SHEBOYGAN, Wis (WSAU) Voters in Sheboygan removed Mayor Bob Ryan yesterday with 14 months left in his only term. Former state Representative Terry Van Akkeren defeated Ryan 53-to-47 percent in the city's first-ever mayoral recall.
Ryan failed to carry his own ward, as he had 5,247 votes to Van Akkeren's 6,004.
Ryan was targeted for three alcohol-related episodes in his nearly three years in office -- primarily for a three-day drinking binge in Elkhart Lake last July. Van Akkeren, who lost to Ryan in 2009, will be sworn in at the next Sheboygan City Council meeting on March 5th. He said he was glad city residents have faith in him and quote, "It's time to reunite the community again."
Ryan said he hoped his accomplishments would have spoken louder than the media and his private life did -- and he said he has nothing to be ashamed of. Ryan says he's getting counseling for his alcoholism. And he told supporters quote, "If you want a person who never gives up and is an exemplary employee, I'm available."
