La Crosse Talk PM WIZM

From the business community's perspective, La Crosse needs a city administrator.

La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Sam Scinta and government relations director Allyson Fergot in studio explaining why 99% of their members support the move — and why they believe operating without one is costing the city more in the long run.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• • Overwhelming business support: Why 99% of the Chamber's 540-plus members—from small shops to non-profits and healthcare—back the position.

  • Streamlining development: Why local non-profits told the Chamber they would rather have a city administrator than a new zoning code to cut through red tape.

  • Managing a $74 million operation: Why treating city government like a complex enterprise requires consistent, professional management alongside elected policy makers.

  • Predictability for local business: How a central administrator creates clear processes and stable leadership that outlasts political turnover.

Next week the city council begins again its debate on creating the charter ordinance position, beginning with the Judiciary and Administrative Committee (agenda) at 5 p.m. Wednesday. The council did get the same ordinance through by a 7-6 vote back in February, but it needed a supermajority.

NOTE: This interview was recorded prior to Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey releasing a video opposing the proposed charter ordinance. The mayor argued the specific legislation takes statutory power away from elected leadership and removes the voice of the people from City Hall. Watch and read more about the mayor's response here.

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A day after the first and only televised debate, UW-La Crosse professor emeritus, Dr. Joe Heim, joined to give his thoughts on the Wisconsin governor's race. 

Most of the focus was on the race in general, though all five Democratic candidates debated the night before. 

Heim talks about Francesca Hong running as a Democratic Socialist and Tom Tiffany being a far-right candidate and how that might play out in a purple state, where a lot of elections are decided by just a few percentage points.

We also discussed the saga over Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out, David Crowley getting back in the race and Gov. Tony Evers endorsing him — over his Mandela Barnes, his old lieutenant governor. 

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We caught up with Emily Berge on the campaign trail for the U.S. House in Wisconsin's 3rd District, getting her thoughts on financial disclosure extensions granted to her opponent.

Also, Brad Williams joins us to break down two cases going through the courts — the Cody Alland murder trial and the case of a 61-year-old driver who hit 27-year-old Tarianna Thompson with his pickup after failing to stop at an intersection. Thompson, who was riding her bike, died nine days later, and an inquest jury on Monday recommended charges be brought against the driver, Richard Myron.

In the second half of the show, with the Aug. 11 primary just weeks away, Berge discusses her growing momentum in the district.

In this segment:

• Gaining Ground: Berge reacts to political analysts pointing to her grassroots momentum and shares how volunteer numbers are building across the district.

• Voter Priorities: Key issues voters and young adults are raising on the trail, including healthcare, housing, data centers, and getting money out of politics.

• Campaign Finance & Transparency: Berge highlights the importance of compliance following Sarah Rodriguez dropping out of the governor's race over campaign finance errors, and addresses why opponent Rebecca Cooke’s delayed personal financial disclosure is a concern for primary voters.

• Federal Policy & Foreign Affairs: Her take on Congressional stock trading bans, campaign finance reforms, and voter frustration over military spending versus domestic needs like healthcare.

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He's worked with the city of La Crosse on many projects. A popular one right now is redeveloping the old Kmart lot.

Marvin Wanders, CEO of Three-Sixty Real Estate Solutions, stopped in studio to talk about his experience working with La Crosse and other municipalities in the region, and how he feels about the need for a city administrator position.

City administrator is back in front of council during the August cycle, beginning next week with the Judiciary & Administrative Committee. It could be on the City Plan Commission agenda, as well. That one isn't up yet.

IN THIS INTERVIEW:

• Why a City Administrator? How professional management, clear structure, and department alignment impact city growth and $80M budget efficiency.

• Old Kmart Site Update & Timeline: Where the Copper Rocks project currently stands with the city, what needs to happen with the development agreement, and the timeline for when demolition and site work could potentially start next spring.

• New Local Housing Projects: A look at the newly opened CNC Residences near Mayo and the ORI studio micro-apartments at Badger West near UW-La Crosse.

• La Crosse Housing Trends: Meeting the demand for one- and two-person households and shifting demographics in the region.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As the La Crosse City Council prepares to vote once again on creating a city administrator position, Dr. Mike Ford joins to help break down what the role actually is, why cities have them, and whether La Crosse truly needs one.

Dr. Ford, a professor of public administration at UW-Oshkosh and Director of the Whitburn Center for Governance and Policy Research, is one of the state's leading experts on municipal governance. He offering clear insight into the practical mechanics of local government—explaining how administrators manage multi-million dollar budgets, navigate council dynamics, and why La Crosse remains an outlier among Wisconsin cities of its size.

With La Crosse facing a projected $8 million budget shortfall, rising healthcare costs, and major long-term decisions ahead, the conversation centers on what having a professional manager actually means for how the city runs on a day-to-day basis.

Key Points Covered in the Episode:

• Politics Decides, Administration Does: How the city administrator role originated during the Progressive Era to separate day-to-day operations from political bickering.

• Why La Crosse is in the Minority: Why more than 100 Wisconsin cities already rely on a professional manager or administrator to handle multi-million-dollar budgets.

• The Cost vs. Savings Debate: Can hiring a high-level administrator actually save the city money in the long run through operational efficiencies and long-term planning?

• Charter Ordinance vs. Simple Ordinance: The procedural differences, supermajority requirements, and how city residents hold the legal power to trigger a referendum on the decision.

• Tackling the $8 Million Deficit: How an independent administrator presents objective budget-cutting options to the city council without a political agenda.

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Ben Wikler went from The Daily Show stage with Jon Stewart straight to The Rick Solem Show the next day to help make sense of the wild week in Wisconsin politics.

The former chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, who will be in La Crosse on Sunday, gives his take on the recent shakeup in the Democratic primary for governor — from Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez dropping out to David Crowley re-entering the race — and why Wikler argues this primary shuffle gives voters genuine options rather than a pre-packaged Republican ticket.

Wikler points out Tom Tiffany's extreme voting record in Congress, while detailing why the state party maintains strict primary neutrality and how a surging turnout will carry the eventual Democratic nominee.

The discussion centers on Wikler’s new book, This Is The Plan, which maps out how Democrats successfully unrigged Wisconsin's GOP gerrymander and offers a playbook for national political reform. That conversation will continue in La Crosse this Sunday at the Cappella Performing Arts Center, where he'll join  political analyst Todd Allbaugh for a live Q&A and book signing.

In this interview:

• Governor's Race Shakeup: How Wikler—and his dog Ross—reacted to a wild week in state politics, plus why party bosses no longer handpick primary candidates for Democrats.

• Local Issues & 3rd District: Van Orden’s starring role as a character in This Is The Plan, and the strategy for beating Tom Tiffany in November.

• "Gotham City" Corruption: Campaign finance, Supreme Court ethics, and the playbook for fixing legalized corruption.

• Behind the Scenes at The Daily Show: What it was really like going back-and-forth with Jon Stewart (and competing with his rolling chair).

IF YOU GO

• What: Ben Wikler book tour stop for This Is The Plan: How To End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy

• When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, July 26 (Doors open at 11:30 a.m.)

• Where: Cappella Performing Arts Center (map)

• Details: Free to attend, but registration is required online via Eventbrite. The conversation will feature Wikler joined by political analyst Todd Allbaugh, followed by an audience Q&A and book signing. Books will be available for purchase on-site through Pearl Street Books.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just three proposed AI data centers in Wisconsin are projected to use more electricity than all 2.3 million homes in the state combined.

In fact, the one facility in Mount Pleasant alone will pull as much power as 1 million homes — becoming one of the largest “cities” of energy consumption in the state without a single person living there.

Amy Barrilleaux, communications director at Clean Wisconsin, joined the Rick Solem Show on Monday to help break down the massive, under-the-radar impact hyperscale AI data centers could have on Wisconsin’s energy grid, local water supplies and your monthly utility bills.

In this episode:

• The Energy Surge: Why the Public Service Commission (PSC) projects a 40% jump in state energy demand over six years — and why 72% of that increase comes from just three data centers.
• Your Pocketbook: How multi-billion-dollar utility buildouts for tech giants like Microsoft and Oracle could shift massive financial risks onto everyday Wisconsin ratepayers.
• Local Moratoriums: Why La Crosse County and municipalities state-wide are putting pauses in place to evaluate land use, grid strain, tax implications, local health impacts and more.
• Land & Water Impacts: The stark difference between temporary solar farm leases and permanent concrete slabs that erase family farmland forever — plus the off-site water drain from fossil fuel power generation.
• A Century of Infrastructure in 10 Years: Why rebuilding our entire energy system in a decade for a handful of tech companies requires a statewide pause and a real plan.

Take Action: Clean Wisconsin has launched a statewide petition calling for a pause on unchecked AI data center development until proper regulations are in place. You can learn more and sign the petition here.

Listen live weekdays at 5:06 p.m. Find the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcast or here. Tune in on the WIZM app or on air at 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska)

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