UW-Oshkosh's Dr. Mike Ford, Director of the Whitburn Center of Governance and Policy Research, joins to break down everything "city administrator," ahead of next month's council vote on creating the position.

Ford explains why La Crosse is currently in the minority among Wisconsin cities of its size and addresses the growing "nationalization" of local politics.

We dive into where Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and the city council are at in the process of making a decision, plus some of the lead up to getting here.

We also look at the true cost of a $250,000 salary, and why Ford warns against "reinventing the wheel" when it comes to the city’s charter ordinance.

Last week, Washington-Spivey said he hopes next month's vote on creating the city admin position fails, so La Crosse can do more study on crafting the position — the ordinance the city is putting forward is over a decade old.

Additionally, Ford explains how professional leadership can actually increase democratic accountability rather than dilute it.

UW-Oshkosh's Dr. Mike Ford, Director of the Whitburn Center of Governance and Policy Research, joins to break down everything "city administrator," ahead of next month's council vote on creating the position.
Ford explains why La Crosse is currently in the minority among Wisconsin cities of its size and addresses the growing "nationalization" of local politics.
We dive into where Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey and the city council are at in the process of making a decision, plus some of the lead up to getting here.
We also look at the true cost of a $250,000 salary, and why Ford warns against "reinventing the wheel" when it comes to the city&rsquo;s charter ordinance.
Last week, Washington-Spivey said he hopes next month's vote on <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/2026/01/15/la-crosse-mayor-on-why-he-wants-current-city-administrator-plan-to-fail-plus-his-thoughts-on-new-downtown-plan-ice-situation/">creating the city admin position fails</a>, so La Crosse can do more study on crafting the position &mdash; the ordinance the city is putting forward is over a decade old.
Additionally, Ford explains how professional leadership can actually increase democratic accountability rather than dilute it.

Listener conversations about the days events in and around the La Crosse area.  Weekdays from 5-6pm on WIZM 1410AM and 92.3FM

La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

Rick Solem talks about the days events in and around the La Crosse area. Weekdays from 5:07-6pm on 1410 WIZM

WIZM - La Crosse

We ask expert Mike Ford: Does La Crosse need a City Administrator or is it just more expensive bureaucracy?

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state.

With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November.

Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology.

UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District.

We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges.

Key Topics:


The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field.


Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education.


Electability & Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate.


3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.

Electability in the Wisconsin governor's race has taken center stage as state Sen. Kelda Roys stopped in studio to discuss her bid to lead the state.
With the race reshaped, we talk to Roys about candidate electability and how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label&nbsp;plays into the strategy to win next month, and in November.
Roys also breaks down her proposal to end private school voucher funding and her priorities for lowering living costs and reforming classroom technology.
UW-La Crosse political scientist Dr. Anthony Chergosky was also in studio helping decode the high percentage of undecided voters and break down the race for Wisconsin's 3rd US House District.
We analyze how Republican incumbent Derek Van Orden is posturing against Democratic primary candidates Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge, including financial disclosure extensions and debate challenges.
Key Topics:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
The Democratic Primary: Sen. Kelda Roys on campaign finance, debate strategy, and navigating a shifting candidate field.
</li>
<li>
Voucher School Reform: Inside Roys' plan to phase out tax-funded private school vouchers and re-invest in public education.
</li>
<li>
Electability &amp; Strategy: Dr. Anthony Chergosky breaks down how Francesca Hong's "Democratic socialist" label and outside ad spending impact primary voters vs. the general electorate.
</li>
<li>
3rd Congressional District: A look at financial disclosure extensions, debate challenges, and general election strategies involving Derek Van Orden, Rebecca Cook, and Emily Berge.
</li>
</ul>

Electability: Kelda Roys on "Democratic Socialism," school vouchers; Plus UW-L's Chergosky on Van Orden vs. the Dems

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in studio, following his dramatic re-entry into the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.

Crowley breaks down the whirlwind timeline of stepping back into the race, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out. That includes his post-late-night decision with his wife and how it came about getting the endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers — and if the governor used any of his key phrases during that phone call.

Crowley also addressed recent reporting regarding a decade-old shared Twitter handle, disavowing crude posts made under the account and emphasizing his record of public service.

We did reel the conversation in, turning to La Crosse’s $8 million budget shortfall for next year and a proposal to hire a city administrator. That discussion highlighted Wisconsin’s broken shared revenue system — noting how state lawmakers rushed to approve $500 million for the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, while local schools and municipalities face deficits — and examined how Crowley would address the funding gap.

We also got Crowley's clear thoughts on AI data centers — the giant one operational now and what regulations he wants to see for them in the future.

We began, though, with the recent police killing in Madison and potential reform policies.

Topics covered in this show:


Re-Entering the Primary: The full story behind jumping back into the race, dealing with campaign chaos, and receiving Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement.


The Twitter Controversy: Addressing the "Dirt McGirk" handle, explaining the shared account access, and condemning the offensive posts.


Contrasting Against Tom Tiffany: Calling out "MAGA" Tom Tiffany’s 100% alignment with Donald Trump, reproductive rights, and setting up the general election matchup.


Public Safety & Madison Shooting: Balancing initial reactions with official investigations, state funding for body cameras, and investing in community violence interrupters.


Shared Revenue & Budget Surplus: Why local municipalities like La Crosse are struggling with budget shortfalls, and how the state surplus should ease local property taxes.


Regulating Data Centers: Requiring tech companies to pay for 100% of their clean energy infrastructure and subsidizing ratepayer costs.


Milwaukee Bucks Landscape: Local fallout after Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure and rebuilding around hometown star Tyler Herro.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in studio,&nbsp;following his dramatic re-entry into the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor.
Crowley breaks down the whirlwind timeline of stepping back into the race, after Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropped out. That includes his post-late-night decision with his wife and how it came about getting the endorsement from Gov. Tony Evers &mdash; and if the governor used any of his key phrases during that phone call.
Crowley also addressed recent reporting regarding a decade-old shared Twitter handle, disavowing crude posts made under the account and emphasizing his record of public service.
We did reel the conversation in, turning to La Crosse&rsquo;s $8 million budget shortfall for next year and a proposal to hire a city administrator. That discussion highlighted Wisconsin&rsquo;s broken shared revenue system &mdash; noting how state lawmakers rushed to approve $500 million for the Milwaukee Brewers stadium, while local schools and municipalities face deficits &mdash; and examined how Crowley would address the funding gap.
We also got Crowley's clear thoughts on AI data centers &mdash; the giant one operational now and what regulations he wants to see for them in the future.
We began, though, with the recent police killing in Madison and potential reform policies.
Topics covered in this show:
<ul data-path-to-node="7">
<li>
Re-Entering the Primary: The full story behind jumping back into the race, dealing with campaign chaos, and receiving Gov. Tony Evers' endorsement.
</li>
<li>
The Twitter Controversy: Addressing the "Dirt McGirk" handle, explaining the shared account access, and condemning the offensive posts.
</li>
<li>
Contrasting Against Tom Tiffany: Calling out "MAGA" Tom Tiffany&rsquo;s 100% alignment with Donald Trump, reproductive rights, and setting up the general election matchup.
</li>
<li>
Public Safety &amp; Madison Shooting: Balancing initial reactions with official investigations, state funding for body cameras, and investing in community violence interrupters.
</li>
<li>
Shared Revenue &amp; Budget Surplus: Why local municipalities like La Crosse are struggling with budget shortfalls, and how the state surplus should ease local property taxes.
</li>
<li>
Regulating Data Centers: Requiring tech companies to pay for 100% of their clean energy infrastructure and subsidizing ratepayer costs.
</li>
<li>
Milwaukee Bucks Landscape: Local fallout after Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure and rebuilding around hometown star Tyler Herro.
</li>
</ul>

David Crowley on getting Gov. Evers' endorsement and his reaction to La Crosse's budget situation

Marker 01

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at the Cappella Performing Arts Center with Ben Wikler, political commentator Todd Allbaugh stopped by The Rick Solem Show to break down an unprecedented stretch in Wisconsin politics.

Allbaugh will be in La Crosse with Ben Wiklker, the former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for an event Sunday (details below).

Allbaugh — a former Republican legislative chief of staff turned independent — gives his insider perspective on the rapid twists in the governor primary, how campaigns inoculate candidates before a general election, and why local voters in Western Wisconsin could shape the entire fall election.

IN THIS INTERVIEW:


Unprecedented Democratic Primary Chaos: Allbaugh breaks down the historic nature of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez’s sudden campaign exit, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entering the race after suspending his run, and how Madison Rep. Francesca Hong emerged as the frontrunner.


The "Inoculation" Strategy of Tom Tiffany: Why Tiffany’s campaign spent months running warm, rural-focused TV ads across Wisconsin, and how it sets up his general election strategy.


Voter Suppression & The SAVE Act: Drawing on his time inside the state Capitol during the 2011 voter ID debates, Allbaugh outlines how election law changes disproportionately impact voters and local clerks.


Western Wisconsin 3rd District Battle: Why Republican strategists are keeping a close eye on the 3rd District primary between Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge following a dramatic local straw poll shift in La Crosse County.

IF YOU GO


What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan, hosted by Todd Allbaugh


When: Sunday, July 26 | Doors open at 11:30 a.m. | Live conversation & Q&A at 12:30 p.m.


Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (721 King St., La Crosse)


Details: Free admission (register here). Books available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.

Ahead of his upcoming appearance at the Cappella Performing Arts Center with Ben Wikler, political commentator Todd Allbaugh stopped by The Rick Solem Show to break down an unprecedented stretch in Wisconsin politics.
Allbaugh will be in La Crosse with Ben Wiklker, the former chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, for an event Sunday (details below).
Allbaugh &mdash; a former Republican legislative chief of staff turned independent &mdash; gives his insider perspective on the rapid twists in the governor primary, how campaigns inoculate candidates before a general election, and why local voters in Western Wisconsin could shape the entire fall election.
IN THIS INTERVIEW:
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
Unprecedented Democratic Primary Chaos: Allbaugh breaks down the historic nature of Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez&rsquo;s sudden campaign exit, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley re-entering the race after suspending his run, and how Madison Rep. Francesca Hong emerged as the frontrunner.
</li>
<li>
The "Inoculation" Strategy of Tom Tiffany: Why Tiffany&rsquo;s campaign spent months running warm, rural-focused TV ads across Wisconsin, and how it sets up his general election strategy.
</li>
<li>
Voter Suppression &amp; The SAVE Act: Drawing on his time inside the state Capitol during the 2011 voter ID debates, Allbaugh outlines how election law changes disproportionately impact voters and local clerks.
</li>
<li>
Western Wisconsin 3rd District Battle: Why Republican strategists are keeping a close eye on the 3rd District primary between Rebecca Cook and Emily Berge following a dramatic local straw poll shift in La Crosse County.
</li>
</ul>
IF YOU GO
<ul data-path-to-node="9">
<li>
What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan, hosted by Todd Allbaugh
</li>
<li>
When: Sunday, July 26 | Doors open at 11:30 a.m. | Live conversation &amp; Q&amp;A at 12:30 p.m.
</li>
<li>
Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (721 King St., La Crosse)
</li>
<li>
Details: Free admission (<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-is-the-plan-book-tour-la-crosse-tickets-1990507099317">register here</a>). Books available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.
</li>
</ul>

We ask expert Mike Ford: Does La Crosse need a City Administrator or is it just more expensive bureaucracy?

In 1 playlist(s)

WIZM - La Crosse

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips