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La Crosse City Council District 9

Common CouncilThe Common Council is the legislative policy-making body of the City. Council members approve contracts, adopt regulatory ordinances and resolutions, approve the annual budget, determine the tax rate, provide direction to the Mayor, City Department Heads and other Council appointees, and provide a forum for active community participation in setting and achieving City policies, goals and objectives.

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    Aron Newberry
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Chris Woodard
    (N)

Biographical Information

What motivates you to run for a position on the Common Council?

Identify three important issues facing La Crosse that you would like to address/work on during your term as a member of the Common Council and briefly state your current thinking about each of them.

Aside from issues affecting the city, what specific concerns are important to the voters in your district?

How will you communicate with your district constituents and encourage their engagement with issues that affect our city?

contact email newberry54601@gmail.com
Campaign Phone ‪(608) 561-9949‬
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571012366051
Education BS in Public Health from Indiana University, currently pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management from UW-Eau Claire
Community Involvement VFW Post 1530, American Legion Post 52, Member of the Hamilton Schools Community School Leadership..
La Crosse is a great place to build a career, put down roots, and raise a family—but strong communities need leaders who show up. Right now, that’s not happening in District 9. I’m running for City Council because leadership should prioritize people, not politics.

As a veteran, public health leader, husband, and father, stepping up is second nature to me. But our current council member is more focused on his next campaign than his current job, running for office four times in four years. Worse, he has a habit of dodging tough votes.

District 9 deserves better. Win or lose, you'll see me—fighting for the people of District 9. La Crosse needs leaders who fight for their community, not their next election.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND STABILITY Housing costs are rising, and too many residents face absentee landlords, predatory practices, and limited affordable options. You’ll see me pushing for policies that protect tenants and responsible development so first-time homebuyers can put down roots, grandparents can stay close to family, young adults can access multi-family housing, and students can find safe, affordable rentals in every neighborhood. PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY POLICING La Crosse needs a proactive, balanced public safety approach that builds trust between law enforcement, social services, and residents. I’ll work to ensure safety means more than enforcement—it means prevention, engagement, and real community partnerships.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND WALKABILITY Our streets and sidewalks are crumbling. I’ll fight for safer crossings, better street maintenance, and connected neighborhoods. You’ll see me fighting for real infrastructure investments that improve daily life for everyone.
District 9 residents want more than basic city services—they want a thriving community. That means strong partnerships beyond City Hall to create lasting impact.

I’ll work with the school district to make every school a neighborhood hub, ensuring kids thrive and teachers put down roots.

I’ll collaborate with county and state leaders on sustainable practices, infrastructure, roads, public transit, and bike/pedestrian access.

I'll support community organizations that care for our most vulnerable.

I’ll partner with local businesses and tourism to boost our economy.

Strong communities don’t happen in silos. You’ll see me bringing people together to shape policies that enhance life for everyone in District 9.
Good governance starts with listening. You’ll see me at neighborhood meetings, on your doorstep, and available for real conversations. I’ll keep an open line of communication through regular community meetings, social media updates, a dedicated email newsletter, and monthly "Coffee and Connect" events that support local businesses—so residents always know what’s happening at City Hall.

But I won’t just talk—I’ll listen. I’ll create accessible ways for residents to share concerns through surveys, small gatherings, and direct outreach. You’ll see me ensuring your voice is heard, your concerns are addressed, and your city council member is working for you—because service, leadership, and community always come first.
Campaign Phone 715-572-3025
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/chriswoodardforcitycouncil
Education Firefighting Certificate from Western Technical College
Community Involvement Chair of Washburn Neighborhood Association/Current City Council Member
My motivation to run for re-election is to foster a strong business environment, attract economic development which in turn will lead to job creation, increase tax base, and drive demand for local goods and services.  I am inspired by the culture of caring at Kwik Trip, where I work as a Talent Technology Analyst, where we strive to make a positive difference in others’ lives.  We must continue to provide local residents and businesses with great schools, a strong and skilled workforce, safe neighborhoods, and well maintained roads, airport, parks, and exceptional quality of life amenities. This attracts both relocation and tourism, and provides a solid return on investment for the taxpayers.
Housing- Diversity of housing is critical.  Many goals are met by projects coming online soon. I will support revitalizing house by house to bring families back to our neighborhood.

 

Neighborhoods- We’ve replaced aging, unsafe homes with quality new builds, both single-family and rentals. La Crosse has programs to repair/renovate; promoting these programs is a proven win. Listening to neighbors is crucial.  Hearing all viewpoints is good government.

 

Safety and security- Our Police and Fire Departments are superb, with innovative training, outreach and response.  They must have the resources to continue this work.  Continuing to improve neighborhood lighting creates an inviting, walkable and safe community.
Rebuilding neighborhoods through revitalization and strategic planning is a top priority. Infrastructure concerns also rank high; roads and sidewalks are constantly deteriorating. Sidewalk problems are detrimental for citizens with mobility issues, and are a core component of pedestrian safety.  Another concern is our parks; we need to work hard to keep our neighborhood parks clean, safe and inviting.
In addition to current ways I interact with constituents via phone, text, email and social media, I also hold listening sessions within the District to hear from constituents.  I faithfully attend neighborhood meetings making myself accessible to anyone who has a question, concern or comment. I am honored to be their voice down at City Hall.