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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