Port Mayoral Race: Candidates Focus on Economic Issues

In thinking about their possible stake in Port Washington's future, both mayoral candidates realize challenges that lay ahead, such as drawing more businesses to the city and bringing life back to the industrial park.

Most critical, the candidates say, will be the issue of maintaining city-provided services while also battling potential decreases in state aid without having to raise local taxes.

"If that happens (state aid decreases), we have to find the money to do the things that we need to do ... not only to keep our services afloat but also to develop the coal docks," said .

agreed that the balance between funds and services is a struggle that needs proper attention, and also said the city has done a good job balancing those concepts so far.

"We have maximized resources without a doubt, and done that without raising taxes. That's a big issue. We do need, however, to do some investment into that quality of life ... roads, green spaces, industrial park," Mlada said. "My goal would be to actively set out to market the city and quality of life ... and do all we can to bring everyone to the table to help figure out the best plan."

Marketing of the city was something that both candidates have mentioned throughout the entire campaign, and attracting new business was talked about as a way to build on the city's tax base.

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"I think the strategy for bringing businesses into the community is to market the city properly. Now we have to market the city to bring the people to other stores when they come here for Duluth Trading ... we don't just want them to come to Duluth and leave (the city)," Vollmar said. Such a concept also involves teamwork and support from the community as a whole.

"I see that people aren't treated equally in this community. I don't know that that is just a business thing. I think there's favoritism in the community that shouldn't be present, that the community as a whole should help ... level the playing field, not play favorites ... and support everyone locally," Vollmar said. 

"Hopefully, I agree with Jim, we can market the city to get people coming to Duluth Trading to also visit businesses elsewhere.  We need to, as we approach businesses, do it in an appropriate way," Mlada said. "This applies in my career, whether trying to get new students or families to the parish I work for — it's critical to treat everybody the same. We need to focus on existing people to make sure they stay here and that they are successful and happy. Then we move on to utilizing those same vehicles to reach out and attract other businesses as well. It needs to be a balanced approach."

Mlada and Vollmar will face off in the general election on April 3. The mayor earns $7,500 and serves three-year terms.