John Smalley leads a conversation with experienced county leaders about navigating political divisiveness and serving the community.
Studies show that the partisan divide has grown dramatically in the last 15 years. National and state issues, from the left and the right, are surfacing as local conflicts. And the data indicate that public trust in government is diminished. Meanwhile, county leaders face the challenge of respecting diverse political views and at the same time, responding to the needs of their entire constituency.
John Smalley's career in journalism spans 39 years. He retired as Editor of the Wisconsin State Journal in 2020 after nearly 12 years in that role. He has long been a champion of engaging people to move the community forward.
Steve O'Malley has served as the La Crosse County Administrator for the last 18 years. With more than 39 years in government management, he currently serves as the President of the Wisconsin Counties Executives Association.
Josh Schoemann was elected in April 2020 as the first Executive in Washington County. A respected veteran, Josh has been active in a number of community organizations.
Program Sponsors:
- LeaderEthics-Wisconsin
- Chippewa Herald
- La Crosse Tribune
- The League of Women Voters of the La Crosse Area