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Alderman Jeremy Slowinski during an August 2019 committee meeting. (Metro Wire photo)

Slowinski reverses decision to step down, now ‘committed to running’ again

By Brandi Makuski

Alderman Jeremy Slowinski on Thursday confirmed he will run for another term in April.

Slowsinski, the longest-serving member of the Stevens Point City Council, announced in September he was stepping from his role as District 6 representative, citing frustration with several recent changes in city government he felt helpless to change.

But Slowinski said in recent weeks he’s become concerned that no one else from his district has come forward to run for the position.

“Nobody else was stepping up and I can’t bring myself to keep it empty,” Slowinski said on Thursday, adding after lengthy discussions with his wife and children, he came to believe “it was a sign I should keep doing it.”

Slowinski has been a longtime fiscal conservative on the council, and in recent years has questioned several projects he believes have been unnecessary expenses to the city budget. He also believes many on the city council appear to have less concern about city finances in the longterm, adding his vote is often in the minority—and that has been a source of frustration for him.

“But I’ve thought about it and thought about it, and I even talked to my mom about it, and she said, ‘Jeremy, you need to do this,'” he said. “When mom says something, maybe that’s a sign it’s something I’ve got to fight for.”

Slowinski said he “very much enjoys” his work on the council, but he plans to draw some hard lines during future council meetings if he retains his seat.

“I’m not going to tolerate stuff anymore,” he said. “I’ve got to stay and fight for what’s right.”

Slowinski pulled paperwork for reelection on Monday, according to City Clerk Paul Piotrowski. Piotrowski said he’s also received a phone call from someone else in the 6th District asking about the candidacy process, but that person has not yet submitted nomination paperwork.

Slowinski said he’s “committed to running” whether someone else runs for the seat or not.