Superior Mayor Hagen: 'I'm Not Enjoying It'

SUPERIOR - "I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, but it's been very difficult. And those struggles aren't over, and they shouldn't be over," said Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen.  Honest, personal and to the point: Hagen shares his vision of 2014 with FOX 21's Dan Hanger, and he also sheds light on whether he'll run for re-election in 2015.

He said he still has the passion and strong vision for a better city, but Hagen, 68, reveals a sense of loneliness in that vision to take Superior to the next level, so much so, that it's not clear whether he'll run for another term.

"You need to be proud of your community. I am proud of it. I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish," Hagen said. "I love this town. I love this community. I moved back here after 20 years. I'll die here."

Hagen reflected on the past few years with accomplishments in fixing aging infrastructure, repairing roads, attracting new business, jobs and beginning to change the overall image of the city.

"There's so much that [the city] has to offer. But we need to get around and rally about that and everybody be part of that vision," Hagen explained.

But as Hagen begins his final year in this current term, he says he's feeling discouraged, disappointed and even a feeling of calling it quits.

"I love local government. Um, I'm not enjoying it."

Hagen believes the general census from the public is that he's wasting money on projects like the new Superior welcome signs or the reconstruction of Tower Avenue.

"I don't think my vision matches the community. I don't think the vision I have, the excitement I have, the energy I have -- what I see can be -- is difficult to embrace by most people," Hagen said.

While he agrees Superior has often been portrayed as the step child of Duluth, Hagen strongly believes that excuse is over at least with him.

"We need an uprising --a positive uprising. I hear we shouldn't do this; it's good enough for superior. That's not good enough for me."

In 2014, Hagen has his administration targeting more street repairs, fixing the animal shelter fiasco, deciding the future of the costly landfill, and building stronger housing for young professionals.

"Having jobs in our communities without people living in our communities does not generate the economy for the community," Hagen said.

Meanwhile, while it wasn't clear Tuesday whether Hagen will run for mayor in 2015, it is clear who he feels will be needed to help turn Superior into something brighter.

"The best thing to happen to this community is to have younger people with a vision of what's today. Step up and be growing in this community, take leadership roles and government business. I'd be very happy to witness that."

Another big focus for Hagen in 2014 is the revitalization of Wisconsin Point for education, passive recreation and a move that's more welcoming for locals and tourists.