For those Two Rivers residents that weren’t able to attend the candidate forum a couple weeks back, or who don’t want to spend an hour and a half watching it, I thought it would be useful to create a shorter summary of the event. In order to avoid my own biases, I had AI generate the summary and analysis, and I’d say it’s about 85% accurate.
You’ll get far more information about the candidates from watching the video, but if not, this is better than nothing.
The changes I made:
- Changed “the mayor” to “Manitowoc’s mayor” in an answer
- Moved the overview to the top
- Removed a pointless analysis section AI created
You can see here the prompt that I used and that I didn’t manipulate what AI generated.
AI Recap
Below is a structured blog-style summary of the League of Women Voters candidate forum for the Two Rivers City Council. Only three candidates—Tim Petri, Andre Robitaille, and Scott Stechmesser—attended and answered questions. Bill LeClair and Jeff Dahlke did not attend.
Overview of the Forum
Over the course of the forum, the three attending candidates returned often to housing, whether it’s the price of building materials, the shortage of mid-range rentals, or the desire to see existing vacant homes revitalized. All agree that manufacturing and business growth will remain limited until there is sufficient housing. They also share concerns about miscommunication in the community—both the difficulty of spreading accurate city information and the impact of social media on local discourse.
However, there are nuances:
- Andre often stresses the importance of strategy, committees, and formal planning. He’s notably focused on bridging a perceived gap between residents and leaders.
- Tim speaks from a practical, boots-on-the-ground standpoint—conversationally open to neighbors but less inclined to call for big structural changes.
- Scott is proud of current achievements but wants to see more creativity, especially in housing, job development, and communication. He tends to suggest incremental improvements in existing programs.
Candidate Introductions
Tim Petri
- Emphasized his ongoing goal of working collaboratively with council members and department heads to make the city a better place.
- Noted the need to expand housing options in Two Rivers and attract more manufacturing to create steady work.
- Wants to maintain a balance between tourism and manufacturing, ensuring there is year-round employment.
Andre Robitaille
- Originally from Iron Mountain, MI; served in the Army; eventually moved to Milwaukee.
- Moved to Two Rivers about a year and a half ago, wanting a safer community for his family.
- Has followed City Council closely and believes there is a noticeable rift between some residents and city leadership.
- Feels his main purpose in running is to improve communication, collaboration, and trust between residents and city leadership.
Scott Stechmesser
- Lifelong Two Rivers resident; finishing his first council term.
- Works in IT management.
- Serves or has served on multiple committees (Public Works, Advisory Recreation Board, etc.).
- States his main motivation is to serve all residents, keep improving the city, and continue collaboration between council members and citizens.
Q&A Summaries
Below are the main questions asked by attendees, followed by concise bullet points of Tim’s, Andre’s, and Scott’s responses. After each question’s summary, note a brief “Noteworthy Points or Differences” section to help readers compare.
1) Biggest Challenges Facing Two Rivers
Question: “What do you see as two of the biggest challenges facing Two Rivers?”
Tim Petri
- Believes the top challenge is insufficient housing, noting that a lack of housing means manufacturers or large employers will be reluctant to settle in Two Rivers.
- Points to “misinformation” on social media as another significant challenge, saying it leads to confusion and negativity.
Andre Robitaille
- Identifies three challenges, though the question asked for two:
- Lack of housing: sees too many short-term rentals (Airbnbs) and few long-term housing options.
- Difficulty attracting or retaining businesses and jobs due to limited housing/workforce.
- A broader “strategy problem”: committees sometimes meet but produce minimal concrete action.
Scott Stechmesser
- Agrees that lack of housing is a top problem; highlights Two Rivers’ geographic and infrastructure constraints.
- Points to the struggle of attracting manufacturing jobs because of that same housing shortage; suggests more creative use of the industrial park and other areas.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- All three candidates strongly emphasized housing as a top priority.
- Andre highlighted the presence of too many vacation rentals, while Scott and Tim talked generally about the impact of a housing shortage on economic growth.
2) Why Little New Housing Construction?
Question: A voter asked why more housing hasn’t been built, given the ongoing shortage.
Scott
- Agrees that land and affordability limit large-scale building.
- Sandy Bay Highlands is too expensive for many.
- Believes the north side of the city could be used for new infrastructure, but the required cost is high.
Andre
- Stresses the need for both high-end housing (for, e.g., potential engineers at the nuclear plant) and workforce-level rentals/condos.
- Mentions that some proposed developments (West River Lofts, Hamilton site, etc.) haven’t come to fruition, possibly due to cost, supply-chain issues, or lack of follow-up.
- Suggests using a city subcommittee to strategize block-by-block development or rehab.
Tim
- Points to sudden cost increases in materials and labor as a huge barrier.
- Emphasizes that even market-rate “reasonable housing” is tough to build quickly.
- Notes that if enough new units eventually come online, overall costs might stabilize.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- Scott focuses on infrastructure costs and logistics, Andre more on the strategy and committees, Tim on economic conditions.
- All three see high building costs as a critical stumbling block.
3) Possible Return of Manufacturing
Question: “What are your plans for attracting manufacturing, especially as so many jobs have gone overseas?”
Tim
- No specific niche in mind, because focusing on just one type of manufacturing might deter others.
- Feels strongly that Two Rivers must have housing for an imported workforce or else businesses locate elsewhere.
- Notes his own struggle hiring employees for personal ventures.
Andre
- Skeptical that Two Rivers can land a massive employer like the old Hamilton plant; believes the city should aim for multiple smaller employers.
- Criticizes subcommittees meant to attract business for not presenting a clear strategy.
- Believes city government should have a straightforward plan for outreach to prospective employers.
Scott
- Emphasizes creativity in recruiting; acknowledges it’s an uphill climb.
- Points out Two Rivers’ location is not directly off an interstate, which can deter large companies.
- Sees potential in the industrial park but feels it will most likely bring small to mid-size employers, not huge plants.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- Tim and Scott take a more general approach, focusing on building up available housing and infrastructure first.
- Andre repeatedly mentions the need for a clearer strategy and direct outreach.
4) Utility Fees for Underused Properties
Question: Should Two Rivers raise minimum utility usage fees on vacation homes or short-term rentals, so year-round residents pay less?
Andre
- Clarifies that the minimum usage fee is charged only if the property’s consumption is below a certain threshold.
- Says some council members have briefly discussed raising that threshold to shift more costs to underused properties.
- Believes the council never fully explored the idea.
Tim
- Backs the idea of adjusting the minimum fee so vacant or seldom-used homes pay more regularly.
- Suggests it might alleviate the burden on full-time residents.
Scott
- Overall open to the concept, provided it isn’t so high that it drives people away.
- Says a “sweet spot” might exist, but that the city must balance fairness with potential negative effects.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- All three generally support reviewing the minimum fee structure.
- None offered a formal plan for how this would be implemented, although Tim offered more direct personal support.
5) Should the Beach Have Paid Parking?
Question: “How do we keep the beach user-friendly, and what are your thoughts on charging for parking at the beach?”
Tim
- Sees pros and cons but doesn’t strongly endorse paid parking.
- Mentions the city could do more to connect with nearby state parks (e.g., Point Beach) to bring their visitors downtown.
Andre
- Acknowledges many longtime residents feel the beach is “no longer for them,” especially on busy weekends.
- Some have asked for free resident parking but paid parking for tourists.
- Stresses that the city should survey what citizens want.
Scott
- Would not favor charging residents for parking.
- Personally opposes any parking fee for tourists, though he’d remain open-minded if enough residents wanted it.
- Points out that enforcing and administering beach parking fees would be complicated and expensive.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- Tim and Scott lean more toward not charging at all; Andre notes that many residents do want a fee system but does not firmly take a side.
- Scott specifically says “no” for now, but if the majority of residents supported it, he might reconsider.
6) Vision for the Future & Other City Comparisons
Question: “Is there another city you look to as a role model for Two Rivers’ future?”
Andre
- No single role model city—believes the next few years will shape whether Two Rivers becomes more manufacturing-based, more retirement-oriented, or further centered on tourism.
- Hopes for strategic, step-by-step decisions in that timeframe.
Tim
- Hasn’t studied another specific city.
- Worries about hedge funds buying up local properties; wants to keep housing in local hands.
Scott
- Suggests Sheboygan Falls as a comparison—an older downtown area with some manufacturing and small-town charm.
- Emphasizes Two Rivers “will always be #1” in his eyes, but says it can adapt some ideas from other places.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- Andre highlights multiple possible directions Two Rivers might take.
- Tim worries more about corporate buyouts than about finding a specific role model.
- Scott draws a concrete comparison but still frames Two Rivers as unique.
7) Downtown & Main Street Vitality
Question: “Is our downtown healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to improve it?”
Tim
- Believes downtown could use a “shot of something new.”
- Suggests being more open-minded about new ventures or even unconventional ideas like off-road side-by-side vehicle access to bring in visitors.
Andre
- Critical of how downtown marketing and building improvements have been handled, saying it doesn’t attract or retain enough businesses.
- Wants the city council to require strategic action from the relevant committees, especially the one tasked with business attraction and property improvements.
- Mentions some building facades should look better if the city hopes to draw more tourists.
Scott
- Feels the city offers grants to improve facades but acknowledges it’s hard for small downtown shops to compete with big-box stores.
- Says Main Street (the organization) is trying, but more might be needed.
- A voter pressed them on what each would personally do:
- Scott suggested continuing to support façade grants and working on creative ways to fill empty spots.
- Andre emphasized subcommittees and committees should present action steps, and council must push them to follow through.
- Tim urged open-mindedness to new ideas.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- A recurring theme is that committees (like the Business Industrial Development Committee) and Main Street are underutilized.
- Tim is open to new ideas—like allowing side-by-side vehicles—whereas Andre explicitly wants clear strategies and accountability. Scott favors existing grant programs but acknowledges challenges.
8) Blight and Property Upkeep
Question: “How does the city address blight or run-down houses?”
Scott
- Concedes it’s a problem and that enforcement is slow (e.g., repeated citations and eventual court).
- Advises residents to call police about major code violations, though the process can be frustrating.
- Says the city is “trying,” but it’s a long road.
Andre
- Points out there is a subcommittee specifically meant to tackle blight and affordable housing.
- Feels the council isn’t checking in enough to see if that subcommittee has a real plan.
- Emphasizes that repeated complaints and citations can feel endless unless there’s stronger follow-through.
Tim
- Notes he personally knows people who have been ticketed for neglected exterior work, so code enforcement does exist.
- Suggests helping neighbors if they appear unable to maintain a property.
- Mentions labor shortages also make repairs difficult.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- All three generally agree it’s a tough, drawn-out process.
- Andre focuses more on the subcommittee’s potential; Tim emphasizes “neighborly help,” while Scott underscores the city’s enforcement constraints.
9) Communication with Residents
Question: “How do we better spread positive information if we have no local paper and limited media?”
Scott
- Admits communicating city news is difficult; many rely on Facebook, but not everyone uses it.
- Points to utility-bill mailers and listening sessions as attempts to keep people informed.
- Suggests more surveys from City Hall to gauge public opinion.
Andre
- Sees a major gap in proactive communication from city leadership; that’s why he started a local Facebook page (Two Rivers Matters).
- Proposes regularly recapping council meetings or local developments, as Manitowoc’s mayor does in his own posts.
- Says new tourism/marketing groups (e.g., Explore Two Rivers) should highlight the city’s positives.
Tim
- Suggests residents can contact council members directly to ask questions.
- Floats the idea of a comment box outside his business if feasible.
- Believes word-of-mouth is also important but acknowledges challenges without a newspaper.
Noteworthy Points or Differences
- Andre highlights the need for proactive, modern communication.
- Scott suggests official city mailers and more public sessions.
- Tim would rely more on informal channels (direct conversation).
Closing Statements
Andre Robitaille
- Emphasizes the desire to mend the “rift” between city leadership and residents—wants people to trust that speaking up matters.
- Believes the council’s core purpose is to represent residents, and that communication has to be a priority.
- Sees more listening sessions as a good vehicle.
Tim Petri
- Notes his record of being approachable; willing to discuss issues with anyone interested.
- Mentions how he’s taken part in prior city improvements and hopes to continue.
- Encourages open-mindedness, both for new ideas and for the city to remain flexible.
Scott Stechmesser
- Highlights his local roots and involvement in numerous committees.
- Pledges to keep working on practical solutions for housing, growth, and downtown vitality.
- Stresses teamwork on the council, despite varying opinions, as a key to success.
