Menasha Mayoral Candidates Austin Hammond (Left) and Rebecca Nichols (Right) PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Since 2008, Menasha has called Don Merkes its mayor. But the incumbent decided not to seek a fifth, four-year term, meaning it’s up to the voters to determine his successor.
“Menasha deserves an experienced and committed leader with a track record of service to be our next mayor and that’s why I’m running,” Rebecca Nichols said.
And they have two choices: Nichols, a city alderperson of 11 years. Her opponent, Austin Hammond, has served in that capacity since 2022. Additionally he’s working on a masters in public administration at UW Oshkosh.
“This is something that I have a real passion for,” Hammond said. “I think government is like a tool and if you know how to use it, you can get a lot of really good things done.”
Nichols says improved water quality and an enhanced downtown area are among her personal accomplishments in local government.
“One of the things I’m proud to have been a part of is the refinancing of our steam plant debt and that was a really big deal because it saved us millions of dollars over the course of those payments and allowed us to move on with redevelopment opportunities in the city,” Nichols said.
Hammond cites improvements in sustainability and economic responsibility as successes.
“I’ve been really proud of my work with doing a salary study to get folks that work for the city of Menasha a pay raise that is deserved and is equitable,” Hammond said. “So there isn’t any, does this person deserve it, does this person deserve it. It’s very merited on what their job is.”
When it comes to major goals for the future, Nichols hopes to revitalize the city’s neighborhoods.
“What can happen to our neighborhoods when we repurpose, rehabilitate properties and when we reach out to private sector partners and labor unions and the trades to get those things done,” Nichols said.
Hammond believes affordable housing needs to be a top priority.
“Affordable housing to me is making sure folks of all income levels have somewhere that they can call home in Menasha,” Hammond said. “So whether you’re a homeowner or whether you’re a renter, I want to make sure we’re looking for developments that are good opportunity for everyone.”
Nichols also serves on the Winnebago county board of supervisors. Hammond’s work experience includes Development Director for the Atlas Science Center.
Only three votes separated the two candidates in the February primary. Both have received numerous endorsements from city, county and state leaders. That includes Mayor Don Merkes for Hammond, and former Menasha Joint School District Superintendent Chris VanderHeyden for Nichols.
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