Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Saturday, May 17, 2008
Field for La Crosse mayoral race grows
A third potential candidate said he plans to run for La Crosse’s top elected office next spring.
Mick Lesky took out papers this week for the 2009 mayoral race. A city employee had announced his intent to run earlier this month.
Both hopefuls took out papers, but neither has filed with the city clerk’s office.
Lesky and Gary Padesky would challenge Mayor Mark Johnsrud, who hasn’t formally declared but told the Tribune in December he plans to seek re-election.
“We need, I believe, a change in government,” said Lesky, who sells real estate for SocioHomes and is active in American Legion Post 52.
The 56-year-old La Crosse native said Friday he’s “serious as a heart attack” about pursuing the city’s top post but declined further comment.
In July, the La Crosse Common Council will have to choose from at least two South Siders to fill its vacant District 15 seat.
Trane Co. information systems consultant Carl Klouda applied for the post after council President Bill Harnden opted to extend the application deadline another month.
“I am interested in better understanding the city governance process as a whole and offering, to whatever degree I can, my assistance and perspective to make the city council better,” Klouda wrote in his letter of interest to the city. “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 an application from Lorraine Rose Decker by the original deadline.
Interviews have yet to be scheduled, but the council will choose a replacement July 10, according to the city clerk’s office. The new 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 resigning April 5.
He was just one year into a third four-year term. Whoever replaces Ledvina will be on the council through April 21, 2009.
Samantha Marcus can be reached at (608) 791-8220 or smarcus@lacrossetribune.com.
All stories copyright 2000 - 2006 La Crosse Tribune and other attributed sources.