Second candidate announces run for La Crosse mayor

La Crosse now has two declared candidates for mayor. Ellie McLoone made her announcement Monday at Grandad Bluff.

McLoone, a realtor and a fifth-generation resident of La Crosse, said she is making public safety and police protection key issues in her campaign.

“The city of La Crosse is currently down almost a dozen officers,” McLoone said. “This is a major concern for La Crosse citizen safety, as well as our police officers.”

McLoone also said housing needs aare priority for her campaign.

McLoone noted La Crosse’s distinctive geography limits growth within the city, making adequate housing a challenge.

“The bluff we’re standing on and the river in the background are the biggest challenge for expansion,” she said. “Updated codes and zoning are an important factor in this process.”

On her website, McLoone also said La Crosse’s most pressing problems are homelessness, addiction and mental health.

Back in October, Shaundel Spivey was the first to announce a run for mayor. Spicey is the executive director of the La Crosse nonprofit B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge).

Incumbent Mayor Mitch Reynolds has yet to say if he’ll seek a second term. He was last asked about it in October on La Crosse Talk PM.

Candidates for the spring election can take out nomination papers in December, and if a primary is needed, that will be in February.