La Crosse Mayor Proposes Rival City Administrator Plan

La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey has introduced a competing ordinance to establish a city administrator, saying professional management could improve daily operations but should not weaken residents’ influence or elected leadership. His proposal makes the administrator accountable to both the mayor and Common Council, preserves the mayor’s executive and budget authority, and could take effect immediately with a simple-majority vote. A council-backed charter ordinance would give the administrator broader authority over department heads and the budget, require a two-thirds vote and a 60-day waiting period, and allow residents to petition for a binding referendum during that period. Both proposals are scheduled for review by the Judiciary and Administration Committee on Nov. 4, with a recommendation to follow to the full council.