Superior Mayor Paine Talks Challenges of Past Year, Path Forward in State of City Address

SUPERIOR, Wis.– Superior Mayor Jim Paine did not hold an address in 2020 because of the pandemic. On Thursday, he spoke outside at Earth Rider Brewing, to give an update on the city and plans to move forward.

“This is the state of our city,” said Paine. “We have endured a difficult year but through it all we continue to rise.”

Mayor Paine talked about the impact Coronavirus had on the city through COVID-19 related closures and restrictions.

In response to the pandemic, the city helped direct funding for 2,300 people through food pantry services. Including creating a $95,000 emergency small business relief program that gave grants to local businesses. Along with waiving city utility late fees for every all homeowners in Superior.

The city also assisted in efforts with Douglas County that distributed the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccinate over 50 percent of residents in the county.

“Due to these efforts and the efforts of countless health care staff, essential workers and proactive citizens, infections are falling, vaccinations are rising, and our economy has returned to its pre-pandemic strength,” said Paine.

Following the death of George Floyd last summer, Paine says the city rolled out new training for Superior police officers. That includes the department’s very own virtual reality training program to more frequently train officers for high-risk calls. A new coordinated response specialist will also be hired next month to assist officers during calls involving mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

“We intend to create the very best police department in this state and among the best in this country. We will set the highest standards in respect integrity, professionalism and skill.” we will expect it from every single officer and we will hold them accountable to it,” said Paine.

Paine says the city is looking forward to the future following a 2020 budget surplus of $1 million, along with $17 million coming from the federal government for a variety of investments in broadband, infrastructure, and housing developments.

The city of Superior has made steps to increase infrastructure through the $31 million Connect Superior program. Mayor Paine says he will be proposing a new plan for transportation. That includes the city paying the DTA for all kids who need transportation more than a mile away from city schools.