A pair of like-minded candidates

Port Washington’s two mayoral candidates faced off in a forum last week, and what may have been most surprising is the number of issues that the two men — Ald. Dan Benning and Plan Commission member Ted Neitzke — agreed on. 

For example, both said refurbishing the city’s iconic lighthouse should be a priority.

“It’s embarrassing,” Neitzke said of the lighthouse’s rusting facade. “The worst thing we could do is let it fall into disrepair.”

He said he would appeal to the community to raise money for the work, noting that if St. Mary’s Church were to fall apart people would rally around the cause and prevent that from happening.

“The lighthouse is an icon and we need to make sure it’s maintained and doesn’t fall in the water,” Benning said. He said he would convene a committee to work on fundraising and planning, adding the city is looking at what restoration would cost.

The men agreed that the controversial Blues Factory entertainment complex planned to be built on the north end of the north slip is a good idea, just in the wrong location.

What happens will depend on developer Gertjan van den Broek, they said. 

When asked why Port isn’t attracting the large businesses that Grafton and Saukville have, they both noted those communities’ proximity to I-43 gave them an advantage.

Benning said the city’s lakeside location offers it an advantage, saying the city should focus on niche businesses and leverage its location, while Neitzke said he would use zoning to help direct businesses to the community. The city should also work to move north of I-43, he said, and work with Saukville to develop the Highway 33 corridor. 

Both men said their vision for the community involves growth and development, with Neitzke saying the city is going through a renaissance that he hopes will make the community a premier destination while Benning said he envisions managed growth with a mix of housing options.

The men said they believe the mayor needs to listen to the community. Benning said he would work to update the city’s website and noted he has devoted time to help improve the city’s ability to broadcast and stream meetings. He would provide a monthly update to the community and help constituents understand that meetings are open and residents’ comments are accepted.

Neitzke said he plans to create a stakeholder team comprised of a cross section of residents, as well as use social media and consider a monthly newspaper column.

    The forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Ozaukee County and the Niederkorn Library. A recording of the forum may be viewed on the city’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/3s0A9t1.

Neitzke, of 513 Brentwood Ct., has been the chief executive officer of CESA 6, which provides collaborative services for public and parochial schools and nonprofit organizations, since 2016.

He was a Port Washington alderman for one term in the mid-1990s and served as council president.

Benning, 1012 Jade St., who has represented the city’s 4th District since 2017, worked in information technology leadership at Johnson Controls for 30 years, retiring in 2019. He currently works part-time at Eernisse Funeral Home and with a professional fireworks crew.

He has been an active member of the Common Council, serving on a number of committees, including the Finance and License Committee.

The candidates will face off in the Tuesday, April 6, election.