2 of 5 Superior council races contested

Mar. 13—SUPERIOR — Councilors in the even-numbered districts are up for reelection on April 1.

Councilors Jack Sweeney in the 4th District, Mike Herrick in the 8th and Lindsey Graskey in the 10th are running unopposed.

Voters in the 2nd and 6th districts will choose from two candidates who want to represent them for the next two years.

In the 2nd District — Itasca, Allouez and East End — voters will decide between incumbent Jenny Van Sickle and Sarah Anderson.

In the 6th District, which encompasses neighborhoods around the central business district and down Belknap Street to Catlin Avenue, incumbent Tylor Elm is facing a challenge from Randal Wuorinen.

Van Sickle joined the City Council in 2017.

"I care about my neighborhood," Van Sickle said of her decision to seek reelection. "My neighbors know that I stay informed, engaged, and take the responsibility of service seriously. They know I always put them first. That often means challenging the status quo, which isn't easy and takes experience."

Hard work and persistence have gotten results for the district, Van Sickle said. Those results included launching "Kids Don't Float" life jacket stations at many water landings; working with Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway to restore reimbursements to tackle taconite dust in the vicinity of the facility in Allouez; returning sacred grounds on the Nemadji River and Wisconsin Point to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; rebuilding Carl Gullo Park; improving and protecting Wisconsin Point; fighting against a natural gas power plant on the Nemadji River bank; and pushing a plan to reconstruct East Fifth Street this summer.

Van Sickle said they were all achieved while improving the city's financial stability.

"We went from tearing down buildings to investing in housing," she said. "We've created more spaces for families to enjoy the outdoors, like the trail to Wisconsin Point, Woodstock Bay Park and the recently acquired Bungee dock on Allouez Bay."

Anderson, who has lived in Superior since 2007, said she decided to run because she believes it's time for a fresh perspective within the city's leadership.

"The city needs someone that can relate to many of its people, and I'm not afraid of challenging the status quo," Anderson said. "I have a genuine passion for collaborating and learning with others, and I know that no matter if we agree or not, there is always a way we can work together with respect to get the job done."

Anderson said there were years when she was proud of the direction the city was moving, but now it seems that there has been a lack of transparency and respect within the council.

"There has not been a clear understanding for the residents, especially over some of the major topics that have been under a spotlight," Anderson said. "Instead of having full information for the residents so that everyone can make an informed choice, the council has become largely one-sided with a lack of respect for the many of the agencies involved in various issues."

She said it has added to continual conflict and is causing anxiety for residents.

Both candidates agree the city needs to take a closer look at reclaiming its water utility from Superior Water, Light & Power because city residents face some of the highest costs in the state under a privately owned utility company. Superior is the only community in Wisconsin that doesn't have a municipal-run public water utility.

"Publicly owned utilities have much lower rates," Van Sickle said. "Defenders of SWL&P keep telling us it will be too expensive to buy the infrastructure, but we're already covering every cost to not only operate the water utility but to also pay out profits to their shareholders. We have to do something; the longer we wait to act, the longer our residents keep paying higher and higher water rates, and we're expecting another double-digit rate increase next year."

However, Anderson said she needs more information before making a decision.

"I wonder how the city is going to afford to buy this utility; what is the plan to replace the expertise of SWL&P's union employees ... and is the city going to be able to add this to the other large projects, such as broadband and extensive street repairs?" Anderson said. While she understands the desire to control costs, she is concerned the idea of buying the utility isn't coming from the right reason to do so.

The candidates differ over the city's creation of a new broadband utility known as ConnectSuperior.

Superior needs affordable, reliable internet options, Van Sickle said.

"Charter keeps raising our rate without any meaningful improvement in service," Van Sickle said. "Municipal broadband networks are lowering prices and generating revenue across the country."

Anderson said city officials should focus time and funding on other priorities.

"As a resident, it is hard for me to spend this kind of money on this project as I know there are other ways we could use it, but hopefully, in the end, it will benefit," Anderson said.

Elm lost his first election in 2017 by one vote, but took the oath of office in June of that year after he was appointed to fill a council vacancy. Voters returned him to office in 2018 and he's held the seat ever since.

Wuorinen is a first-time candidate.

"Seeing how the city council has been operating recently was a major motivating factor for me," Wuorinen said. "There seems to be a majority that consistently votes together, either for or against items. ... I believe decisions should not be made this way. Every council member should independently think through and carefully consider each issue before casting their vote."

Wuorinen said he believes the city is heading in the right direction overall but could benefit from a change in representation.

"I believe I can bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the council," Wuorinen said. "I'm a fast learner and will work hard to ensure the voices of District 6 residents are heard."

Elm said he decided to run again because he believes in Superior and its potential.

"Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of our city and working to create policies that support economic growth, expand housing, strengthen public services and improve our infrastructure," Elm said. "We have made great strides in ensuring a strong and reliant future, but challenges remain."

In addition to his work on ConnectSuperior, Elm said he continues to leverage his background in information technology to enhance how residents interact with local government.

"Superior has made significant progress over the past several years, and I am proud of what we have accomplished as a community," Elm said. "We have invested in our infrastructure, supported business growth, and taken steps to modernize city services. The creation of an open access municipal broadband utility, investments in roads, parks, public safety, housing, businesses, nonprofits, utilities and responsible financial planning have all positioned our city for continued success."

Both candidates agree they are open to the idea of reclaiming the water utility, but more information is needed before making a decision.

"I am actively researching this issue," Wuorinen said. "If reclaiming the water utility is feasible and results in lower rates for our citizens, I would fully support it."

"I don't take major decisions or changes lightly without significant research," Elm said. "Reclaiming the water utility is a complex issue that requires a thorough cost-benefit analysis and careful planning." He said he would like to see detailed financial projections, service impact assessment and a clear transition plan.

Elm and Wuorinen also agree ConnectSuperior could benefit Superior residents; Elm advocated for the open access broadband utility from the beginning.

"I support any initiative that could help save money for our residents," Wuorinen said. "I know the broadband utility has been in the works for some time, but as of yet, no new service has been made available. I am eager to see it come to fruition if it proves to be beneficial for the people of Superior."

Elm said fiber is the best choice for consistent, high-performance internet, and ConnectSuperior is a forward-thinking investment in the city's future.

"Currently, direct fiber-to-the-premise connections is rarely available or cost prohibitive within the city, despite being the best option for internet connectivity," Elm said. "Fiber transmits data through light signals in glass strands, making it immune to electrical interference, weather conditions and network congestion that affect copper-based and wireless connections. It also has lower latency and fewer outages."

Over the years, Elm said he has worked hard to ensure the city remains financially stable while making investments in infrastructure, the economy and quality of life.

"I have a track record of working collaboratively with residents, businesses and fellow council members to develop policies that make a tangible difference in people's lives," Elm said. "True leadership is about making difficult decisions and guiding the community through both challenges and opportunities. ... I am committed to ensuring Superior continues on a path of progress, being mindful of the financial realities we face."

Wuorinen said he offers voters an independent voice.

"I'm not affiliated with any current members or voting blocs," Wuorinen said. "My decisions will be made based on facts and what is best for my constituents, not influenced by a group or political alignment. I will always listen to the concerns and ideas of the people I represent with an open mind."