GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) — "Heart, healing, and hope."
That was Mayor Eric Genrich's main message for the people during his second State of the City address at Bay Beach Amusement Park Thursday evening.
"This is who we are when we're at our best," Genrich said.
Genrich led off his speech mentioning the current state of the economy, saying that life is complicated, and politics are in a strange place.
But he eventually said healing politically is possible.
"When we're forced to come together across the divides of political differences, in forms like our Common Council, there is real opportunity for agreement, alliance, and honest debate over instances of policy difference."
The mayor said he was proud taking steps to address leading the city with empathy and compassion.
He mentioned the city's improving welcome to diversity, and City Hall raising the Pride flag for the first time ever, which drew an applause from the crowd.
Genrich later said the city is experiencing an uptick in crime, but assured people that Green Bay is a safe place.
"We remain a safe community because of our officers, rank and file, and commanding, and because we are a community that expects our laws to be respected," Genrich said.
The mayor acknowledged city development, including a new hotel — a six-story one called The Legacy Hotel — that recently broke ground near Lambeau Field.
"And a few extra hotel rooms might just help our odds of landing that NFL Draft one of these years," Genrich said.
With the mayor delivering his address at Bay Beach, which Genrich says he calls the happiest place on Earth, he said he is optimistic about the park despite its struggles with staffing and ride closures, and the delay of bringing back the sand beach.
"We continue to welcome millions of visitors each year, and we have big plans for Bay Beach's future," Genrich said.
And he says he is proud to live in a community, that in his words, have heart, healing, and hope.
"And I hope you're proud to live here, too," Genrich said.
Just like last year after his speech, Genrich gave his awards for Small Business (Carnivore Meat Company), Employee (Shelby Edlebeck), and Citizen of the Year (Rashad Cobb).
