The cost of razing two buildings on Tower Avenue remains unknown, but Mike Herrick of Superior is certain about one thing: Superior taxpayers should have a say in how the city spends their money.
That idea prompted Herrick, an employee at Super One Foods and married father of four, to launch his mayoral campaign.
Herrick is the third person to enter the race. He's challenging incumbent candidate Dave Ross and a city mechanic, Gilbert "Gil" Davidson, for a chance to lead the city through 2010.
"It's basically a concern for how the city is spending money," Herrick said during a Wednesday interview. "One of the issues is buying up the businesses and buildings downtown. I get a lot of feedback, not only from the people I work with, but from the community about how we should have a say in how our dollars are to be used."
At issue is the city's decision to buy out two businesses at a cost of $376,900 for the purpose of demolition. While city officials had originally planned to use Community Development Block Grant money to purchase the former End Zone and Odyssey's bars at 1026-1028 Tower Ave., the city council subsequently withdrew the request for federal money after a group fighting to save the historic Palace Theater successfully gained recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation in their effort to save the building directly south of the taverns. The Trust lodged a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development -- which oversees CDBG funding -- contending the city's plans for the CDBG-funded project were linked with plans for the long-vacant theater.
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"I have a common sense approach to it," Herrick said. "Take key issues to the people so they have a right to discuss or complain or agree. Just give them the opportunity to voice their opinion."
Herrick, a Superior native who has resided in here most of his life, said he's been involved in various youth programs and has volunteered his time as a Scout leader and coach for 17 years.
"I've been involved and I have a lot of interests," he said. They include creating an economic environment that encourages youth to stay in Superior.
"We need more jobs in this area," Herrick said.
However, it was the city's quality of life that prompted him to stay in Superior to raise his family.
"We do have a pretty safe city overall," Herrick said. "We have a beautiful city, not only where we live but the surrounding areas. It is a pretty city."
Herrick said to build Superior's economy, the city has to get out to other communities and states to let business know there is a lot of room for expansion in Superior.
Once people get to know him, Herrick said, they will begin to realize that he has a common sense approach to everything. When people have concerns, he said he would encourage them to come to him or the council.
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"The citizens -- especially when it come to key issues -- should have a right to say," Herrick said. "People have to decide what they want for a leader."
Shelley Nelson covers Superior/Douglas County. Call (715) 394-4421, ext. 134 or e-mail snelson@superiortelegram.com .
