Printable Version

Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Friday, May 16, 2008

Second candidate applies for La Crosse council seat

A second South Sider has stepped into the race to fill the vacant La Crosse Common Council seat.

La Crosse native Carl Klouda is a full-time information systems consultant at Trane Co.

"I am interested in better understanding the city governance process as a whole and offering, to whatever degree I can, my assistant and perspective to make the city council better," he wrote in a letter of interest to the city clerk's office. "Second, I want to do the best I can to ensure that the residents of Ward 15 are well represented until their council seat can be filled next year through the normal electoral process."

The city received one application by the May 5 deadline, but council president Bill Harnden extended the deadline a month.

Lorraine Rose Decker, a South Sider employed part time by La Crosse County, also filed for the seat.

Interviews haven't been scheduled yet, but the council will elect a replacement July 10, according to the city clerk's office. The deadline to apply is June 3.

Any district residents interested in the post should submit a letter to the city clerk's office at City Hall, 400 La Crosse St.

District 15 includes the swath of La Crosse bounded by State Road to the north, Broadview Place, 33rd Street, Leonard Street and Robinsdale Avenue to the south, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks to the west and city limits to the east.

Joe Ledvina held the seat for nine years, the last three as council president, before abruptly resigning April 5.

In stepping down last month, Ledvina cited an overloaded schedule since taking over as building and grounds supervisor for the La Crosse School District in January. He previously served as associate supervisor.

He was just one year into a third four-year term. Whoever replaces Ledvina on the council will serve through April 21, 2009.