STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — It’s the story that’s captivated the city of Stevens Point for the last two weeks, while also stretching to both coasts and the Motor City.
Mayor Mike Wiza says all signs are point to Detroit keeping their newly commissioned statue of the fictional character RoboCop, brought to life by Stevens Point native Peter Weller in 1987 and again in 1990. But, Wiza says that doesn’t mean his city will be giving up as they look for a way to bring RoboCop home.
“They want to keep it in Detroit. They raised the money in Detroit, so they are working really hard to keep it there. But, the offer still stands. If they can’t find a home for it, we will warmly welcome RoboCop into our community,” said Wiza.
In the days since it became known that Wiza was working behind the scenes to get the statue moved to Stevens Point, he’s received calls and other correspondence from as far away as North Carolina and done interviews with national publications like Vice. Adding he’s even had offers from fiberglass manufacturing companies to commission a RoboCop statue for the city if they can’t get the one from Detroit.
Additionally, he’s had discussions with leaders of Create Portage County to 3D print the parts for their own statue.
After what has been a long, tough year for many dating back to the start of COVID-19 lockdowns in March 2020, Wiza says it’s energizing to see and hear from residents embrace the idea of a RoboCop statue.
“Part of what makes us such a great city is everybody can rally around a cause. Whether that’s Cultural Commons or a dog park; this is us. This is what makes us proud,” he said.
The project remains in its infancy. Wiza notes that as of now, no city resources have been spent on the idea besides some of his own time. He adds that it’s likely the city will have to do some crowdfunding but he doesn’t foresee that being an issue.
“It sure sounds like everybody wants it. I don’t care what side of whatever fence [you’re on,] everybody was supportive of getting a RoboCop statue.”
Wiza says there are no solid plans for where the statue would go at this point. Ideas that have been put out there include the city’s downtown square or in a city park. Others have said the center of the roundabout just off I-39 along Division Street, but that idea hasn’t gained much traction for safety concerns.
Weller stared as RoboCop in two feature films and has also brought the character back to life in a pair of video games in the last ten years. His acting career also includes recurring characters in the FOX series 24, CBS’ re-booted MacGyver, and the A&E original series Sons of Anarchy.
Other topics Wiza discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video- outdoor activities for the summer, and what could Riverfront Rendezvous look like this year?
7:47- Wiza jumps on the Real Esteli bandwagon as Stevens Point’s partner city gets pumped for international soccer competition this week
9:30- Update on the RoboCop statue
14:00- Wiza finally pays off a years-old bet with Wausau’s now-former Fire Cheif Tracy Kujawa
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