Hagen One-On-One Before Announcing His ‘Plans For The Future’

Press Conference Set For 10 a.m. Thursday

Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen is preparing a big announcement for the media Thursday morning.

As for what it could be, the only thing the media was told Wednesday was that “he will be announcing his plans for the future, discuss intentions as they pertain to the Office of the Mayor and the direction of the City of Superior.”

While the mystery remained uncertain Wednesday night, FOX 21’s Dan Hanger decided to air a one-on-one interview with Hagen that was taped Oct. 17 and had no air date planned – until the press event was announced late Wednesday.

The interview may point to “his plans for the future.”

The financial squeeze is about to get very real for the city of Superior.

“It’s going to be difficult; very difficult decisions. Very difficult discussions,” Hagen explained when talking about setting the budget next year for 2018.

Hagen says 2017 will be the year of serious budget talks for 2018, especially if the city wants to keep from dipping into a deficit.

“Unless there’s revenue growth, we have to comply with what we have,” Hagen explained.

While signs of growth are happening, like the new Hampton Inn under construction right now, Hagen says Superior’s revenue intake has been stagnant since 2008 – all while costs continue to rise and financial support from Madison falls short.

“Republican, Democrat — it’s doesn’t matter to me. It’s not working,” Hagen said of the legislature.

While Hagen is clearly frustrated with the pacing of improvement in the city he loves, he is excited for new year’s reconstruction of Belknap Street and the economic development he expects will follow.

“Tower [Avenue] is great. People love it. But I think Belknap is the gateway,” Hagen said.

Meanwhile, at 70 years old and feeling like Superior is not where he wants it to be, especially with the uncertainty of Kestrel Aircraft coming to town, FOX 21’s Dan Hanger had to ask if he would run for another term after his term is up in April of 2019.

“No, no. God no. Hell no,” Hagen said. “I’ m tired, I’m burned out; I’m peopled out,” Hagen said.

And then there’s the following statement Hagen later told Hanger during the interview:

“One reason I am excited about leaving is I am going to encourage and promote — get some younger people in this government, get some younger people in this office — different vision, more energy, different ideas. Let’s step it up. I want to see a young mayor,” Hagen said.

Hagen will address the media at 10 a.m. Thursday in the city council chambers.

FOX 21 will have the latest on this story on FOX21Online.com, and then on television at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.