Katie Rosenberg and Doug Diny. Graphic courtesy: Greater Wausau Chamber
CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – I suspect that Wausau Mayor Katie Rosenberg will not agree to another debate with her challenger, Doug Diny. One of the rules of politics is that you limit the bites at the apple you give to your opponent.
At the candidates forum last week, some of the photographs of Mayor Katie made it look as though she was sucking on a lemon. And there was also a large crowd at the event… a sign that people are not happy with the way things are going in Wausau. If the mayor is popular, why show up at a candidate forum? People who showed up are willing to at least give their ears to someone else.
Here are three questions that should be asked of the mayor, at the debate that will probably never happen:
Unregistered groups have been giving money to political candidates, like the ‘Community for All’ group in Wausau. How much money have you received from them? Will you return it?
You were quoted as saying that state law prohibits sanctuary cities in Wisconsin, although it appears Madison has created a work-around. Should Wausau become a sanctuary city? Where will the resources come from when the first bus of illegal immigrants arrives from Texas or Florida?
The City of Wausau is suing many large local companies, accusing them of polluting our water with forever chemicals. A recent state court ruling says these lawsuits cannot move forward until the state sets PFAS standards. Will you suspend this lawsuit instead of bleeding local companies with legal fees? And, if the city recovers any money, will you promise Wausau Water Works customers that the money will go only to lower their water bills?
The mayor is vulnerable, as she should be. Her economic development projects have a way of not coming to fruition. Affordable housings in the city… isnt. Property taxes are up despite a $1.1-million increase in state aid in the last budget cycle.
But to defeat an incumbent, the issues must be properly framed. This is the first test to see if Doug Diny is up to the job.
Chris Conley
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