Good luck to La Crosse’s new elected officials

A changing of the guard today at La Crosse’s City Hall. Today marks the end of Mayor Tim Kabat’s second term and the swearing in of his successor, Mitch Reynolds. We first want to say thank you to Mayor Kabat who for eight years has guided the city. It is not an easy job, and he will no doubt not miss all the meetings, ribbon cuttings and angry phone calls. We also want to thank those stepping down from the La Crosse City Council who will be replaced by six new members today. For the new council, and the new Mayor, there is much work to be done. The city continues to face historic challenges as a result of the pandemic, and it will be up to Mayor Reynolds to ensure the city is up to those challenges. There is a loss of revenue brought about by the economic challenges the pandemic has caused. A long-term solution is still needed for solving the problems of contaminated wells at homes near the airport. City Hall will have to figure the way forward for the city’s fire stations, and at a minimum figure out how to get separate showers for male and female firefighters. It is now, as Reynolds’ remarked during the campaign, time to get to work. We wish our newly elected officials the best of luck as they figure out how to rise to these challenges, while protecting the interests of La Crosse taxpayers.