LA CROSS, WI (WXOW) – In partnership with UW-La Crosse, the League of Women Voters and Wisconsin Media, an online debate was held Thursday night for the two candidates vying for the lead. Wisconsin Legislative District 95 in the upcoming November 8th election.
Unlike some other districts in the state that cover more square miles, 95th covers only the city of La Crosse and its nearest neighboring communities.
Democratic candidate Congressman Jill Billings and her Republican challenger Chris Woodard We answered a variety of questions about issues revolving around lacrosse and the rest of the state.
During the debate, each candidate was given one minute for each question covering 21 topics, including minimum wage, crime and drugs, school referendums, and the state’s $4.3 billion budget surplus.
Both supported the legalization of marijuana in Wisconsin as a way to generate income in Wisconsin, but disagreed on other controversial topics, such as the Abortion Act of 1849.
On one issue in particular regarding lacrosse, both candidates exchanged views on what should be done at the state level to alleviate homelessness.
Incumbent Rep. Jill Billings said, “I think the governor is taking some good steps in the right direction with the homeless agency. I think there’s a lot we can do in the Legislature to support the good work being done by the people here: the Coolie Cap, the Salvation Army, Catholic charities.”
“We’re dealing with mental health crises and drug and alcohol addiction issues,” said La Crosse 9th City Councilman Woodard. , it will be a great opportunity to bring the health and well-being elements that they have and bring these services to those who need help and get them back on track.”
For more than a year and a half, residents of the town of Campbell have been drinking bottled water because their groundwater is contaminated with PFAS.
Political opponents were asked what to do about it.
“I think we’re working on a ticking time bomb, and the time is now,” Woodard explained. is totally unacceptable, and I hear about the islanders, I hear your voice every day, because I think this is a big problem.”
“We’re seeing the tip of the PFAS iceberg on the island, but Wisconsin is seeing more and more cases of PFAS,” Billings said. “We need Republicans to work with us on this issue. I think there will be some movement in this next session as Republicans are finding his PFAS in more and more districts.”
Both candidates remained cordial throughout the debate, but at one point before closing their statements, the two candidates exchanged barbs over personal issues.
Woodard referred to Billings’ failure to pay income taxes, and Billings issued a questionable injunction on Mr. Woodard’s records.
The full discussion can be viewed at the nonprofit wisconsin eye website.
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