City Times Staff

About 25 people attended a mayoral candidate forum on Wednesday held by Central Wisconsin Grassroots Coalition (CWGC), with four of the six candidates present to speak and answer questions. 

Mayoral candidates Bob Larson, Barb Jacob, Mike Wiza and Alex Kochanowski individually took turns at the podium during the four- hour event. CWGC chairwoman Collene Ottum questioned the candidates on a series of union-related concerns, to include securing a five day workweek, issues relating to Act 10 and the importance of union representation during employee disciplinary reviews, but also asked about revitalizing downtown and the city’s new pay plan.

Candidate Barb Jacob said she didn’t agree with the proposed minimum wage raise to $10.10 / hour because it’s not feasible for small business. (City Times photo)

Questions were also taken from the audience, which included several current and past city employees as well as representatives of the local AFSCME.

The event was not without some controversy. Former city employee Ron Check berated candidates Jerry Moore and Tony Patton for not attending the event, alleging Moore was not supportive of city workers, and told attendees Patton spend his past few years on the Council “in the mayor’s back pocket”.

Both Moore and Patton were unable to attend due to their work schedules.

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