferNews.com that it’s the most votes he’s ever gotten in any election.
Nickels noted, “I think what I did in this campaign is I focused on all the great things happening in Manitowoc that have been happening, the experience that I’ve had, and what I want to do over the next four years through the remainder of this decade.”
With some new council members coming on, Nickels says he wants to focus on what the council has been working on during his last term, such as work on the Mid-Cities and Lakeshore Mall properties and the Mirro site. But he says he’s looking at the future.
“What’s next in tourism, what’s next for the industrial park, what is it that always sets Manitowoc apart,” he stated. “And I think we’ve done a great job of doing that over the next ten years.”
Nickels also credited his opponent, Jason Prigge, with the race he ran, saying he hopes he continues making a positive change in the community and promoting the good things about the area.
Prigge declined an interview request, but did send us a statement.
He said, “The people have spoken, and while the outcome is not what we had hoped for, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Justin Nickels and wish him success in leading our great city. To everyone who supported me, from volunteers to voters, and especially to my family and my incredible wife Tina, thank you. Your belief in my vision and your tireless efforts in this election will never be forgotten. This isn’t the end of my commitment to Manitowoc. I will continue to serve, support, and advocate for our city’s progress. We have started conversations and sparked ideas that I know will grow. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Manitowoc. Let’s keep moving forward, together.”
