Jim Ridderbush fills vacant Green Bay Common Council Seat

GREEN BAY, WI—(WGBW)— The City of Green Bay appoints Jim Ridderbush to be the new alderperson for District 8. Ridderbush fills the seat vacated by Chris Wery, who resigned due to family health matters.

A press release from the city says Ridderbush brings extensive experience in community leadership and labor advocacy. He is the Vice President of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1473 and a Labor Liaison at JBS Green Bay. Ridderbush has also been active in neighborhood associations and civic initiatives. 

He will serve the remainder of Wery’s term, which runs through April 2026. During the Common Council meeting, Ridderbush said he plans on running for reelection then.

“Thank you for all of your support. I really look forward to working with this council and making it one of the best councils ever, as far as I can say. So, thank you,” Ridderbush said after he took the oath of office.

Wery served District 8 for 21 of the past 23 years. But he resigned last month after more than two decades of service to the district and the city.

Green Bay Communications Director Michael Bergman said in a press release, “Wery’s tenure was marked by steadfast advocacy, transparent communication, and a deep commitment to constituent service.” 

Mark Anderson and Megan Borchardt were also finalists for the District 8 seat. Along with Ridderbush, they made presentations to the Common Council and answered questions from alders during the June 10th Green Bay Common Council meeting.