Last April, La Crosse citizens voted a mayor into office who, at the age of 25, was only a few years older than the city’s many college residents. Now, nearly a year later, the city looks back on what young Mayor Matt Harter has accomplished so far.
After his surprising win over seven candidates, including Dorothy Lenard and incumbent Mayor Mark Johnsrud, things quieted down for Harter. Many agreed that he didn’t face many challenges within his first 100 days as Mayor.
Like the rest of the nation, Harter had to deal with a faltering economy. To reduce layoffs, Harter put a hiring freeze in place and issued a voluntary furlough program for City Hall employees.
Harter said that while the economy has been rough, “Employees at City Hall have done a fantastic job working with the challenges we’ve been facing.”
Most people would say that Harter’s first real test was in September, when he set his first executive budget. Harter stayed true to his campaign by keeping the property tax levy flat and reducing the city’s tax rate. He called this accomplishment a “landmark.” Lowering taxes in a time of economic need is no easy task.
Harter exercised his first veto in December when he blocked the re-zoning of the Gateway Court properties, an area which connects residential and industrial land. While the La Crosse Common Council voted to expand housing, Harter felt the area would be better used for industry to generate taxes. It was a relief to see the mayor stick to his guns and use his power to veto, but about a month later the Council overturned Harter’s decision.
When asked what his first year as Mayor has taught him, Harter responded with, “Quite a bit.” But Harter feels as though he has mainly sharpened his leadership skills.
“The greatest learning experience has been getting everyone to work together and to share a common goal,” he said.
It may also be safe to say that Harter has learned to be more careful with the media, as he’s already gotten himself in trouble with a few controversial issues.
The first occurred in November, when Harter asked if the chief of the La Crosse Fire Department could draft a plan to convert the entire department to volunteers within three years. While Harter claimed to have only been doing cost-cutting research and realized this wasn’t reasonable, the idea leaked out to the media and caused a bit of an uproar.
Harter’s second media mishap happened within the same month, and it dealt with a racy calendar put out every year by the radio station 95.7 The Rock. Harter posed with station DJs for the cover of the calendar, unaware that women in bikinis would be sandwiched in between his picture and the back cover. He was criticized by the media for not knowing about The Rock’s annual calendar even though he grew up in the area.
However, Harter’s meetings with the media haven’t all been negative. Two Los Angeles production companies have taken interest in Harter’s rise to mayor at such a young age. They are thinking of creating a show or documentary that would focus on his daily life.
“Right now there’s no plan,” Harter said. “There’s simply the interest of a few companies.” If either of the companies decides to produce a show, Harter will likely participate. “We have a very attractive city,” he said. “If I can do anything to promote it, I’m willing to help.”
Year One: Successes and slip-ups of La Crosse’s youngest mayor
Published: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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