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Candidates can officially begin circulating nomination papers on Dec. 1.

Paul Williams

Paul Williams, who’s served for 17 years on the council, said this week he plans to run again.

Williams said there’s still work he wants to finish, that he’s already spent months on and that won’t be complete until after the spring election.

Williams has been involved in updating the city’s alcohol ordinances and he’s watching closely as a possible data center is considered for the former GM/JATCO site on the city’s southside.

β€œI still haven’t made up my mind on it because we don’t have all the information,” he said, of the data center. β€œThat’s why I voted for the letter (of intent to a potential developer) to go out so we could have more information.”

However, β€œwe’re sitting right now on a couple hundred acres that are polluted and need to be cleaned up,” he said. β€œWe have a company that’s willing to do that… and to bring a project to Janesville that would really help with our budget.”

For Williams, those unfinished initiatives, and what he sees as his ability to contribute to them, are driving him to run again.

β€œI feel that I still have a lot to give to the city council and to the citizens of Janesville,” he said.

Williams said he believes the rewrite of the city’s zoning code that’s been underway this year will shape the future of how Janesville grows.

β€œWe’re redoing a whole chapter on zoning and what should be built in different zones,” he said. β€œSome of the newest generation coming up, they’re not looking for a four-bedroom house with a two and a half car garage. They’re looking for maybe a one or two-bedroom house with maybe no garage.”

He said the updates aim to diversify housing within neighborhoods, from townhomes to cottages to mixed-use areas where small businesses and housing co-exist.

Williams said he isn’t running on a single topic, something he said he’s seen happen over the years, on issues from sidewalks to the removal of the Monterey Dam.

β€œI’m certainly not a one issue candidate,” he said. β€œThere’s more things being decided on by the city council than just one item.”

But he acknowledged that the proposed data center is a major decision for the city, especially with related environmental cleanup and future tax base growth.

Williams pointed to several projects he’s proud to have helped advance during his years on the council, including a new fire station, new police station, and the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center.

He also highlighted the city’s resilience after the GM plant closure, crediting community leaders and residents with helping revitalize the downtown.

β€œWhen GM left, a lot of cities in similar situations, just kind of dried up,” Williams said. β€œI think Janesville was pretty resilient in overcoming that.”

Williams says he wants voters to understand the broad range of responsibilities the council handles, and that long-term work often continues through multiple election cycles.

He said he’s prepared to continue the work.

β€œI’m a lifelong Janesville resident,” he said. β€œI’ve served on the council now for quite some time, but I still believe that I have a lot to give and can bring my expertise.”

Shane Seeman

A Janesville native, Shane Seeman also this week announced his candidacy for Janesville City Council.

In a release, Seeman pointed to his background in the service industry and in community organizing. He currently works as a legislative assistant for state Reps. Clinton Anderson and Lori Palmeri, focusing on constituent relations and communications.

Seeman says housing will be a high priority in the coming council term.

β€œI’m very proud to call Janesville home. I want more people to share that feeling, but it can be difficult,” Seeman said. β€œIf you’re starting your adult life on your own or starting a family, you shouldn’t have to go searching miles away just for a decent, affordable one- or two-bedroom apartment, let alone your dream home.”

β€œWe should do everything we can to make it easier to put down roots in Janesville.”

Other priorities of his campaign include neighborhood connectivity and government access and accountability.

β€œThere’s an untapped resource in this city. People really want to pitch in and contribute, but some have trouble even knowing where to start. It should be easy for someone to pull up a chair at the table and weigh in. I’m excited to work on that.”