Saying It's Time for 'New Ideas,' 27-Year-Old Announces Mayoral Bid

With the mayor's spot opening up for election next spring, Port Washington resident Ricky Ranz sees it as an opportunity to get more younger people involved in city government.

Ranz, 27, has decided he will take the leap to run for the city leader.

"I thought that we could use some younger people starting to take over and run the city a little more, bring some new ideas in," Ranz said. "I’m going into this not the most experienced ... but I have good intentions and I do believe I could do well for the city. I would love to see younger generations get involved in the city and start taking us into the future."

After nine years in office, Mayor Scott Huebner , which would also allow him to focus more on his family.

"Basically, it came down to my political beliefs that people shouldn’t be in political office forever," Huebner said. Huebner is also raising four boys, two teenagers and two younger boys also quickly closing in on that age — something that will require more of his time.

Ranz was born in Milwaukee but has lived in Port Washington since he was 5 years old. He attended college for a couple years, with plans to pursue engineering, but took a break from school after purchasing a house in Port.

He is a carpenter's apprentice and also works part time as a cook at New Port Shores, where he has been employed for the last 11 years.

Ranz said it's time the city stop putting so much focus on the past and present day, and instead think about decisions that will help plan the city for a prosperous future.

One specific addition that Ranz has said he has often thought about is formed around an idea that has worked well in downtown Cedarburg: the Rivoli Theatre Ranz said he believes a similar community-owned budget movie theater would help to bring business to downtown, as well as give provide budget-friendly and youth-oriented entertainment.

"It’s a great idea ... to give all the younger kids around Port Washington something to do to keep them out of trouble … but it also gives us something to do," he said.

Ranz will face  and  — who have both said they will also run for mayor, though Vollmar has not yet taken out the necessary paper work from the city, according to Port Washington Deputy Clerk Susan Westerbecke.

Nomination forms with signatures are due by Jan. 3. If more than three people file to run for mayor, a primary election would be held Feb. 21.

The top two vote-getters in the primary will advance to the April 3 general election, for the Port Washington Common Council, Saukville Village Board and the Port Washington-Saukville School Board.