What to Watch in 2019: Sturgeon Bay City Council

We’ll say this about covering Sturgeon Bay city politics: it’s never boring.

Exhausting? Sure. Infuriating? At times. But certainly never boring.

As 2018 came to a close, the city was finally working its way toward resolving some of its most contentious battles of the last few years. That included reaching a settlement with hotel developer Bob Papke regarding the west-waterfront property by the Door County Maritime Museum. An ad hoc committee was making progress on new plans for the area.

But in April another election looms, with three council seats – and the city’s top office – up for grabs as Mayor Thad Birmingham’s second term comes to an end. Birmingham has decided not to run, leaving the door open for Alderman David Ward and challenger Shawn Fairchild to fight for the seat.

The outcome of those races could have a dramatic impact on how the city functions, what happens next on the west waterfront and where the final resting spot of the granary will be.

The city also has two major housing developments slated for completion in 2019, plus a big referendum for Sturgeon Bay Schools, so we don’t expect things to quiet down any time soon around city hall.