GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) - Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt has announced his candidacy for a fourth term in office.
"We have a lot going for us and I want it to continue," said Schmitt during a campaign kick-off event on the rooftop of Titletown Brewing Company's new Tap Room. "I've got the energy and I've got the vision to lead us forward for another 4 years."
Schmitt was first elected in 2003 and cites progress made in economic development, public safety and debt reduction. He also spoke about working well with other members of the Green Bay City Council, along with local, state and federal officials.
"I think the city feels the momentum," said Schmitt, who says he's unsure who his opponents would be. "I don't know if it's risking momentum, I can just guarantee with me the momentum will continue."
Thursday afternoon, David Vander Leest issued a statement declaring his intentions on challenging Schmitt in 2015. Vander Leest says he wants to reduce the city’s debt load, restore residential garbage services that were recently eliminated and improve city roads.
City Council President Tom DeWane also issued a statement Thursday, saying he told friends and supporters he would make an announcement soon as to whether he would run. DeWane has picked up nomination papers to run for the office.
Candidates have until January 6 at 5 p.m. to turn in nomination papers with 200 signatures from city residents to get on the ballot. If more than two candidates enter the race, a primary election would be held February 17. The general election is April 7.
If Schmitt, who's 56, wins and serves out a fourth term, he would be tied with Sam Halloin as the longest-serving mayor in Green Bay history. Halloin was mayor from 1979 to 1995.
DOWNTOWN GROCERY STORE PROMISE
Mayor Schmitt promised a grocery store for the city's downtown during his State of the City address this year. That was back in March, and now with just 2 weeks left in calendar 2014, he admits it likely won't happen.
"That grocery store promise...I'm still learning," Schmitt said when questioned by the media about it. "I'm committed to that and, you know, I may not make that date but I'm working harder on it than I ever have."
Schmitt says there are still concerns about the size and who will fill that void. He said he met with Festival Foods earlier that day, but they likely won't be a player in downtown Green Bay.
On Wednesday, Green Bay's Planning Director Kim Flom told FOX 11 that things are taking longer than anticipated. The city says it is talking with grocers in and out of the state, as well as New Leaf Market.
President of New Leaf Lynn Walter told FOX 11 the Main Street site is no longer being possible, because the group doesn’t have the money to build new. However, Walter says the group does have the money to open a store and has a few preferred existing buildings in mind.
“The timeline depends on which site we end up with,” said Walter. “If it requires major remodeling it’s going to take a little longer. If its move-in ready, that’s going to be a short time frame, but our goal is to open next year.”