By Joe Bachman

Protesters lined the sidewalk of W. Grand Ave. Tuesday afternoon, calling for Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink to resign.

A group calling themselves “Saving Wisconsin Rapids” brought out four protesters with signs calling for Vruwink’s resignation. The group called Vruwink “reckless” on a proposal to purchase new office furniture for city hall; they also protested the approval of a new Kwik Trip on the corner of Lincoln St. and Riverview Expressway, which protesters deemed “unsafe”.

“They do things too fast,” said protester Chris Marceau of city government. “I saw the design and if you’re coming from the expressway, and you turn right to go on Lincoln St., they don’t have that planned out to widen the road. I don’t know how the semis are going to make that turn.”

Event organizer Steve Abrahamson also said he’s concerned the mayor is not as accessible to the public as he should be.

“Zach is always out of the office, and he’s not accessible as he should be,” said Abrahamson. “He’s always gallivanting across the country — he was out with Senator Cory Booker.”

Protestors say they planned to remain until the end of the May 17 common council meeting, which starts at 6:00 p.m.

A call to Vruwink’s office for comment was not immediately returned.