2025 City Council Candidate Doug Happel
District 12
LA CROSSE CITY COUNCIL
Doug Happel
email: [email protected]
About You:
District 12 Council Member since 2011. Retired principal of Logan high school, retired associate superintendent of human resources for the school district of Lacrosse, past president of Faith Lutheran church in Lacrosse, present chair of the city finance and personnel committee, present chair of the city police and fire commission. Bachelors degree from UW Lacrosse in secondary education, Master’s degree from UW Madison in educational administration. Lived in Lacrosse since 1977. Widowed, two children, both teachers, eight grandchildren.
Why did you decide to run for City Council, and what experiences or skills do you bring that will help you represent your district and the city effectively?
To continue to serve the city and bring common sense and experience into decision making.
How would you ensure residents in your district are actively involved in city planning and decision-making processes?
This is really up to the people, but I am always available to help and usually return calls and emails very promptly. Phone: (608) 788-1185 or email: [email protected]
The City Council delayed a vote on hiring a City Administrator until after the election. Do you support the creation of this position? How do you see this role working in collaboration with the City Council and the mayor’s office?
I have concerns about this position. It spends money that we don’t have and removes the people an additional step from their city government.
What role do you see the City Council playing in addressing homelessness in La Crosse? Do you support the Pathways Home initiative? What aspects of the plan do you find most effective? Or what alternative solutions would you propose?
I sponsored the resolution banning camping in public places which needed to be done. And, yes. I support the Pathways Home Initiative, and I have supported the city’s cooperation with the county.
What steps would you take to increase the availability of affordable housing, particularly for working-class residents and vulnerable populations?
We need housing for all income levels. Affordable housing is important, but so is housing that enhances our tax base.
How would you balance supporting new business development and sustaining existing businesses while preserving the unique character of La Crosse’s downtown and neighborhoods? Are there specific projects or ideas you would advocate for?
This is done one project at a time. The old Kmart site needs to be a high priority.
Recent reports show a decline in La Crosse’s population. What strategies would you support to attract and retain residents, particularly younger people and families?
Making and keeping La Crosse a safe city, with good schools, streets, and fully funded police and fire departments are keys to the future of our city.
What is your approach to improving and maintaining the city’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation and utilities? How would you ensure equitable access across the city?
Our capital improvement program works well. Examples include the Lacrosse Center and two new fire stations. I was the council representative on the committee that planned the fire stations.
How would you advocate for improvements to transportation options in your district and the city? What ideas do you have for public transportation, bike lanes or pedestrian-friendly pathways?
Maintaining city streets should be the priority. Bike lanes are important, but sometimes we get carried away… as in the example of Second Street project.
What strategies would you support to ensure that La Crosse remains a safe community for residents and visitors? What plans do you have to address issues such as police-community relations, crime prevention and emergency response preparedness?
Fully-funded police and fire departments are an absolute necessity. As chairperson of the police and fire commission, I see this on a regular basis.
What climate action policies or sustainability initiatives would you champion in your district and citywide? How would you address renewable energy, waste reduction, and the protection of green spaces?
The city already does a good job of this. I was also the council representative on the committee that developed our current garbage recycling system which not only works, but is also cost effective.
How can the City Council collaborate with the school district and community organizations to ensure educational opportunities and services for young people? Are there district-specific needs you would focus on?
As a former educator, I very much understand that cCmmunication is the most important aspect. Yet, the school district is a separate government agency, so the city needs to help but not dictate.
What role do you see for the City Council in fostering tech innovation and improving digital infrastructure? How could your district benefit from smart city initiatives or local tech industry development?
Through the work of our technology department. La Crosse city government operations are much more efficient than they were just a few years ago.
