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