Van Akkeren wins Sheboygan Mayoral Election
By: Adam Van Vreede
Updated: February 22, 2012
Sheboygan, Wis. (WFRV) -- Results are in from tonight's historic mayoral recall election in Sheboygan.
Challenger Terry Van Akkeren has defeated incumbent Mayor Bob Ryan by an 800 vote margin with 53% of the vote to Ryan's 47% of the vote.
Ryan address his supporters around 10:05 Tuesday night and gave a concession speech.
Ryan was hoping to convince voters that his personal life did not get in the way of his duties as mayor.
He was recalled due to his bout with alcoholism and some other inappropriate behavior over the last several years.
Terry Van Akkeren has long family and political ties to Sheboygan. He served as Alderman, County Commissioner and State Representative.
As mayor, he says he will be able to rebuild confidence in city government.
Van Akkeren says he believes his previous experience will work well in working with labor, management and citizen's concerns.
