WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

Mike Hayes
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WIZM - La Crosse Talk Interviews

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

  1. La Crosse city council candidate Doug Happel on sidewalks, city admin, housing and homeless

    1D AGO

    La Crosse city council candidate Doug Happel on sidewalks, city admin, housing and homeless

    We hit the big main issues with La Crosse city council candidate Doug Happel in terms of housing, homelessness and city administrator on WIZM, but also another that he’s dealt with in his district and an older issue that could be reintroduced. Happel, who has been on city council since 2011, is running for reelection in District 12. His opponent is Lisa Weston. You can read more about both candidates on the WIZM election page. Happel spent the first part of the conversation discussing a sidewalk issue in District 12 — where he says most of his neighbors did not want sidewalks. We also discussed re-pursuing talks with the Town of Shelby on a boundary agreement with La Crosse — conversations that fell off around 2018. Happel also expressed his opinion on whether to hire a city administrator, where he is mostly opposed to the idea. That discussion led to a conversation about the budget situation in La Crosse now and into the future. Lastly, we discussed both housing and homeless. With housing, Happel talked of some upcoming projects and the need for more diverse housing. He brought up the old Kmart property that could soon begin development and a need he sees to upgrade the roads in that area. In terms of homelessness, Happel mentioned his sponsoring of the camping ban on city property and also his support of the Pathways Home plan between the city, county and other entities that work with those in need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min
  2. La Crosse city council candidate Lisa Weston on city administrator, housing, representation

    1D AGO

    La Crosse city council candidate Lisa Weston on city administrator, housing, representation

    La Crosse city council candidate, Lisa Weston, in the WIZM studio breaking down her stances on things like city administrator, housing, homeless and representation, plus her experience with home construction, building codes and contractors.  Weston is running for council in District 12 and her opponent is Doug Happel. You can read more about both candidates on the WIZM election page. The biggest topics we discussed included her position on the potential hiring of a city administrator, and the homeless situation in La Crosse and her conversation with the city's homeless coordinator. Weston also talked about the past council's decision to ban camping and how that affected the Pathways Home plan. Another city employee Weston said she spoke at length with was in the utilities department who helped her navigate the situation District 12 recently had with a water main break.  Other topics included the housing situation in the city and both her work experience in housing, plus some personal experiences with contractors and their take on city building codes.  Weston also discussed the council voting not to appoint a rep. in District 5, where she works, leaving that seat vacant for eight months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min
  3. La Crosse city council candidate Northwood on city admin, housing, homelessness, childcare

    1D AGO

    La Crosse city council candidate Northwood on city admin, housing, homelessness, childcare

    City council candidate Roseanne Northwood stopped in studio discussing why she's running, her position on potentially hiring a city administrator, housing, and homelessness.  Northwood is running in District 13 against Paul Brown. You can read more about both candidates on the WIZM election page. This is the seat being vacated by Mark Neumann.   Began the conversation talking about Northwood's experience — both through nonprofits and lived experience — and how that translates to being on city council.  We then got her position on council possibly hiring a city administrator after the election.  After that, Northwood talked about homelessness and housing. Lastly, Northwood talked about the dilemmas of childcare in the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 min
  4. Previewing No Man's Land Film Fest in La Crosse with Clara Gelatt and Katie Bitner

    2D AGO

    Previewing No Man's Land Film Fest in La Crosse with Clara Gelatt and Katie Bitner

    Clara Gelatt and Katie Bitner in the WIZM studio helping preview the No Man’s Land Film Festival happening Friday evening at the Rivoli in downtown La Crosse. Doors open for the free event at 5 p.m. and films begin at 6 p.m. (reserve tickets here). The festival features nine short films ranging from just over a minute to just under 20 minutes, celebrating the voices of women, men, and gender-diverse individuals in the outdoor industry. Gelatt, the co-owner of the Rivoli, and Bitner, part of the on La Crosse Adventure Film committee, discuss some of their favorites — because of course they got to preview them — but we made sure ‘no spoilers.’ This is the 10th year of the No Man’s Land Film Festival but first year it’s come to La Crosse. It’s goal is to empower marginalized voices and spark conversations to create a more inclusive outdoor community.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
  5. La Crosse County judge candidate Eric Sanford on experience, high-profile cases, role of courts

    2D AGO

    La Crosse County judge candidate Eric Sanford on experience, high-profile cases, role of courts

    La Crosse County Circuit Court judge candidate Eric Sanford in the WIZM studio discussing his experience, the role of a judge and trusting in the courts. Began the conversation discussing Sanford’s experience, before getting into some of the roles a judge can play in a community and how high-profile cases should be handled. We talked about whether judges are too lenient and if their decisions can be a factor in tamping down things like gun violence or drug dealing in La Crosse. Sanford is currently a court commissioner for La Crosse County’s family court. He was formerly an assistant district attorney in the county and a public defender. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  6. La Crosse County judge candidate Joe Veenstra on role position could play, bonds, experience

    2D AGO

    La Crosse County judge candidate Joe Veenstra on role position could play, bonds, experience

    La Crosse County Circuit Court judge candidate Joe Veenstra in the WIZM studio discussing his experience, the role of a judge and trusting in the courts. We began the conversation talking about Veenstra’s experience and then veered off into how both the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court have gotten more political. We then got into the role a judge could play locally in terms of things like drug dealing or gun violence and, of course, we had to talk about the scrutiny judges get sometimes when it comes to cash and signature bonds.  Veenstra, currently a partner at Johns, Flaherty & Collins, is also a La Crosse County supplemental court commissioner and a former La Crosse County Board member. His Branch 1 opponent is Eric Sanford. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    22 min
  7. Pitching Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford campaigning strategies, like Friday fish fries

    2D AGO

    Pitching Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford campaigning strategies, like Friday fish fries

    Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Susan Crawford in the WIZM studio, discussing her campaign, going against — not just opponent Brad Schimel — but Elon Musk, who has now spent around $19 million in the race, since this interview. Began the interview telling Crawford the best strategy for campaigning in what’s supposed to be a nonpartisan race, and that’s going to a each county’s best Friday Fish Fry spot.  We then discuss Crawford’s experience, but also how difficult it is to campaign on issues, when you’re supposed to be an impartial judge, and can’t comment on what cases the state Supreme Court will likely hear, including the 176-year-old abortion ban, Act 10 and redistricting. We also make light of her campaign strategy compared to Schimel, talking about what giant blowup doll Crawford might stand in front of that shows her support.  Finish the conversation talking about how to regain public trust, as both the courts seem to be more and more partisan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
  8. La Crosse teachers' union president Schams on statewide races affecting schools, the mysterious pencil sharpener and Golden Apple Awards

    4D AGO

    La Crosse teachers' union president Schams on statewide races affecting schools, the mysterious pencil sharpener and Golden Apple Awards

    Jill Schams, co-president of the La Crosse teachers’ union, joined to tell a story about the mysterious thing on the wall in her classroom — a pencil sharpener. We also discuss the big statewide races that could impact schools, including one that could eventually restore bargaining rights for public workers. And, lastly, Schams noted there’s still time to nominate school staff for the year’s final Golden Apple award. In regards to the two Wisconsin elections, Schams discusses how the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) — the statewide teachers' union — is endorsing Susan Crawford in the race. The state Supreme Court could hear a case after the elections in regards to repealing some of Act 10.  Schams also talked about WEAC endorsing current state schools superintendent, Dr. Jill Underly and how the state has moved up in nationwide rankings with her leading the Department of Public Instruction. As for the Golden Apple awards, the deadline to nominate is March 26. More info can be found here. Schams, a music teacher at Southern Bluffs Elementary School, is co-president of the La Crosse Education Association, along with Jesse Martinez.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    11 min
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    WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

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