Gallagher throws support behind Milavitz

Shawano mayoral candidate Bruce Milavitz got a nod of support from U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher at a get-together April 1 at Season’s Restaurant that included Milavitz, Gallagher and a packed house of Republicans.

Milavitz, who is not facing significant opposition in the April 6 election after challenger Jeanne Cronce had to bow out due to family issues, received significant praise from the congressman, who noted that people like Milavitz work to bring communities together. During a speech to the group, Gallagher said that it should be the mayors of communities, not the country’s president, that should have the true power in the United States.

“I think sometimes, because we’re so consumed with presidential elections, senator elections, governor elections, congressional elections, we forget how important our local elections are,” Gallagher said.

Milavitz, who proudly announced that “Shawano is open for business,” to the crowd, noted the city needs to find a way to attract more businesses and companies to the community.

“I’m hoping the businesses currently (in the community), the city and the county can partner with businesses to get business start-ups and get something going for someone that wants to come into the community,” Milavitz said, noting that he came to Shawano in the mid-1990s and that it was an interesting experience. “I knew it was going to be an excellent fit.”

Gallagher praised Milavitz’s declaration, which was similar to what former Gov. Scott Walker said when he was elected to office more than 10 years ago.

“I love that Shawano is open for business,” Gallagher said. “That’s a great slogan.”

The congressman also drew a parallel to the work that municipalities like Shawano is doing with what’s being attempted at the federal level.

“People need to work, not only to provide for their families but to feel a sense of community, to feel a sense of being connected to the local community,” Gallagher said. “That’s what your platform is all about, incentivizing work, keeping people here in Shawano working, giving them a sense of belonging to this community. When people don’t work, or when the government pays people not to work, or when they’re trapped inside, bad things start to happen. Those bonds of community start to fray.”

Milavitz said he is already making inroads with the county to try and get much collaboration on issues, noting that Shawano, as the county seat, is the “hub of Shawano County” and that there’s only benefit to working together.

Milavitz said he was going to work with Shawano Community High School’s on-the-job work experience program and promote it more to local businesses.

“It’s fantastic,” Milavitz said. “They get (school) credit, and it really helps solidify that there’s a reason to stay in Shawano.”

The candidate, who would fill out the last year of Ed Whealon’s term and would face reelection in 2022, also plans to be the community’s “cheerleader,” promising to go out into the region and promote Shawano.

“Whether it be a fair or a parade, I’m hoping to do that,” Milavitz said. “I’m hoping to partner with businesses such as the tavern league. Let’s make sure we’re doing everything we can to promote that and keep that moving.”

Milavitz also mentioned wanting to work with the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, the Ski Sharks and outdoor groups for hunters and snowmobilers. He noted that the community events that did go on in 2020, like Thursdayz at Franklin, brought in plenty of people to visit the community. He wants to bring more.

“Even with the COVID, it was packed,” Milavitz said of Thursdayz at Franklin. “It wasn’t just local people. It was people coming into the community.”

Milavitz vowed to form citizen groups to look at whether there’s any tax waste in the city. He noted he didn’t the know the full financial situation of the city but wanted to make sure everything is being run efficiently.

Youth will also be a part of the city’s decision-making process, Milavitz said, as he promised to resurrect the youth advisory board that was part of former Mayor Lorna Marquardt’s administration but has languished under the last two mayors.

“Our youth is our future, and we need to promote that,” Milavitz said. “I’m hoping to get some input and find a way to input their concerns and their needs to stay in the community.”

Gallagher praised Milavitz’s speech, noting that it was a good thing to see “how thoughtful you’ve been and thoughtful you are about this role and doing what’s right for Shawano. I was blown away by that.”

Gallagher added that the strength of the United States comes from the bottom up, with local communities working on bold visions.

“America is still the greatest country in human history,” Gallagher said. “America is lucky to have people like Bruce step up and serve in roles like this. It’s absolutely critical.”

lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com