Local
Washington-Spivey sworn in as La Crosse’s first black, openly-gay mayor
La Crosse’s new mayor is now in office.
Shaundel Washington-Spivey took the oath at a Tuesday afternoon ceremony in La Crosse City Hall.
Washington-Spivey, a former La Crosse School Board member who started and is executive director of the nonprofit B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge) was elected the city’s first black and openly-gay mayor.
Last October, Washington-Spivey announced his run for mayor atop Grandad Bluff — the first of four candidates to declare for the election to succeed Mitch Reynolds.
Shortly after taking the oath of office from Judge Ramona Gonzalez, Washington-Spivey gave a brief inaugural speech, pledging to be a “mayor for everyone” in the city and thanking voters for “being a part of what makes La Crosse such a wonderful place.”
“We do not take our roles lightly,” Washington-Spivey continued. “As the mayor for everyone in this great city, it is my intent to serve the city with pride and dignity.” Washington-Spivey concluded his remarks by noting “Day One starts tomorrow.”
Also sworn in at a special council meeting were eight members elected in districts 5, and 7-13, most of them joining the council for the first time as they begin four-year terms.
Starting their service on the council for the first time are Olivia Stine, Aron Newberry, Crystal Bedford, Lisa Weston, and Rosanne Northwood. Former city council member Gary Pedesky was also sworn in.
Tamra Dickinson was elected council president for the next year, with eight votes to five for Barb Janssen.
Sarge
April 16, 2025 at 6:05 am
WIZM and the rest of the media would do well to remember and take heed of the words Martin Luther King Jr.”I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” I would add to that, their sexual orientation. I’m concerned about his ability to govern for all the people of LaCrosse and move the city forward to be a more prosperous community. Stop trying to divide people by throwing out labels.
Mike
April 16, 2025 at 10:08 am
Shaundel has no city government experience and it’s quite concerning. The learn while you go approach is not the way to go. I know he draws a huge salary from the “non-profits” he runs. I’m exciting to closely examine the 2023 & 2024 tax returns for his no-profits and expose the salary he draws from his non profits.
david greener
April 17, 2025 at 4:55 am
looking forward to seeing those returns
Roy
April 17, 2025 at 6:44 am
Poverty is where the money is.
Libertarian guy
April 16, 2025 at 2:21 pm
Seems to be a lot of improper emphasis on identity politics. Very common among Democrats. WIZM has become a Democrat station In both the news department and the Local “talent“I think Mike Hayes would be appalled to be replaced by a liberal who puts Ivan Garcia on to spout Democrat propaganda. No more community conversation, just Democrat talking points. Very disappointing. William Garcia was front and center clapping for the progressive Democrat just elected mayor at the inauguration ceremony. I think all of Mike’s audience have all gone away. Such disrespect for his legacy.
Sam
April 16, 2025 at 5:54 pm
Mike must be turning in his grave. RIP.
david greener
April 17, 2025 at 5:02 am
I think we all know now from hearing it 400,000,000,000,000,000 times he is gay. Who cares?
kevin
April 17, 2025 at 7:34 am
And don’t forget he is black – not truly evident unless the news tells us.