Elections
Two finalists in La Crosse mayor’s race debate crucial issues at UWL candidate forum
The two remaining candidates for mayor of La Crosse spoke out on housing, climate, and local government during an election forum on the UWL campus Wednesday night.
Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Chris Kahlow responded to questions from local reporters, and from audience members attending the event at the Cleary Alumni Center. The candidates agreed on how the River Point development is progressing north of downtown, and both said the mayor’s office should work with police to help prevent crime in the community.
Dealing with housing issues, Kahlow talked of how the city has worked on affordable housing projects near downtown. Washington-Spivey says funding and maintaining community assets can help improve the local quality of life.
On the subject of annexing French Island, Washington-Spivey said he would work with town officials to reach a decision that’s best for everyone. Kahlow, the La Crosse city council president, said she knows what’s being discussed on the subject in closed meetings, but added she is hoping for collaboration between the communities.
At this point, Wednesday’s forum was the only scheduled debate between Kahlow and Washington-Spivey before the April 1st election.
Nathan
March 13, 2025 at 1:00 am
What were the biggest points of disagreement?
Bill
March 13, 2025 at 7:29 am
Now we know that Lee Rasch showed up, the candidates showed up and there was a crowd.
Mark Millich
March 13, 2025 at 7:59 am
In addition to the two rounds of questions by the five media representatives, the public should be allowed to submit questions prior to the forum, rather than last minute during the debate. That’s in the public’s best interest and would be good for all concerned. I ask the sponsers and media to please decide how to solicit the citizen’s questions and concerns before the next such event.
LG
March 13, 2025 at 2:56 pm
Never ever ever support the candidate who thinks he knows what’s best for everyone. No one can possibly know what’s best for everyone except possibly God. I think it is helpful for candidates to answer questions, including those about DEI, and for him to already know a city administrator is best before the committee studying this issue weighs in, is not someone I want running the city as mayor. This was a scary forum. Please support Chris Kahlow La Crosse. She’s our only hope.