DE PERE – De Pere City Council member Dean Raasch is being challenged this year by Mike Eserkaln, a former City Council member who owns Comedy City.
The race is one of four for De Pere City Council; District 3 includes Districts 10-16.
The election will take place on April 4th. Visit myvote.wi.gov for resources for voters. You can also:
The Press-Gazette asked each candidate three questions and asked that the answers highlight their strengths and their ideas. Your answers are below.
Mike Eserkaln
address: DePere
Old: 51
Profession: Owner and Operator, Comedy City, 365 Main Ave., De Pere
Training: Bachelor’s degree in English from St. Norbert College
Experience: Eserkaln was a member of De Pere City Council from 2020 to 2022. As a small local business owner, I understand the need for a vibrant downtown area.
Dean Raasch (i)
address: DePere
Old: 55
Profession: Area manager of an agricultural trade
Training: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in International Politics; Master’s degree from Aalborg University in Aalborg, Denmark.
Experience: Member of De Pere City Council since 2014. Business professional with experience in building businesses, managing budgets and developing successful teams. Former small business owner. Former City Council Chairman. Committees: Board of Public Works, Planning Commission, Board of Park Commissioners.
Biography: I am a District 3 councilman and have served De Pere since 2014. Mrs. Carrie and I have three children, Derek, Kaeli and Kort. I have been a resident of De Pere for 24 years. I’m employed by Service Motor Co. as a regional manager.
Why are you running for city council?
Eserkaln: I’m running because I love this city and want to see it thrive. Inner cities are critical to a vibrant community. The last few years have been difficult for everyone and small local businesses are recovering. I want to make sure our downtown area continues to be a safe, friendly, and prosperous destination.
quick: De Pere is a great place to start a family. I’m running to ensure the next generation experiences the same family-friendly city that my family has come to love. In the past nine years as Councilor we have had many great victories. I am committed to the success of our city. I will continue to work hard for the people of De Pere. With my experience and guidance, De Pere will continue to be the jewel of the Midwest.
The city’s three biggest problems:
Eserkaln: Southern Bridge: This project has been in the works for many years and we are making steady progress every year. Main Avenue Repairs: The Wisconsin DOT is finally moving forward with Main Avenue repairs and reconsideration, although the project is not expected to be complete until 2028. As a business owner on this street, I believe I have valuable insights that will be useful in the planning phase of the project. The Shopko Grounds: On the east side of downtown is a huge vacant former store. We need to clarify what to do with it. The unused parking lot and huge building is an incredible waste of valuable space.
quick: First, we must continue to increase our tax base through continued economic development and new construction. Growth in this area will help improve tax revenues without increasing taxes for current residents. We have many new developments underway including the redevelopment of Humana properties which I have advanced. Our city center has a lot of potential. I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface on downtown development. Finding projects that will bring more people downtown and businesses downtown is also a priority.
Second, our budgets are under pressure from inflation and labor shortages. We must find creative ways to increase the dollars the city receives to continue providing high levels of service. Economic growth will increase our tax base to cover budget deficits.
Finally, in a recent conversation with our police chief, I learned that the city has seen an influx of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. Unfortunately, because of this, our community has seen overdose deaths. We must continue to fund our police and emergency services to fight this epidemic.
Why should people vote for you?
Eserkaln: I’m here to represent the average resident of De Pere. I want my future voters to share their views and ideas on how to improve our community. I am a cooperative person by nature and job. I look forward to working with the rest of the City Council and the people who live and work in De Pere. I regularly favor many of our local businesses so I want them to continue to thrive.
quick: I have served De Pere as a city councilor since 2014. During that time I have helped lead numerous projects for our city. My efforts helped build Art Alley and the Mulva Center. I helped start new companies like Bosses, Green Bay Packaging, The Cobblestone Hotel and Aldi. We’ve added a farmer’s market, a new aquatic center, miles of improved roads, added miles of new sidewalks, installed new play equipment, and created family-friendly community events. I’m running for re-election to ensure De Pere is a place people choose to live, work and explore.
