La Crosse Panel Advances Council Administrator Plan Over Mayor's

La Crosse’s Judiciary and Administration Committee voted 5-2 to advance a city administrator proposal from council members Aron Newberry and Larry Sleznikow, while voting 5-2 to reject Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey’s competing plan. The council-backed charter ordinance would put the administrator under the Common Council and shift some duties, including budget preparation and oversight of day-to-day operations, away from the mayor. The mayor’s proposal would have the administrator report to both the mayor and council while preserving the mayor’s existing responsibilities. Supporters say a professional administrator could help manage the city’s complex operations and allow elected officials to focus on policy; Washington-Spivey argues the charter plan would transfer authority from an elected mayor to an unelected official and could alter the mayor’s role. The full Common Council is expected to consider both proposals on November 12.