From left to right, Jim Paine, Kalee Hermanson, Mike Herrick, and Brent Fennessey. Photo credit Danielle Kaeding | WPR

By Ethan Freel

Jim Paine and Brent Fennessey, two University of Wisconsin-Superior graduates tallied the most votes in Superior’s mayoral primary election on February, 21st.

​The winner of the general election in April will replace current mayor, Bruce Hagen, who is retiring with two years remaining on his term.
Jim Paine, Douglas County Board Member and Marine Corps Veteran feels he is the best candidate for the job. When asked why he is running for mayor in a debate hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio on Monday, January 30th at UW-Superior, Paine said, “I’m running for mayor of Superior because I want to build a community that works for everyone.”

Brent Fennessey, a Superior City Councilor, believes he will develop all aspects of Superior in the right direction, “My one top priority, if you could sum it up into one word, would be growth,” said Fennessey, during the same mayoral debate, hosted by Wisconsin Public Radio and KUWS 91.3 FM.

South Superior activist and past candidate for mayor Kalee Hermanson and Superior City Councilor Mike Herrick were eliminated in the primary race, as they finished in 3rd and 4th  place respectively, both are also UWS graduates.

Paine earned 1,542 votes while Fennessey was the next highest with 970.

Paine and Fennessey will face-off for mayor of Superior in the general election on April 4th.