Meet Justin:
Alderman Nickels being sworn in as Council President
Born and raised in Manitowoc, Justin was first elected to the Manitowoc Common Council in April of 2005 defeating a 16 year incumbent in the Second Aldermanic District, representing the City’s northeast side. He was reelected to a second two-year term in April of 2007.
During his time on the Council, Alderman Nickels has:
- Been the most consistent voice for fiscal responsibility,
- Been the most responsive member of the Council, returning all constituent calls and is the only Alderman to send out a regular constituent survey,
- Not been a rubber stamp for increased spending and debt, voting against the last two Executive Budgets,
- Understood that we must prioritize our needs over our wants and plan our budget accordingly; he has been the Council’s leading voice on this issue,
- Exercised a fair, realistic, and reasoned approach to all issues brought before the Council and Committees he serves on,
- Served as Council President, 2007-2008,
- Served as Chairman of the Personnel Committee, 2005-Current
- Served on Finance Committee, 2005-Current
- Served on Parks & Recreation Committee, 2007-Current
- Served on Public Property & Safety, 2005-2007
- Served on Community Development Authority, 2007-Current
In addition to his Council duties, Alderman Nickels works as a WIAA basketball referee, as well as at a local grocery, all while obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration. If elected, Justin plans to continue his education by finishing what little coursework he has left over the next three years with one class per semester.
Alderman Nickels is also active in:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Noon Rotary
- SAIL (Young Professionals Network)
- Immanuel Lutheran Church
- Manitowoc Area Track Club
While attending the University of Wisconsin – Manitowoc, Alderman Nickels served as the Student Senate President for four semesters, where he regularly advocated for student rights and lobbied state and federal officials on behalf of the interests of the students of the UW System, and the UW System itself.