Racine alderman Tom Friedel will be filling in as the city's mayor until citizens elect a new one. "We've been through a tough occurrence here in Racine, said Friedel, who chairs the city council's finance committee. "We have a council that's strong. But we need leadership. We need a council that can continue to work together and make sure that all city services continue and that things keeps functioning.
The previous mayor, Gary Becker stepped down after being busted in an Internet sex sting, a story which focused national media attention on Racine. A special election for the mayor will happen in June possibly. "I had a big decision to make," said Friedel of his decision to accept the appointment as acting mayor. "I thought long and hard about running in the spring. I decided the time was not right for me to do that, but the interim position just suits me suits me perfectly."