Wausau’s New Mayor Says He Will Restore Civility

For the first time in eight years, the city of Wausau has elected a new mayor.

City Council President Robert Mielke won a squeaker of a race, despite infighting in city government that included two grievances, an outside investigation, and an ethics complaint filed against him by a Wausau alderman. Mielke said he wants to turn a new page.

“We just need to come together. It’s as simple as that. The divisiveness and the drama and dysfunction does not work,” said Mielke.

Mielke also pledged to address the problem of local poverty, an issue brought up by his opponent, attorney Jay Kronenwetter.

“I do care about people, and those folks count as well,” he said. “Jay brought up some very good points: poverty, mental health, addiction. We’re all people, and we all need to work together.”

Mielke won by just 133 votes.