Meleesa Johnson. Image courtesy: Meleesa Johnson/Facebook
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Stevens Point District 5 Alder and City Council President Meleesa Johnson has launched a campaign for Mayor.
In a statement on her campaign website, Johnson said “I have spent the last year doing a lot of soul-searching about taking this step.” She added that her push to run came after a conversation with a family friend who told her that they planned to build a life somewhere outside Stevens Point because they didn’t feel there was a place for them in the city.
“This response crushed me. All I could think of was how lonely this person must feel. I wanted them to feel as though they belonged here,” said Johnson. “And not only them, but all the other intelligent, creative, hard-working people who represent the next generation of the “Point that could be.” I knew then that I would run.”
Johnson launched her campaign website this weekend, adding that she feels some in leadership are trying to take the city backward.
“These so-called leaders demonize anyone who isn’t dedicated to turning our community into their version of the past, thus causing stagnation, and ultimately decay, of our beloved city,” said Johnson.
Candidates may begin collecting signatures on nominating petitions next month. The spring non-partisan election will be held on Tuesday, April 4th with a primary if need be in February.
Current Mayor Mike Wiza has not given any indication regarding his intentions for the 2023 election. Wiza was first elected Mayor in 2015 and won re-election in 2019 when he ran unopposed.
The Mayor’s seat in Stevens Point is a four-year term with no term limits.
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