Introduction
John T. Dickert (born December 6, 1962) is an American politician, currently serving as the mayor of Racine, Wisconsin. A Democrat, he has served as mayor since winning a special election in 2009.
Early life
Dickert's familial roots extend three generations in Racine. In 1880 his great-great grandfather arrived and started a family and small plumbing business, Dickert Brothers Plumbing Company. That business lasted more than a century. John Dickert was born December 6, 1962. He attended St. Catherine's High School and received his bachelor's degree in political science and mass communication from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. While in college, he was elected to the La Crosse County Board of Supervisors. Dickert then worked as an intern for Congressman Les Aspin in Washington D.C. Dickert returned to Racine to serve as Congressional District Director for State Assemblyman Peter Barca. Dickert became a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker in 2003 and First Weber in 2007, then ran for mayor of Racine in 2009.
Mayoralty
Dickert was first elected mayor to finish the term of Gary E. Becker, who had resigned in January after being charged with six felonies. He was elected on May 5, 2009, and was inaugurated on May 19, taking over from acting Mayor Tom Friedel. After winning regular elections in August 2011 and again in August 2015, Dickert is currently serving in his second full term.
Dickert is president of the Urban Alliance, a group of mayors from Wisconsin’s largest metro regions. Dickert also serves as Vice Chair of the United States Conference of Mayors Metro Economies Committee, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council, and Governor Scott Walker’s Wisconsin Coastal Management Council.
