One-on-one with Incumbent Eric Genrich

GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — We’re less than three weeks away from the spring primary, and this year there are four candidates running for mayor of Green Bay.

One of those people on the ballot is incumbent Eric Genrich, who is seeking a second term.

Genrich says he has pledged to serve his hometown for another four years.

“It took a bit of time to think about it with my family and friends and make sure this is the right move,” Genrich said.

But his first term was not without its controversy, especially in relation to elections.

In 2020, Genrich called on the state to postpone April’s elections over COVID-19 concerns.

Only two of the city’s 31 polling stations were open for this spring election. A very limited number of people worked at the polling stations and those who voted in person waited in line for hours.

Several other allegations have been linked to Green Bay’s handling of the elections, but the mayor says the city’s elections were conducted by the book.

“In connection with our elections here in the city of Green Bay, impropriety has never been suggested or justified,” Genrich said.

During Pride Month last year, the city raised the Pride flag in front of City Hall for the first time.

The mayor says if elected he would raise the Pride flag again.

“It’s really important for the mayor of this community to stand up for people who are vulnerable and threatened,” Genrich said. “And raising the Pride flag is such a small sign in that regard.”

Throughout Genrich’s tenure, the city has seen changes and new developments:

Genrich says his goal is to continue improving public safety, infrastructure and community development.

“We’ve made great strides on those fronts,” Genrich said. “But there is still more to do.”

Wisconsin mayoral elections are bipartisan, but the latest campaign finance report shows that Genrich’s campaign received more than $50,000 from the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

Genrich formerly served as a Democrat in the State Assembly.

But the mayor says the city’s affairs itself are bipartisan.

“There is no partisan way to pick up rubbish or repave a street,” Genrich said. “So I took that responsibility very seriously.”

For the next three weeks, NBC 26 will offer all mayoral candidates the opportunity to answer questions about their vision for the city.

The primaries will take place on February 21.

The parliamentary elections are on April 4th.