about Jim
A lifetime of service, a passion for Superior, and a few pretty good ideas.
I’m running for Mayor because I want Superior to be a great place to grow up and a great place to grow old. We do that by increasing access to nature, lowering utility bills, and building our economy around local business and homegrown manufacturing.
We’ve improved our neighborhoods and streets, expanded housing, brought back small business, built a thriving downtown, and improved our access to the wilderness and water that surround us. We’ve grown into the strongest, most attractive city in the Twin Ports and one of the most rapidly developing cities in Wisconsin. We’ve proven that we can build a city that works for everyone.
I’ve dedicated my life to service. I was born and raised in Superior. At the age of 18, I left to serve my country in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. I returned home to earn my degree in history from UW-Superior and, eventually my masters in advocacy and political leadership.
I spent my early career working for DRCC, serving people with disabilities and leading an adult foster care program. Shortly after college, I also joined the Douglas County Board where I learned government administration, public leadership, and the art of solving problems through positive relationships. My colleagues on the Board elected me vice-chair shortly before my election as Mayor.
In 2017, I was elected Mayor of my hometown. I promised the people of Superior that I would lead the city with the same passion, energy, and vision that I put into my campaign. I’ve spent every day since working, learning, planning, and then working some more to make this city a better place. I’ve traveled to cities around the country to learn what works and what doesn’t. I’ve tried bold things and, despite a few failures along the way, racked up a series of major achievements for our community.
I believe in doing big things. I believe that Superior has incredible potential. I believe that this generation is just as capable as the people that built this city and led it through some of its greatest years. The remarkable transformation we’ve all witnessed over these last few years is because we were willing to take a chance making real investments in our future and our day to day life.
We’ve begun to take our place as the leading city of the Twin Ports and one of the most successful growth stories in Wisconsin. I don’t want to slow down or, even worse, go back to the decades of inertia and decline that defined our city. Let’s continue what we’ve started. Forward!