In a recent visit to WFHR Studios, Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Matt Zacher came to share some city updates on Mid-Day Magazine.

The Discussion

The conversation began with discussing the budget debates that had been ongoing and Zacher’s relief at those coming to a close soon. This led to specific items that had been the subject of debates. The Humane Society, the new Jail building, and the bridge lights were all hot topics regarding the city budget. Malouf mentioned that the jail specifically was a “can kicked down the road” that just needed to be built years ago. Zacher discussed the ribbon cutting ceremony that was held at the new jail. Sheriff Becker was thanked by Mayor Matt Zacher for all the work he is doing to finish up the project. Malouf emphasized the importance of keeping the city’s police safe, which the new Jail will make more possible.

Ask questions

The two discussed the importance of informed community engagement. Mayor Zacher has always made it clear that he wants to hear from the people in the community, and still wants that. Malouf emphasized the importance of doing a little research before “barking” without anything to say. Zacher followed by saying it’s important to remain part of the conversation. His request is for people to remain engaged, and to do that you need to stay up-to-date before making those harsh public comments or angry phone calls.

Big Cities Help Little Cities Survive

Zacher mentioned fielding comments telling him to go back to the “Big City” (likely referring to his Alma Mater UW-Milwaukee). Malouf and Zacher discussed the importance of bigger cities for the benefit of rural economies. The state is a whole, so those big cities lift up rural communities economically, and not just through tourism. Then Zacher made a point to restate that Wisconsin Rapids is his home. He was raised in a rural town, and has chosen to raise his family in this rural town.

Conspiracy Mindedness Isn’t Helpful

Zacher mentioned his concern with recently elected leaders who adhere to conspiracies about the interconnectedness in government. He assured the community that there are no conspiracies in the government of Wisconsin Rapids. Those leaders, though vocal about their concerns, have been shown that the reality is not the conspiracy they’d assumed it was. Zacher emphasized the transparency provided by the City of Wisconsin Rapids.

Links

For more information, or contact information for Mayor Matt Zacher you can visit the City Mayor’s website here.

To learn more about Wisconsin Rapids, or to follow-up on your research, you can visit their website here.

If you would like to listen to the interview in full you may do so on our website here.

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